Denica Henry – a true Berbician Ambassador

December 5, 2020

GxMedia
3 years ago
0

Denica Henry is a well known 24-year-old, trailblazing multipotentialite from Region Six. She is a Social Work student, Mental Health Advocate, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, Youth Ambassador with the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS, Volunteer, and executive member of several NGOs, Model, and the reigning Ms. Exquisitely Conscious 2019-2020.

Denica Henry – Photo: Damian CoolBoyz Photography

She is a former Broadcast Journalist/ Radio Announcer at Little Rock Television Station and 88.5 Rock FM, and an encounter with her will surely be a memorable one as her candid, effervescent and benevolent personality that shines just as much as her genuine smile. But who exactly is this Berbician Ambassador?

Denica Adduni Henry was born on 10 November 1996 – the first of three daughters for Dwain and Ronda Henry. She grew up in the rural countryside village of Bloomfield with her parents, siblings, and grandmother, Madeline Henry, who she distinctively remembers growing up. Madeline has always been a well respected, impartial Mediator for her family and neighbours.

It didn’t matter that they were among three of the only afro Guyanese families that resided in the community. Regardless of race, religion, gender, etc., many persons sought her intervention and advice on various matters.

‘Granny’ or ‘Aunty Madeline’ is a disciplinarian whose core values of integrity, honesty, respect, cleanliness, selflessness, impartiality, boldness, and the like have significantly contributed to the visual representation of the kind of individual she wanted to be.

During her formative years, formal education was the top priority for Denica, and she recalls her mother sitting with her every day to complete her homework, study, and engage in reading activities.

Denica attended the Auchlyne Primary, New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary, where she secured nine subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.

She also attained three subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). She then transitioned over to the University of Guyana Institute of Distance & Continuing Education (UG- IDCE). She studied Industrial Relations & Management and is currently in her final year at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.

Earlier this year, she participated in the virtual Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation program by the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She has her sights set on furthering her studies as she works towards becoming an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist with emphasis on Human Resource Development and Management in the workplace.

She posited that there are numerous factors that impact an individual’s Mental and Emotional Health, and given that so many persons are employed, not everyone has the resources to see a Mental Health Professional.

She added that once policies are implemented that allow employees to meet with someone to address how to cope with stressful situations and identify areas of improvement, it will increase the worker’s overall productivity and morale.

As you rightly deduced, Denica is very passionate about Mental Health. Her compassion towards others stemmed from influences at home and at her church – the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church.

She has been actively engaged in volunteering since 2012 when she joined the Youth Group and later on the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, and for years, has assisted in whatever way she could to various causes and other groups in Berbice and Georgetown.

The list of recent affiliations includes the Balkumar Somwar Memorial Foundation, Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce Youth Arm (CCCCYA), University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), and Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) Berbice Chapter.

Apart from these activities, this multi-talented go-getter has always been interested in awareness activities, including Pageantry, and, as such, she decided to try her luck in the Ms. Berbice ‘I’m a Big Deal’ Pageant, which was first held in 2017.

She did not gain placement. But upon reflection, she noted that it was her lack of preparation and understanding of the nature of the competition that caused that.

However, it was not a total loss as she raised awareness about her platform, which was the importance of good Mental Health. She copped the Miss Congeniality and Best Body awards and got the nickname “Miss Fix It” from the Organizers, Royston Drakes, and Tracey Khan.

Her helpful disposition allowed her to assist with the 2018 and 2019 pageants, and she was also the co-host for last year’s pageant. After gaining ample knowledge and experience, she tried her luck once more in the Ms. Exquisitely Conscious 2019 Pageant.

Her hard work and determination paid off as she was adjusted Queen and won the Miss Intelligence and Best Creative Costume awards. Her costume, which represented one of Guyana’s Giants- the Giant Anteater, was designed by Randy Madray.

Her platform was Occupational Wellness. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, she was reselected as Ms. Exquisitely Conscious 2020 and will reign for one more year.

The Queen expressed her profound gratitude to the MEC team: Miss Rhonda Jonas, Orletta John, and Shanelly Kendall for the faith and trust they have in her abilities and for being excellent role models to her.

She has used the opportunity to raise awareness about various social issues and promote positivity, entrepreneurship, self-development, and Body love on her social media platforms. In 2018, she began her natural hair journey, and while she admits in the long run that it still requires much needed TLC, she is glad to embrace her natural side and that her crown now shows off her mixed heritage.

When asked about her homeland, she said she feels a sense of obligation to her country and its people.

Guyana will always be home for me. It’s a place where I was able to grow into an individual that saw injustices happening and tried to do something about it. My mentors are all amazing Guyanese who have made invaluable contributions towards shaping up the positive landscape of Guyana. I will build on the legacy left by those before me by doing whatever I can to empower individuals to fulfill their dreams and become happier, healthier, and at peace within themselves. To do that, I have been working on developing myself as well and address my shortcomings to serve the people of my country better.

She elaborated a bit more on her self-development.

As much as it looks like I have done a lot, my procrastination has definitely been a hindrance in me doing much more in my capacity as an Influencer. I sometimes lack discipline and focus, and those are areas I would also encourage others to be mindful of those abilities. Without those key traits, you would not be able to do something to the best of your abilities.

Just recently, Denica started her own Business, ‘DAH Fix It Agency’ where she assumes the role of a multimedia content creator, personal assistant, creative director, voice-over artist broadcaster, marketer, event planner & manager, consultant, Editor, Mistress of Ceremonies and whatever else you may need to enhance your image and presence.

Due to a few challenges, she has delayed the official launch but is open for business. Other pursuits that bring her joy include sleeping, sightseeing, taking pictures, dancing, eating, and spending time alone. To tap into your power, she advises readers to let your actions be based on healthy habits.

“It is your daily habits that determine your future. Cultivate discipline and tunnel vision focus. Knowing what you want to do and what you should do can be a daunting task, but you got to ask yourself if what you’re doing today will bring you closer to where you’re trying to be tomorrow.”
“Don’t be afraid to shoot your shot. Network and collaborate with others with ideas, plans, businesses, etc. Help others whenever you can. Nobody is you, and that truly is what sets you apart from others. Invest in yourself. Daily. Speak good things about yourself and treat yourself with care. Be cautious of the company you keep and the people you tell your business and lastly, always try to see the glass half full and not half empty. Do what you can with what you have, and remember, gratitude is a must!”