The journey to excellence is one that can never be underestimated. It is a journey where there are no paved roads, rather they are pothole-laced. However, the memories of the journey are all that make it worth it.
For all her life, Keisha Hercules-Fraser has been on that journey and sees no stopping in the near future. Keisha is not your average woman just because she never gives up. She is a superwoman with a twist. She has perhaps one of the toughest careers – a chemist.
Just thinking of the basics of chemistry is enough to make one bolt for the hills, but Keisha took that challenge and made it her own.
“The journey has definitely been exciting and interesting. Life is a rollercoaster, but it’s important to enjoy the journey, live the adventure and above all, give thanks to the Almighty. I am a career woman with a beautiful family, but that poses its own challenges. My husband is extremely supportive and that goes a far way in propelling me forward,” she said.
Keisha is a Senior Chemist attached to the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).
Going back to her roots, Keisha says she is a country girl. She hails from Mahaicony in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) from a large family which has always been her rock and provided her with the type of foundation she needed.
“My parents gave the leadership and love necessary for my success. At the tender age of 11, I became a boarding student of President’s College. This provided very unique experiences, challenges and very fond memories. Living and interacting in a culturally diverse group allowed for great appreciation and understanding of our rich culture as Guyanese. I gained brothers and sisters from all walks and regions under the “Purple Nation Bloodline”,” Keisha relates.
She has always had a love for the sciences, but most particularly the fields of chemistry, physics, and electronics, since they are the ones, for her, that required less writing.
“Fortunately for me, at President’s College, there was a stream called Technology that focused on applied and industrial sciences. This allowed me to pursue the technical subjects that I enjoyed. After CXC, I pursued a degree in Chemistry at the University of Guyana and since then my training and vocation have followed along that path. I am especially fond of Food Science. I joined the Graduate Trainee Programme at DDL, right out of University and with the years have grown to my role as Senior Chemist.”
When asked what advice she would give to a young girl thinking about joining the science field, this is what she had to say:
“Just do it! The technical fields are always in high demand and with all the great things poised for Guyana in the near future, it can only become more exciting in our field. There has never been a better time to be in the technical field. Also, it is less challenging to later add business training to your resume simply because of the plethora of study opportunities available when compared to the technical field. Grab the opportunity now!
“It is always different being a woman in the field. After all, you are a ‘girl’, but that is what makes it so superb. You are a girl and you will bring all the unique attributes, strengths, and nurture development as women do. Ladies, we are always just as good! Do not let anyone tell and make you believe otherwise. Also, as women, we also need to do more to inspire and push each other along and forward. Build our camaraderie, there is more than enough for all. Girls, find your voice, turn on your lights and shine!”
