Montego Bay, Jamaica – Drawing on her own experiences growing up as a ward of the state, 2026 Miss St James Festival Queen Tanya Kentish is empowering young women facing similar challenges through HER VOICE JA, a project aimed at helping them build confidence, recognise their worth and find their voices.

The initiative, which was launched at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) St James Parish Office in Montego Bay, brought together approximately 15 young women from Voice to Dreams Girls’ Home, Hebron House and Melody Girls’ Home for a day focused on empowerment and encouragement.

Through HER VOICE JA, Kentish hopes to reach more wards of the state and other vulnerable young women facing challenges such as rejection, low self-esteem and limited educational opportunities. She aims to provide mentorship, opportunities for creative expression, academic support and leadership development to help them pursue their dreams.

Kentish shared that one of the day's most meaningful moments came when a young girl who had previously been reluctant to speak or engage began confidently interacting with participants from other homes. She described the experience as “feeling like fireworks”, as she saw the vision behind HER VOICE JA beginning to take shape.

Another young participant shared how the experience encouraged her to look beyond difficult circumstances.

“One of the main things I learned is not to let your past define you, because it can become overwhelming sometimes,” she said. She added that the painting session brought her a sense of calm and peace of mind, while the poetry and personal stories encouraged her to use her own voice to inspire others.

For Kentish, these moments made the launch especially personal.

“When I see it become a reality, it's like all the pain that I've gone through ... birthed HER VOICE, and HER VOICE being birthed out of pain, but yet it's bringing others hope, it warms my heart,” she shared.

Kentish recalled being a little girl who felt unheard and doubted whether she could make a difference. What began as a name written on an index card has since grown into an initiative supported by individuals who share her commitment to helping young women recognise their worth.

Among those supporting the initiative was His Worship the Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, JP, who commended Kentish for using her personal experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. He expressed pride in her efforts, noting the potential ripple effect of the project in reaching and empowering young women with similar experiences.

Also lending her support was Bridget Taylor Malcolm, who facilitated the Sip and Paint session. With family members who have experienced the care system, she understands the importance of helping young women look beyond their past and recognise the possibilities ahead.

Nikki McGhie, an adoptive mother to a former ward of the state, also shared words of encouragement drawn from her own experience.

 “I want to be another person who will hold somebody else's hand,” she said, expressing hope that HER VOICE JA will eventually reach more young women.

Through the support of partners and volunteers, Kentish hopes to expand the initiative to provide continued mentorship, educational assistance and personal development opportunities.

“I want them to know that where you are at right now, you can get to other levels. You're not stuck where you are now,” she encouraged.

Kentish's journey also highlights the wider impact of the JCDC's Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition, which provides young women with a platform to champion community development initiatives and make a difference in the lives of others.

With entries now open for the JCDC's 2027 competitions, young women across Jamaica are encouraged to follow in Kentish's footsteps by entering the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition, which provides a platform for personal growth, leadership and community development. Entries may be submitted online at https://jcdc.awardsplatform.com/, with information on entry requirements and deadlines available through the JCDC's website and official social media pages.