The story behind my first book "Raising the next Barack Obama"

Stimulating the need for and taking actions toward change in families that will improve the lives of our children and empower young parents, my community and my country, has been a passion, commitment and vision for my personal life and the business of Preston Childcare Services. This vision became more of a reality through the publication of my first book “Raising the Next Barack Obama: A Guide to Developing Core Principles for Success in Your Child.”

This book is a guide to parents who are searching for support to introduce these fundamental principles as a part of their children’s lives. In the book, Barack Obama’s life is used as a point of reference to emphasize these principles. In addition, everyday activities are recommended that parents can implement. These activities are easy and relaxing and are an opportunity for parents to unwind while bonding with their young ones. They will generate lasting and positive results.

This book emerged out of two published articles I contributed to the local newspaper the Gleaner Company shortly after the elections in the United States. While watching Obama’s historical victory walk on November 4, 2008 I found myself reflecting on how he achieved such great success. It became obvious to me that he had a vision which he took the initiative to develop and the persistence to nurture it along with several other principles until it to become a reality. This inspired me as it is critical information to share with parents who are constantly searching for ways to assist their children to succeed.


Vital Voices Global Partnership through its initiatives played an important role in the development of this book. This organization’s mandate of empowering emerging women leaders through training and mentorship is not only mentioned in their mission but is a principle and practice seen through their interactions with women they meet. During the conference in Buenos Aires in 2008 I met one of the organization’s facilitators Dr. Karen Otazo. We built a relationship after the conference through sharing our written articles and work. It is through this interaction that Dr. Otazo encouraged and motivated me to strive towards my optimal potential. In reading one of the articles on Obama she suggested that the information be expanded into a book for parents.

Initially, I experienced a plethora of emotions about whether I was able to meet the challenge. Through her coaching, encouraging words and suggestions I realized that I could in fact write this book. In writing the book my objective was to provide realistic suggestions that would not be limited by monetary or socio-economic constraints. Thereby anyone can guide their children to success. Using this strategy was important to me as it has been assumed that children from high socio-economic strata were mainly successful due to the financial opportunities provided to them by their parents. Many parents from low income backgrounds have raised successful adults regardless of their apparent lack of material assets. Their children succeeded because of many of the principles highlighted in this book. All that is needed is for parents to become aware and expose their young ones to the required principles.

It is my intention that this book will profoundly impact the way all parents view the relationship they have with their children and their role as their children’s primary guide and coach.

The reality of this book further proves that Vital Voices and its dedicated facilitators are a priceless gift to many young women throughout the world. My relationship with Vital Voices has empowered me to expand my vision of service tailored towards the development of women in my community, country and the world.

Special recognition is due to the Bureau of Women’s Affairs and the United States Embassy in Jamaica. It is their initiative to select me for the opportunity to participate in the Vital Voices conference that started the journey of this book and the many more to come.

Together these organizations are a powerful force for the development of the nations of the world. They are effectively networking leaders across the globe and contributing to the successful development of leadership among women.

It is my sincere wish that my successful encounter with these entities will be a catalyst for change in the direction of success for our children across the world.