Elsa M. Fonseca is a Professional Cadet assigned to the Health and Safety Unit in the Department of Human Resources of the Government of the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO

Elsa M. Fonseca with her dad David Fonseca, who she said has inspired her to be determined and to follow her dreams. Photo: Provided

Elsa, seen here with her mom Ingrid Fonseca, attained her Masters' in Environment, Health and Safety Management from the KuLeuven University in Brussels. Photo: Provided

Elsa M. Fonseca (right) during World Day for Safety and Health at Work where several activities were organised, including a well-received presentation on ‘Workplace Stress’ at Breezeway, Central Administration Complex on April 28, 2016. Photo: VINO

Elsa M. Fonseca is a Professional Cadet assigned to the Health and Safety Unit in the Department of Human Resources of the Government of the Virgin Islands.

The Health and Safety Unit, according to Elsa, currently consists of Mrs Dawn U. Leonard, Health and Safety Coordinator and herself, and is responsible for coordinating the Occupational Health and Safety for Government employees.

“We make recommendations and launch awareness campaigns on topics regarding health and safety.”

One such example of Elsa and her Unit effectively at work was during World Day for Safety and Health at Work where several activities were organised, including a well-received presentation on ‘Workplace Stress’ at Breezeway, Central Administration Complex on April 28, 2016.

Elsa sees her job as being of much importance and is committed to the task of ensuring that workers and employees are aware of health and safety guidelines in the workplace.

“It is a meaningful job; we are talking about the health and safety of individuals. As people we spend so many hours of our lives at work, our health and safety should not be jeopardised at work.”

Work experience

The Virgin Islands Government is blessed to have a dedicated daughter of the soil in its employ, who is not only academically qualified but who has the experience of working in a similar field internationally.

Prior to being employed by the Government of the Virgin Islands, Elsa completed two one-year internships which she said were really beneficial to her development in the field she is currently in.

Her first internship was at a hospital, Az Monica, in Belgium where she worked as an environmental consultant in the Environment Health and Safety Team.

Her second internship was at a Social Economic Company (Manus), also in Belgium, where she worked as a Safety Advisor in the Health and Safety Team.

Born in the Virgin Islands, Elsa and her parents moved to Belgium, where her mother is from, when she was 6 years old. She attended Primary School in Belgium and the majority of high school. “When I was 15 years old my parents relocated to the BVI and I finished my last 3 years of High School at Cedar International School,” Elsa said.

As for her tertiary education, Elsa completed a year of Biology at the University of Antwerp in Belgium before enrolling in KuLeuven University in Brussels where she read for a Bachelor’s Degree in Environment, Health and Safety Management.

She completed her Masters in the same programme and university.

Career goals

Our motivated young professional does not intend to stop with studying, having achieved her Masters.

“I want to further excel in my field; Environment, Health and Safety. I am hoping to enroll in more health related courses in the future.”

Apart from work, Elsa is into fitness and said she even used to take part in track and field.

“I still love to run and planning to participate in the BVI Half Marathon in December. I am also enrolled in Save the Seed Energy Centre and love to fitness there,” said Elsa, who noted too that she has a big interest in nutrition and exercise.

“I am constantly looking for new ways to enjoy healthy foods and ways to challenge myself physically. I also love the nature in the BVI and enjoy exploring, hiking, swimming…”

Speaking of nature, Elsa said she enjoys visiting the beaches in the Virgin Islands and believes in preserving them.

“I love our beaches, so whenever there is a beach-cleanup count me in.”

Inspiration

Elsa considers herself a family person and said her family is her biggest inspiration.

“There are so many people in my life that have inspired me. Family is really important to me. My parents have always been an inspiration.”

She added that her dad David Fonseca inspired her with his perseverance and taught her to never give up and to follow her dreams.”

“At a young age my dad decided he wanted to become a pilot and he eventually received a scholarship from the VI Government and furthered his studies in Belgium and Florida.”

Elsa said her mom, Ingrid Fonseca, inspires her with how she has managed to always make her children priority in her life. “I can always depend on my mom for support. Also, my grandparents Isaac Glanville Fonseca and Myrna Fonseca, Herman De Graeve and Chris Liesse-De Graeve, have been a great source of inspiration to me.”

Advice to youth

Not surprisingly, Elsa advices youth exactly what she learned from her dad.

“I would advise young people to never give up on their dreams even when life throws you lemons. Keep pursuing what you love to do.”