Who is Ramona Griffith?
I am a mother, an Accounts Assistant by profession, lover of music and fashion. I am self-driven, very passionate about what I do and determined to become one of Barbados' leading women in finance.
What does a typical day for you look like?
My days are hectic. I start my day around 5 a.m. with a 30-minute workout then I prepare breakfast and lunch for my family before getting both myself and my daughter dressed, then she is off to daycare while I head to the office.
Why did you choose this career?
I chose this career because of my love for numbers. What I love most about my job is the investigations. I was always a problem solver. My job entails the managing of all receivables, reconciling accounts, payroll, talking to customers, management and responding to emails.
What keeps you motivated?
My daughter along with my thirst to become successful is what keeps me motivated. I want to be an example of a strong successful woman that she could look up to.
What was your first job?
When I finished secondary school in 2006 I applied to the Barbados Community College (BCC) to pursue an Associate Degree in Accounts and Law. I wasn’t accepted to the programme in 2006 so I re-applied the following year and was accepted. While I waited to gain access to the programme at BCC I got a job working at A1 Supermarkets. Upon being accepted to pursue my Associate Degree, I maintained working at A1 Supermarkets as this helped me financially during my studies at BCC and during my time pursuing my BSc in Accounting at the University of the West Indies (UWI) which followed.
I juggled working during the day and going to school at night. While advancing in my career I was also interested in the daily running’s of the supermarket so I worked in various areas, my last position held was in the meat department and trust me when I say I don’t regret a day. When I completed my degree I applied to various businesses but Massy Distribution gave me the break I longed for and from then till now it has been uphill for me. I have been learning all I could and applied what I was taught at university now to my daily life.
You’ve come very far in your journey to success. What’s next for you?
My next goal is to achieve a Msc. in Financial Management, which I began in September 2020 at UWI. I aspire to be a part of senior management someday in an organization where I can help them make the right financial investments and decisions.
Any advice for young women who may be working in a minimum wage job, with dreams of succeeding in life?
My advice to young women who may have started on a similar path as me would be “it is not how you start it is how you finish". Finish strong. Determination is key. You have to want it; you have to love what you do. Another set of advice I wish to share not only to women but to all young aspiring professionals try to learn all you can about the companies you work for especially when you want to go to the top. Personally, I want to succeed but I also want to help the company I work for succeed as well.
