Hailing from the rural parish of St. John, Barbados, Tamesha Duesbury completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, in 2009 and has held the position of Probation Officer within the Barbados Probation Department since 2011.

In 2017, Tamesha was awarded a Fulbright Foreign Student scholarship and made the decision to leave her family in Barbados to pursue her dreams at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, where she was the first Barbadian student. She used the award to fund a master’s degree in criminal justice and graduated in 2019, the same year she was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi.

Since her youth, Tamesha has had a passion for working with children, especially at-risk youth. In high school, she tutored other children within her community and has served as a mentor to young adults through many organizations. She most recently served as a Co-Director of Mentorship for UAB’s BLUEPrint CONNECT program from 2018 to 2019.

Tamesha’s unwavering devotion to serve at-risk youth leads her to continue developing her skills. She is a certified Forensic Interviewer of Children through the National Children’s Advocacy Center and has trained through the National Council for Behavioral Health’s Mental Health First Aid programs for adults and youth.

Let’s get to know Tamesha!

1. Why did you accept the invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi?

   The invitation to join was an acknowledgement of the sacrifices, resilience, hard work and dedication to my studies. I earned the distinction, and the opportunity to be amongst other scholars and professionals of similar excellence is truly an honor.

2. What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you?

   Being a part of the Phi Kappa Phi community grants me the opportunity to be supported, mentored, encouraged and surrounded by an amazing group of people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

3. What was your first job?

   My first job was at Kentucky Fried Chicken as an Expediter. It taught me the importance of good customer service, teamwork, time management, productivityand the importance of learning how to function in all areas of the organization

4. Do you cook?

   Yes, I enjoy cooking! My sons, ages 6 and 5, always assist me so every dish is a joy to prepare. Together we prepare local Caribbean and international cuisine.

5. Why did you choose your career?

   From as early as nine years old, I recall assisting at-risk youth within my school by sharing snacks, school supplies, clothing and assisting them with their schoolwork. Since that time, I have been passionately pursuing my purpose and positively impacting the lives of the youth in Barbados and the Caribbean. My position as a Probation Officer allows me to continue my passion and observing the transformation of the children I help is truly fulfilling.

6. What’s your all-time favorite TV show?

   It’s a classic, "The Golden Girls!"

7. What did you want to be when you grew up as a child?

   I wanted to be an attorney or a forensic interviewer, and I accomplished my goal by becoming certified as a forensic interviewer of children. However, I am not finished seeking ways to assist children.

8. What is your favorite holiday?

   I love everything about the Christmas season—the joy, happiness, peace, thoughtfulness, togetherness, music, aroma from baking and cooking, ambience, decorations, etc. It is truly the most wonderful time of the year!

9. What are your hobbies?

   My hobbies are writing poetry, singing, reading, learning to swim and exercising with my gym family at Bassa Bassa Barbados.

10. What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I don’t think of myself as being very adventurous, but I did take a train from Birmingham, Alabama, to Penn Station New York once. It was educational and loads of fun!

To learn more about Tamesha and connect, visit her profile within our online member community, here.

Is there someone you would like to see in the spotlight? Send your nomination to engagement@phikappaphi.org and be sure to include basic information for the nomination.