Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kenene Senior. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kenene, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents did so many things right, but one of the most important things they did was create a safe space for me to grow, explore, and be myself. They worked as a team, always supporting one another and supporting me. There was never a moment where I felt like I couldn’t turn to them. They truly believed in me, sometimes even more than I believed in myself. Their encouragement and their consistent belief in my potential were the foundations that gave me the strength to strive for excellence.

I remember when I graduated from primary school—my parents gave me a special album as a gift. Inside the album, they wrote something I’ve carried with me ever since: “The sky is not the limit; you are a child of God.” That message has stayed with me throughout my life. It served as a reminder that my potential is not defined by the limits the world may place on me, but by something much greater. They didn’t just teach me to aim high; they taught me that I was capable of achieving more than I could ever imagine.

They were my biggest cheerleaders, always pushing me to be my best, not just academically, but as a person of character. They saw things in me that I couldn’t always see in myself. For example, when I doubted my abilities or hesitated to take risks, they were there to remind me that failure is not the end, but just part of the journey.

One of the most impactful memories I have is from the night before my dad passed away. He shared some final nuggets of wisdom with me, reminding me that life was full of new opportunities, and that I should embrace them with confidence and integrity. His words have stuck with me and shaped how I approach both my personal and professional life. Even though he was about to leave this earth, he gave me the gift of guidance that has stayed with me ever since.

Beyond all the practical and academic encouragement, my parents have also been instrumental in nurturing my spiritual growth. They laid the foundation for my faith and taught me the importance of walking in alignment with God’s purpose for my life. Their example of love, faith, and devotion to God has shaped the way I approach life with a sense of purpose and trust in divine timing. Their prayers for me, both spoken and unspoken, have been a constant source of strength, and I continue to draw from the spiritual wisdom they imparted.

In terms of my life and career, my parents’ support and encouragement have helped me face challenges with a sense of resilience. They equipped me with the understanding that I am capable of great things, not because I’m perfect, but because I’m made with purpose. The foundation they built for me—of love, faith, and confidence—has helped me move forward with faith in my abilities and a clear sense of who I am. And that’s something I carry with me every single day.

Kenene, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Thank you for this opportunity to share a bit about myself and my journey. I’m someone who wears many hats, but everything I do stems from a passion for serving others and a deep belief in the potential of young people.

To start, I’m currently the Vice Principal at a multi-disciplinary college, where I work alongside an incredible team to shape the academic and personal development of students. I’m also an Associate Psychologist, and I’m deeply involved in social entrepreneurship, particularly through my non-profit organization, which focuses on youth development. My work in both education and mental health has been fueled by my desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of at-risk youth, and to provide them with the tools they need to thrive academically, personally, and emotionally.

Interestingly enough, I never set out to be an educator. Growing up, I was immersed in an environment filled with educators—my father, my paternal grandmother, and aunts were all educators. It was a family legacy, and while I was encouraged to follow in their footsteps, I initially resisted. My true calling, I thought, was in counseling. I wanted to follow my father’s path in this field, and so I pursued a degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminology. I was also fascinated by criminal psychology and shows like Law & Order and Criminal Minds, which only deepened my interest in mental health and its intersections with society.

However, life had other plans for me. My first job out of university was in the classroom, and it was there that I discovered my love for teaching. I had the privilege of working with young people, and I quickly found that education—along with its power to change lives—was something I could not ignore. Although I had a passion for mental health, I also felt a growing desire to work directly with students, guiding them toward success not just academically, but holistically.

This led me to a realization: I had three distinct passions—education, mental health, and youth development—and I wanted to build a career that merged all of them. Through my non-profit, my team and I work closely with at-risk youth, providing individualized mentorship, academic support, and psychosocial care. We engage these young people through outreach programs, helping them build life skills, enhance their emotional well-being, and discover their unique gifts and talents. In doing this, we aim to break cycles of poverty, trauma, and neglect, empowering the next generation to thrive in their communities and beyond.

What sets me apart in my work is the integration of these three areas—education, mental health, and youth development—into everything I do. I don’t just see young people as students or clients; I see them as whole individuals, with emotional, mental, and academic needs that all have to be nurtured in order for them to reach their full potential. I’ve learned to meet them where they are, addressing the unique challenges they face while helping them envision a brighter future.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on the lives of so many young people. When I see the transformation in their lives—from struggling students to empowered individuals pursuing their dreams—that’s what keeps me motivated. Through both my work as an educator and as a psychologist, I get to witness these changes firsthand, and that’s incredibly rewarding.

For potential clients, followers, or supporters, I want them to know that my work is driven by a deep commitment to service. Whether it’s in the classroom, through mentorship, or providing mental health support, my goal is always to uplift and empower others. I believe in the potential of every young person I work with, and I’m passionate about creating opportunities for them to realize that potential. If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my work, it’s that growth and healing are possible, and with the right guidance and support, anyone can achieve their dreams.

Through my non-profit, my goal is to continue creating safe spaces for youth, guiding them with compassion and care, and helping them build the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges. I want to continue making an impact on a larger scale, providing support and resources that truly make a difference in the lives of young people who need it most.

Ultimately, I am a firm believer in the power of education, mental health care, and mentorship to change lives—and that’s the mission I’ve set out to accomplish.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same career path. However, with the benefit of hindsight, I would probably have taken a different route in terms of my specialization. While I pursued a master’s in Forensic Psychology, my focus has since shifted toward Counseling, particularly Trauma. It’s been a fascinating and fulfilling journey, and it’s led me to where I am today—pursuing a PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies, with a focus on Trauma and Crisis Counseling.

One thing I would change, though, is my decision not to study education sooner. I now hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and I’ve discovered how deeply fulfilling teaching and mentoring others can be. If I had embraced education earlier, I feel I could have blended my passions for psychology, education, and trauma counseling even sooner to create the impact I am aiming for today.

In the end, I’m grateful for how everything has unfolded, as each step in my career has brought me closer to my true passion: helping others, particularly in times of crisis and trauma. And while there are a few things I might have done differently, the overall path has shaped me into the professional I am today, and I wouldn’t change that for anything.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe what’s most helpful for succeeding in my field is networking, the ability to pivot, and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. In any career, especially in fields like education, mental health, and social entrepreneurship, building relationships is key. Networking allows you to learn from others, share experiences, and open doors to new opportunities.

I’ve always sought opportunities to learn and grow, which has not only expanded my skillset but also helped me build a network of like-minded professionals. This mindset led me to incredible experiences like the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Fellowship in 2022, the Clinton Global Initiative Fellowship in 2024, and the Faith in the Commonwealth Youth Trainer of Trainers program. These opportunities opened my eyes to the world of social entrepreneurship, helping me understand how to scale my operations and make a greater impact.

Being able to pivot is also crucial—life and work rarely go according to plan, and the ability to adapt when things change is invaluable. Challenges, in particular, should be viewed as stepping stones that help you grow, both personally and professionally. These experiences have shaped my approach to my work and have helped me build a more resilient and expansive career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: gift_jamaica
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile