DR. ROSE-ANN SMITH: Navigating Life’s Storms

Dr. Rose-Ann Smith is no stranger to challenges, but her response to them has always been rooted in faith and purpose. As an accomplished lecturer specializing in disaster risk management at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, she has spent nearly a decade contributing to environmental research and solutions. But Dr. Smith’s passion doesn’t end in the classroom or with her research; her journey through illness and recovery has placed her on a path to inspire others to activate their faith during life’s toughest battles. Her recent book, NOT MY WILL LORD, BUT YOURS BE DONE: Activating Faith in Times of Sickness, is evidence of the power of faith in the face of adversity.

VBD Magazine is honored to feature Dr. Smith, who embodies strength, faith, and service. In her interview, Dr. Smith discusses how faith carried her through the toughest moments of her life, her approach to blending academic rigor with personal conviction, and the ways she hopes to inspire others through her writing and teaching. “I’ve come to realize that it’s through life’s trials that we truly grasp the meaning of faith, and it’s not as simple as just saying “have faith.” Activating faith is much more challenging in practice,” Dr. Smith shares. Her commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual growth continues to inspire those who meet her.

Educational Journey

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Geography with First Class Honors from the University of the West Indies in 2008, Dr. Smith went on to complete her Ph.D. in 2015. “I never imagined reaching this point, being the first and only one in my family at this level. Yet, I’ve seen God’s hand guiding every step and every encounter with those essential to my journey,” she reflects. Her academic success paved the way for her to specialize in disaster risk management, a field where her expertise is highly sought after.

“My passion for disaster risk management began in undergrad when I became intrigued by how natural hazards disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. This fueled my drive to research and teach in an area where I could make a tangible difference,” Dr. Smith reveals.

Overcoming Challenges

Dr. Smith’s success did not come without challenges. “Too many challenges to count,” she admits. Growing up in poverty in a home marked by domestic abuse and an alcoholic father, she faced financial, psychological, and social hardships. “I struggled with low self-esteem and confidence, but I was always at the top of my class,” she recalls. Despite excelling academically, financial struggles nearly derailed her dream of attending university. “I didn’t have money for school or exams, but I kept pushing.”