Trinidadian Teocah Arieal Anika Dove is among 60 young leaders from across the British Commonwealth to be awarded with The Queen’s Young Leader Award.
Dove, 26, who originally lived at Enterprise Village, Chaguanas, is a Chevening Scholar with close to ten years of volunteerism, advocacy and activism experience.
According to an article via Buzzfeed.com, Dove is also one of the first female recipients of this honour, which she will receive from Her Majesty in June this year.
The award recognises exceptional youth, (aged 18-29), who have shown substantial commitment and verve as a leader in community development.
The nature of the award comes with a huge expectation, that the awardees will use the prestige and training package, mentoring and network endorsed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to continue their work in communities to transform and change lives.
The expectations of the award are well within the bailiwick of the 26-year-old, in addition to her educational pursuits and entrepreneurship, she is a great example of volunteerism and national pride.
With a passion for gender, vulnerable women, HIV/Aids, poverty alleviation, community, human rights and youth development, she has pledged to use the momentum of the award to continue national development in these areas.
In her biography, Dove thanked a few people who have been instrumental in her life, including media personality Lisa Wickham; her role model Abigail Ajim; Social activist Anderson Figaro and the late prison reform activist William Latchman.
At the age of 17, Dove volunteered to work with Wickham on the film premiere of A Winter’s Tale.
“It supplemented everything I was learning in college studying journalism/PR. It was to me, and remains today, not just a job, but a playground. I had fun and an institution of learning! From writing press releases to event planning, to film/music video production, to script writing, call sheets, everything media/PR.”
In 2010, while pursuing her BA at the School of Business and Computer Science, Dove met Ajim, who she said singlehandedly shaped her academic skills and ability.
“Although I graduated in 2011 and I’m no longer her student, she remains instrumental in my academic development to date. Despite her busy schedule, without hesitation, she makes time to read over any essay/article/ academic submission and provide feedback! Had it not been for her, I don’t know where I would be academically. She shaped my vision and ability to think critically. She is the only person I call my role model!”
Dove met Latchman at the age of 23, after she submitted her letter of intent and resume to serve as the country co-ordinator for Partners of the Americas Youth Ambassador Programme.
In addition to spearheading the Youth Ambassador Programme, she became a board member at Partners of the Americas–Trinidad Chapter and under the guidance of Latchman, who was president at the time.
“I had the opportunity to work with and impact the lives of many! He supported and mentored me in all my other societal engagements. He died one month before I left to pursue my Masters, I continue my journey in memory of his legacy.”
Her passion for social issues commenced when she became a volunteer member of the Voice of One Overcomers Club in 2004. This organisation laid the foundation that initiated her calling, and a few years later, her career.
“Through volunteering under his (Figaro’s) leadership, I learnt everything from peer education, resource mobilisation, activism, community engagement, transformational-servant leadership, engaging with multiple stakeholders, everything! He carved the first roadway in my path to fulfilling my destiny.”
In 2006, Dove became a member of the adult rank of the T&T Cadet Force. Through her years of active service (2006 – 2013), this organisation taught her all the world’s lessons.
“While my role as an adult member of the organisation was to mentor and guide young cadets, I too developed holistically as young woman. Work ethic, triumph, failure, success, inner-strength, transformational leadership, discipline and how to be a lady! This organisation gave birth to my understanding of the world, my being as an individual and my feminist activism (unknowingly).
Most importantly, they assisted me in understanding my duty to God and country. Iit was in the midst of these years I developed a true sense of patriotism!”