‘Unleash Your Power’ With Simoneese

First time author Simoneese Williams will be using part proceeds of every sale of her book, ‘Unleash Your Power’, to empower deserving students at her alma mater, Lacovia High School in St. Elizabeth.

The book was released in December 2021, and already, three students are benefiting with support for their schooling.

Miss Williams, who is the last of eleven children for her mother, told JIS News that the first time she experienced genuine kindness was at the school.

“There was a time when my parents didn’t have it, and going to high school, things were difficult, and I was really helped by other giving persons, so that was always part of me to give back,” the former Head Girl of Lacovia High School said.

Miss Williams informed that she hopes to expand the initiative, so that, each year, more students can receive support.

“I am intentional about continuing the tradition of creating a generation of trailblazers that will do massive exploits at every level,” she shared, adding that she had to rely on a scholarship that the institution had while she was a student there.

Miss Williams, who is a Team Leader at the Jamaica Public Service Company, also went to the Manchester High School, where she did sixth from.

She also attended the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, where she pursued a BSc in International Relations, and an MBA in Banking and Finance from the Mona School of Business.

“I am proud of my accomplishments, and I give God all the glory. However, I am more committed to helping others to unleash their power to live a purposeful and prosperous life,” she stated.

Principal of Lacovia High School, Ricardo Bennett, shared that the school community is pleased that one of their own was able to “reach out in this tangible way” to help the students.

He said the beneficiaries should make the “best use of the support that is given… use the resources to better advance themselves”.

Welfare Coordinator at Lacovia High School, Jennifer Powell, said her former student displayed humility while at the institution, and was always a go-getter, and very focused on what was important.

“The parents, they are very elated; everybody is happy to know that a past student [is] looking out for students who are needy,” Miss Powell stated.

For his part, Director of Human Resources at the Jamaica Information Service, David C. Knight, said the author should be commended for “this book that you have gifted to humanity, and your desire to support students at your school”.

“I commend you and other young people, and others who have written and shared stories,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Ms. Williams expressed appreciation to her sister, Kimberley Williams, and several others, including her former teacher at the Lacovia High School, Patricia Lodge, for believing in her and making it possible for her schooling to be uninterrupted, despite the many challenges to survive.

“I was always hopeful, I was just in a poor situation, but I knew that there was greater in me, and I was so focused on escaping, and school was going to be my ‘get out’,” she shared with JIS News.

Speaking on her book, Miss Williams said it was divinely inspired by God “to empower us as His children to activate what He has placed within us to live a purposeful and prosperous life. It is an inspiration to let others know that their ascribed status is not permanent and greater is possible”.

“Unleash Your Power is a reminder that we are powerful beings, and it doesn’t matter the hands we are dealt, we have the capability to change the trajectory of our lives, and I really hope it inspires readers to believe that there is no inferiority in them,” she stated.

“I hope it convicts them to speak life and believe in the creative power of their words. I hope that it will be a source of revelation to those that read, and a force that will encourage them to dream bigger, believe bigger, expect greater, and do more,” she added.

The book is available on Amazon, Bryan’s Bookstore, and via social media.