Can one truly have it all? I was very fortunate to have the most illuminating conversation with Powerhouse Racquel Moses at COP28. Racquel is the Chief Executive Officer for Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator, UNFCCC Global Ambassador, A Trustee for the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee and the CEO of the compelling podcast “Getting to the Top!” But that’s not all she also wears the most important hats as a dedicated wife, and a loving mother of two beautiful daughters! Wow, I feel exhausted just thinking of all the extraordinary achievements Racquel has made in her exceptional life!

In her undergraduate years, Racquel’s ambition to become an attorney took an unexpected turn as she found herself on the IT committee of a law firm she worked with. Recognising her star potential, the company providing IT solutions for the law firm swiftly recruited her, setting her on a trajectory of success. Following her graduate degree at Georgia Tech University, Racquel left an indelible mark on esteemed organisations like JP Morgan Chase & Co, Fujitsu, Lime Cable and Wireless, IPA for the Trinidad and Tobago Government, ACCA, Microsoft and Web3 Board Member for Salesforce.com.

In 2018, Racquel was blessed to welcome her second daughter, incredible 23 years after giving birth to her first daughter! While on maternity leave, she faced a professional challenge when Microsoft made her redundant. Thankfully serendipity intervened, leading her to a transformative role as the new CEO of Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator, that aligned with her new passion for climate change. This had been motivated by a compelling IPCC report that she read at the time “We have 12 years to limit climate change or there will be no point of return”. Due to profound concern for her children’s future, Racquel knew she had to embark on this new journey.

Racquel’s vision extends well beyond boardrooms and policy discussions, it encompasses a deep concern for all the vulnerable, Indigenous communities, disproportionately communities, affected by climate change. Through advocacy and empowerment initiatives, she amplifies the voices of those on the front lines of environmental challenges, ensuring that the global transformation she envisions is inclusive and leaves no one behind.

Racquel’s magnetic presence has brought her in contact with top influential leaders like: Bill Gates, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, President Barack Obama, HM King Charles, Richard Branson, Michael Bloomberg, and COP28 High-Level Champions. Culminating in the Historic Global Agreement at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels and to move towards renewables and energy efficiency.

While I acknowledge we still have a long way to go in tackling climate change, this new Global Agreement is a momentous step! Heartfelt gratitude extends to Racquel Moses and all dedicated climate change leaders, activists, scientists, and donors shaping a sustainable future.

Racquel’s podcast, “Getting to the Top!”, emerges as a beacon for the new generation, inspiring and nurturing future leaders. Please check it out On YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@RacquelMoses 

If you would like to know more about Caribbean Accelerator: https://www.caribbeanaccelerator.org