Shamar Wedderburn: Speaking for the Speechless

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; Proverbs 31:8-9

Public speaking is beneficial in many ways It helps you build confidence, improve communication skills, and express your ideas effectively to others. Plus, it's a great way to connect with an audience and share your knowledge or experiences. It can be a bit nerve-wracking at first, especially for the younger generation but Shamar is a prime example of defying the odds.

EJM: Tell us Shamar, how did your involvement in Jamaica’s National Debating Competition and the Debate Mate Jamaica Programme influence your path?

Shamar: Debating in my thirteenth year of school potentially laid the foundation of my life’s trajectory- it was the first time I started to ask questions or challenge what was always present around me in society. During intense preparation for my team’s matches en route to the final, you often just had to take a pause and say "Wow, I didn't even know this or that was the case!". When standing up at the podium creating policy solution recommendations arguing what we would have done better or here's what we can do, it puts into perspective that decisions are being made about, and for youth every single day. Young people have to first recognize that, and then decide to either be part of that process or let it pass them by. From this experience, I was instilled with a sense of responsibility to actively engage in discussions about my country's social and economic issues and to become more assertive and inquisitive in every conversation pertaining to my future and the welfare of my community. 

EJM: What led you to found 'Equipped to Speak,' and how has it evolved into facilitating personal and professional development workshops?

Shamar: Equipped to Speak was born out of a serendipitous discovery of my innate ability to connect with people and lead teams effectively. In addition to pursuing a legal career, I also found myself getting opportunities to speak in front of regional and international audiences, prompting a pivotal question to myself: "What's truly stopping us from pursuing our boldest dreams? Why play small about anything?" Embracing every opportunity that came my way, I defied imposter syndrome and launched Equipped to Speak. At the time, the service represented not only public speaking training but also for each person to feel that they could become the confident individual they always imagined and not be okay with telling themselves they weren't born for it. Evolving from its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, Equipped to Speak has transformed into a dynamic personal development agency. Today, we proudly facilitate a range of professional development workshops, catering not only to individuals seeking personal growth but also to organizations wishing to improve the capacity of their team members through training or interactive team-building activities.

EJM: What have been the most rewarding aspects of speaking at conferences and events, such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Youth Forum and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum?

Shamar: Continuing from the point of loving new perspectives and thoughts, what I find most rewarding is visually seeing youth voices from all over truly make it to the profound tables where decisions will be made. When I first got involved with the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, I proudly asserted that our Caribbean boasts the world's most incredible young people. Particularly with conferences outside of our region, when I see a room packed with passionate, but so brilliantly elegant Caribbean youth, it reinforces my belief in the power of empowering and galvanizing youth towards action. It's just an indescribable feeling to recognize the collective power in that room, knowing we are creating the spaces we deserve and desire on a global scale.

EJM: How do you navigate the challenges faced by talented individuals in socio-economic situations, as you mentioned from your background in Portmore, St. Catherine?

Shamar: Navigating the challenges faced by talented individuals in socio-economic situations, particularly from my background, is a personal journey of ‘blooming into my purpose’ - recognizing that everyone's blooming process won’t occur at the same time, and then it may look different for each of us when it does come! Therefore, I've become grounded in the belief that “may we never think anything is beyond our reach”. My own story serves as a testament to this principle.

In addressing these challenges, I advocate for a multifaceted approach grounded in strategic intervention. This involves offering mentorship, providing resources, and creating networking opportunities. However, the key lies in sustainable implementation, ensuring that these initiatives are finely tailored to the specific needs of the communities. By fostering a sense of purpose and empowering individuals to reach their full potential, we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

EJM: Following up on our previous question, what advice do you have for young people who aspire to make a difference but may feel constrained by their circumstances?

Shamar: I would say to them that each of us has our moment - it’s about recognizing when it comes so we may grab onto it. In the meanwhile, I would encourage them to invest in, and pour into themselves and anything else that’s only a pastime currently. Across everything you do, always take it seriously and be confident enough to take the chance as well as give it everything. Be sure to plug that business, to take a chance to put it out there, be bold in speaking about it, and most importantly be sure to love every minute of what you’re doing.

No matter if you think only 5,10, or 15 people are seeing you, the person you don’t see — might be the one you’re most impacting. 

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Oftentimes we are afraid to be heard because we don’t want to be ridiculed. However, this time dare to be different like Shamar.