Biography of Shaina M. Smith
Transcription
Biography of Shaina M. Smith
Biography of Shaina M. Smith Shaina Mary Ann Smith joined the civil service in April 2003, as a Senior Project Officer in the Ministry of Finance with the Government of the Virgin Islands. She acquired many accolades throughout her public service career; being promoted to Project Engineer and Manager of the Project Support Services Unit. Her keen attention to detail afforded her the opportunity to become a member of, as well as assume the lead role on project teams in the successful completion of several multimillion dollar capital projects such as the H. Lavity Stout Community College Learning Resource Centre, Virgin Gorda Administration Building Phase II, Alexandrina Maduro Primary School Expansion, A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds and Peebles Hospital Annex. As Project Director of the Customs Automated Processing System (CAPS) project, Shaina played a major role in moving the department forward with the automation of the Territory’s customs declaration process. Senior officials often trusted and relied on Shaina to advise them on project policies and procedures, providing strategic and operational planning advice from time to time. As Project Engineer at the Ministry of Health & Social Development she has consulted on major projects such as the New Peebles Hospital Project from 2012 to present and the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre Project Shaina participated on the financial management reform programme team as an Agency Management Coordinator. She is also a facilitator and local workshop coordinator for the Caribbean Development Bank CTCS training program. April 2015 1 version 2 Biography of Shaina M. Smith Shaina’s outreach stretches beyond the Virgin Islands’ shores as she lends her time and leadership qualities as Co-ordinator of the ChickFil-A Leadercast, one-day leadership conference, which features speakers such as Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross and 2005 – 2009 Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. The Leadership conference is a global programme which centres on building leaders worth following. Shaina has proven her leadership and management qualities time and again. In 2011 she decided to focus on her entrepreneurial skills establishing her consultancy firm, Smith & Associates, Inc. which specialises in project management and business consulting. Currently she is the Managing Director and Principal Consultant. Shaina is currently the Executive Producer and host of The Vigilate Dialogues, a bi-weekly community awareness and empowerment TV programme on local cable channel 51 - Caribbean Broadcasting Network (BVI). The programme focuses on addressing problems in the community and finding solutions to those problems. Amidst a dynamic schedule, Shaina stays grounded by her Christian beliefs and relationship with God and is passionate about service to the community. She is a member of the New Life Baptist Church and also the Manager of the Save the Seed Energy Centre at New Life Baptist Church. Shaina served as President of the VI Civil Service Association (VICSA) from 2006 to 2011. She is an active member of the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) from 2012 to present. Shaina has always been a diligent worker. From an early age, she excelled in her academics emerging as the Valedictorian at both primary and secondary levels. She received the Sir Olva Georges scholarship and her interest in Mathematics and Science led her to pursue studies in engineering. April 2015 2 version 2 Biography of Shaina M. Smith Shaina received her Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, with specialisation in Wireless Communications in 1999, and a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Systems in 2002 at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. She is a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honour Society from 1998 to present. Shaina is also certified in Six Sigma Green Belt management methodology. Shaina subscribes to the scriptural belief that “to whom much is given, much is required” and has been involved in several civic organizations from a young age. She believes wholeheartedly that it takes the next generation of leaders to step up and make quality decisions that will improve the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders, residents and visitors while laying a foundation for generations to come. Following this principle, she entered the BVI political scene in 2011 as a Territorial candidate of the newly formed People’s Patriotic Alliance (PPA). Today, Shaina resumes her political journey as a member of the National Democratic Party (NDP) with whom she believes her ideas for the 1st District and the Territory are aligned. Shaina Mary Ann Smith is a proud Virgin Islander and is the second child of Egbert Antonio Smith and Belvianna Frazer Smith of West End, Tortola. Shaina is guided by doing what is right daily, trusting God and service to country above self. April 2015 3 version 2