Dr Carika Weldon On Being A Role Model
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Dr Carika Weldon said she was overcome with pride after being recognised by the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club as part of their Black History Month celebrations.
She will be honoured alongside fellow prominent Black Bermudians in the medical field, Dr Terry-Lynne Emery and Dr Malcolm Brock, at a celebration dinner tomorrow [February 23].
Dr Weldon came to prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic as the Government science adviser and director of the Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory.
She was a geneticist at the Oxford Genomics Centre, part of Oxford University Hospitals, before returning to Bermuda in April 2020.
It is, however, her trailblazing role as the head of CariGenetics, a Bermudian-based genetic research company, which has led to her recent recognition.
“It’s overwhelming in the sense I didn’t expect it,” Dr Weldon told Bernews. “To be honoured alongside someone like Dr Malcolm Brock, who I looked up to as a young Bermudian, is a special feeling.
“To be recognised for my contributions to genetic research hit me hard when I first got the email. It’s been a mixture of pride, overwhelmed, and even more determination to keep going.”
Dr Weldon, who was named Woman of the Year at the International Women’s Day event in 2022, founded CariGenetics in October of that year, a pioneering research company focused on Caribbean ancestry.
“The idea started in 2017; I realised I wanted to bring my research back home,” she said. “We want to be the name people think of in the region when they think of genetic testing and research.”
The 33-year-old admits there was a lack of Black female role models in her profession when she was forging her career but hopes her achievements will inspire the next generation of Black Bermudian women.
“When I was doing my Ph.D., it motivated me knowing I could become an example to other young Bermudian female scientists – I didn’t anticipate it would be on this scale, though,” she said.
“I wanted to ensure I was that role model because I didn’t have one. I didn’t see many people like me doing what I was doing in any part of my journey.”
As for the advice she would give young Bermudians plotting their career paths, she said: “I do have young Bermudians reach out to me regularly, and I tell them, ‘Do what you’re passionate about.’
“I didn’t know what the future held for me, but I knew what I was passionate about and pursued it.
“I’d also say, ‘Don’t be afraid to be the first at something.’ It’s scary because you’re forging a new path, charting new waters, and hitting obstacles.
“If you’re passionate about something, it will make sense in the end.”
A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the honourees’ charity of choice, with Dr Weldon selecting Big Brothers Big Sisters, which provides mentoring relationships to youngsters in need.
The celebration will be in the Harbourview Ballroom from 6.30pm to 10pm.
Tickets are $125 per person, with an additional $35 for those who wish to enjoy a Maitre D’ wine pairing alongside their meal.
For ticket purchases and additional information, visit ptix.bm.
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