She Did That: Meet Caribbean Women’s Network Founder, Kerra Denel

Kerra Denel, a proud Trinidadian entrepreneur and entertainment powerhouse, is the dynamic CEO of Kerra Denel Entertainment and founder of the non-profit Caribbean Women’s Network and Kerra Loves Kids. With over a decade of experience managing high-profile events and collaborating with A-list entertainers and influencers, Kerra has solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kerra is a passionate humanitarian who is recognised for her tireless efforts to empower women, support children, and uplift the Caribbean community. Her mission is rooted in creating meaningful connections, inspiring others, and spreading positivity on a global scale. Kerra’s journey is a testament to purpose-driven leadership and the power of resilience, vision, and heart. 

What achievements are you most proud of achieving this year?

This year, I am most proud of achieving not just one but three significant milestones.

First, I celebrated the 6th anniversary of my Caribbean Women’s Network non-profit organisation, which I founded in Toronto, Canada. To mark this milestone, I hosted an annual event in Toronto on the exact date the organisation was launched six years ago.

It was a powerful reminder of this network's growth, resilience, and impact over the years.

Second, I was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Toronto, for my dutiful service to the advancement and empowerment of women and children. This honour is especially meaningful as it acknowledges my dedication to uplifting my community and aligns with my purpose and passion for empowering others.

Lastly, I was deeply humbled to receive the Regal Sister Award from the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum for my significant contribution to our community, embodying the spirit of leadership and service, particularly in the service of women, as well as a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the United States Congress in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community. These accolades validate my hard work and dedication to creating opportunities for women and youth.

While choosing just one is difficult, each milestone reflects a different aspect of my journey, and I’m grateful for the chance to share these accomplishments. 

Why was receiving these accomplishments important to you?

When I founded the network, my vision was to create a safe and inclusive space for women of Caribbean heritage to connect, grow, celebrate, and support one another both personally and professionally. Celebrating the sixth anniversary of the Caribbean Women’s Network is profoundly significant; it symbolizes not just a timeline, but the resilience and power of our community. This milestone is a testament to the impact of that vision, underscoring the importance of building platforms that empower women, create opportunities, and provide resources for the next generation. It inspires me to expand this work globally, ensuring that more women can benefit from such a network. This anniversary transcends past successes; it renews my commitment to our mission and opens the door to even greater possibilities ahead.

What was your biggest challenge while working to reach your goal, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges in planning the sixth-anniversary event was navigating the logistics of organising it from another country, especially after being disconnected from the Toronto market for four years due to the pandemic. The last in-person event had taken place before the world shut down, and re-establishing those connections in a changed landscape required effort, patience, and adaptability.

Additionally, I was simultaneously managing other major international projects through my other organisation, Kerra Denel Entertainment, which added layers of complexity and demand to my schedule. Balancing these priorities without compromising on quality or vision was no small feat. I overcame these challenges through a combination of meticulous organisation and unwavering belief in my vision.

A cornerstone of my success was the incredible support system I was blessed to have. My dedicated team worked tirelessly, bringing their skills, passion, and creativity to the table, ensuring that every detail was accounted for. Beyond my immediate circle, the broader community in Toronto played a pivotal role in bringing my vision to life. Their generosity and encouragement were unparalleled, offering resources, connections, and platforms to help promote the event and ensure its success.

From businesses that partnered with us to individuals who shared our message, the collective energy of the Toronto community reminded me that I was not walking this journey alone. They believed in my vision as much as I did, showing up with enthusiasm and genuine support. Above all, my faith in God remained my anchor through moments of doubt or difficulty. I reminded myself daily of the purpose behind my work and trusted that everything was unfolding as it should.

This mindset, combined with the steadfast support of my team and community and our shared commitment to excellence, allowed me to bring the event to life successfully. It was our biggest event to date, and the overwhelming turnout and positive impact reaffirmed the importance of what we’re building together. It filled me with gratitude and pride for what we accomplished as a collective.

Delays are not denials, but they can feel that way. How would you encourage women experiencing delays or near misses to achieve their goals?

I have faced my fair share of delays, and I know how disheartening they can feel, especially when you’ve poured your heart into something, and it seems like things just aren’t falling into place. One moment that stands out is when I was trying to organise an event that meant the world to me, but every door seemed to close. I remember sitting at my desk, staring at my plans, feeling frustrated and questioning whether it was all worth it.

In those moments, I do two things. First, I pause and pray. Prayer grounds me. It gives me a moment to release my frustrations, reconnect with my purpose, and remind myself that delays don’t mean I’m on the wrong path, just that the timing isn’t right yet.

Second, I shift my focus to what I can control. I’ll go for a walk, make a detailed list of small, actionable steps, or call someone from my circle who always knows how to lift my spirits.

Sometimes, simply sharing my feelings with someone I trust gives me a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

To any woman feeling delayed, I’d say this: don’t let the waiting period define your worth or your vision. Sometimes, delays are God’s way of preparing you for something bigger than you imagined. Use the time to refine, strategise, and build the skills or relationships needed for the next chapter. Trust the process, and know that what’s meant for you will never pass you by.

How do you celebrate your achievements when you reach your goals?

For me, celebration always begins with gratitude. I pause to reflect on the journey, the challenges I’ve faced, the lessons I’ve learned, and the victories, big and small, that have brought me to this moment. I pray, thanking God for His grace, guidance, and strength to persevere, even in moments when I doubt myself. It’s in those quiet moments of prayer that I also feel closest to my mom in heaven. I speak to her, sharing my achievements and my heart, and I imagine her smiling down on me, proud of the person I’m becoming. Those conversations bring me a sense of peace and connection that words can’t fully describe.

Celebration is also about honouring the people who have been part of my journey, my family, friends, and team. Whether it’s through heartfelt conversations, a small gathering, or a simple yet meaningful “thank you,” I make it a priority to acknowledge their unwavering support and belief in me. Sharing these moments with them makes every accomplishment feel even more special.

Sometimes, celebrating is personal and quiet. I might treat myself to something small but meaningful, a delicious meal at my favorite spot or a peaceful evening walk along the beach to watch the sunset. These moments are my way of saying, “You did it, and you deserve this.” I let myself soak in the gratitude, knowing that every step of the journey has shaped me.

For me, celebrations aren’t just about looking back, they’re about looking forward, too. I often spend time journaling, reflecting on what I’ve learned, and thinking about how I can build on this success. Every goal reached is a stepping stone to something greater, and celebrating is how I recharge, refocus, and prepare for the next chapter of the journey.

How can our readers connect with you?

Instagram: @kerradenel, @caribbeanwomensnetwork

Website: Kerradenel.com, Caribbeanwomensnetwork.org

Facebook: Kerra Denel, The Caribbean Women’s Network