5 Questions with Phelisa Ricketts

Phelisa Ricketts, Educator and Entrepreneur

1. Tell a little about your professional journey

I am a past student of Westwood High School for girls and Church Teachers’ College where I completed a Bachelors of Education in Science Education. I am a Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Integrated Science Teacher who is extremely passionate about education because of the positive impact that my teachers had on my life. I am from a very rural community where I grew up under very poor circumstances. My teachers supported me and empowered me to rise beyond depression and low self-esteem. I later became a Festival Queen first runner up, National Youth Parliamentarian of Jamaica, an awardee of the Prime Minister’s Youth Award of Excellence and a Youth Advisor to the Government of Jamaica.

2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur.

After teaching in both private and public institutions in Jamaican classrooms, I realised that there was a gap in education. I felt like there was more that we could give our children. I decided to start Western STEM Academy to provide holistic education for students 6 to 18 years old. I wanted to be able to directly impact the lives of students both locally and internationally by creating a legacy.

3. What advice do you have for other educators would like to become an entrepreneur?

I believe that the time is right for teachers to pursue entrepreneurship. There are many challenges that our society is currently facing. As teachers, we have to use our creativity and think about innovative ideas that can provide solution and in turn lead to a successful business idea. There are many times that teachers complain about their current teaching conditions but I totally believe that we all have something that we are good at. Leverage those skills and passion to start a business. This will allow you to create impact and enjoy your work while reaping the rewards. It is time for teachers to take control of their own life and build a lasting empire. If you are thinking about entrepreneurship then here are 6 steps that you can take:

A. Identify what you are most passionate about

B. Identify how those skills can solve current problems

C. Research

D. Get a mentor

E. Draft up that Business Plan

F. Start your Business

G. Market your Business

4. Tell us about Western Stem Academy, services offered, and how students, and parents can access these services.

Western STEM Academy is Jamaica’s leading online school that provides quality online education to students who are 6 to 18 years old in a globalised classroom. We transform the academic potential of student through engaging and interactive sessions that prepare them for the 21st century. We give our students a competitive advantage by allowing them to explore their skills to solve real world problems. Our students do not just sit in front of a computer screen but learning is an ongoing process through project based learning. To learn more about our programs, please visit our website at westernstemacademy.com. Our PEP and CXC classes have maintained a 100 %success rate.

5. What do you enjoy in your spare time?

My vision is to empower people across Jamaica to believe in themselves and to challenge them to become their most successful selves. In my spare time, I enjoy reading inspirational books, empowering young people and of course going to the beach!

Instagram @phelisa_ricketts @westernstem_academy