Think Equal, Build Smart

In my first post, I promised you two young ladies — young women living in the OECS who I think are worthy of celebrating for being ordinary, yet doing an extraordinary job in their country and communities. If you know anything about me, you know I love my blessed Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)… the gem of the Antilles. Hold it there — I'll be happy to begin this discussion on a hangout video chat for all you beautiful OECS islands. But this is not about me, or the lush SVG… nope, it's about the women. The ones we celebrate on my birthday… I mean International Women's Day.

Hailing from the gem, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is Shennika Shallow-Simmons. I've had the pleasure of performing alongside her, as well as watching her in action — almost out of youth age, but most certainly not in heart or energy. Shennika is a multi-talented 31-year-old singer, dancer, poet, writer, CARICOM Youth SVG Hall of Famer and professional actress. She has a vibrant passion and love for the theatrical and creative arts, and has been performing from a tender age.

Speaking of doing extraordinary things, she was the president of the Glorious Dance and Drama Group, a member of the Hairoun Theatre Company, and leader of the Remnants of Gideon Drama Group. Her road to success began when she placed third in the national Dub-Rap rivalry. Following that, she won the most outstanding monologue in the Gospel Fest Competition, and won best supporting role in the 2011 Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Theatre Arts Festival. Shennika is no stranger to the stage, and some of her local performances are usually shown on IKTV, JSRtv, and VC3. She hopes that she will also be given the chance to do voice-overs and commercial printing locally.

With the desire and energy to be the best that she can be, Shennika went on to further her studies and now holds an Associate Degree in Performing Arts. When the opportunity opened in 2015, Shennika went on to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the first Music, Model and Talent Showcase (MMTS) held in The Bahamas. Despite the fact that the competition was stiff, with several members from around the region, she was successful and copped the first-place position. As such, she currently holds the title of Top Female Actress in the Caribbean for winning the best female monologue, until MMTS Season 2 was held in 2018.

Shennika not only showcases her talents in her free time, but also takes time out to impart her knowledge and skills on the new and upcoming generations of the blessed SVG.

Shennika Shallow-Simmons — Top Female Actress in the Caribbean