Celebrating Women's History Month: Aritha Emmanuel Champions Student Success in Saint Lucia

Aritha Emmanuel wears many hats. 

Wife. Mother. Director of Student Services at Monroe University’s Saint Lucia campus. In all of them, she strives for excellence and grace. 

“I am motivated by the opportunity to be the best version of myself,” said Director Emmanuel. “I take a great deal of pride in being family oriented and, as a wife and mother, my family is my priority. I, however, have professional ambitions and want to maximize my value in whatever role I am placed in.” 

When Monroe first opened its doors in Saint Lucia in 2007, she was curious and, admittedly, a little uncertain about whether Monroe was the right place for her to continue her undergraduate studies after earning her associate’s degree at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, and a stint at the University of the West Indies.  She ultimately trusted her instincts, applied, and was accepted. She would become part of the first set of graduates to earn their Monroe degree through the new campus in the Caribbean. 

When she graduated, she was offered a position at the institution. Based on her own excellent Monroe experience, Director Emmanuel hoped she could convince other Saint Lucians to come to the institution. 

“I had a deep conviction that Monroe – then, only recently established and not fully accepted by everyone in Saint Lucia – would eventually grow into a pillar of our education sector,” Director Emmanuel said. “More than 10 years later it was proven to be just that.” 

She has been a Monroe employee ever since. She also returned as a student to the University to earn her MBA. Now, as Student Services Director, Emmanuel is responsible for the student experience at the Saint Lucia campus, ensuring current students and alumni can access the services they need at the institution and that those services meet the standards of excellence that is associated with the Monroe name. 

Her students are in good hands with Director Emmanuel. Born in a fishing village on the east coast of the island, her upbringing was quintessentially Saint Lucian. Her childhood was “wholesome” and she remembers her family’s deep involvement in church and community life fondly. Her mother, in particular, continues to have an outsized impact on her. 

“The biggest influence for me was my mother. She was and still is to this day a hardworking, goal-oriented woman,” Director Emmanuel said. “She is selfless and will give the shirt off her back to assist someone in need. Having this firsthand experience has invariably developed my level of consciousness and I try to emulate this in my daily life, both personally and professionally.” 

As her mother was a role model to her, Director Emmanuel tries to be one for her children and, in particularly her female students. She tells them to never stop working hard for what they want in life, even when things seem impossible.

“Continue striving to break those invisible barriers. The world has become smaller, and women are now playing critical roles within industry and state,” she said. “It is important for our female students to know that they have a duty to the next generation to excel and inspire and they should take this with as much pride and responsibility as possible.” 

More importantly, she tells women to get a higher education, especially if they want to have children.  

“The sooner the better. Every circumstance is different, however, if you know where your passion lies and have the opportunity to pursue it, please do,” she said. “Unlike our male counterparts, as we mature and begin families it puts a tremendous amount of personal strain on the women to carry and eventually care for their young. During this time the academic journey becomes even more difficult.” 

This Women’s History Month, Director Emmanuel said she feels a “great sense of pride and belonging” when she sees women celebrated for their achievements and contributions.  

“I believe Women’s History Month is an amazing way to recognize and celebrate women. (We) are the pillars of society and are responsible for the nurturing of the wonderful talent on showcase globally across all spheres including sport, entertainment, business and politics,” she said. “As a woman, I feel a great sense of pride and belonging when I see how the pioneers in the various fields are heralded.”   

Aritha Emmanuel’s story is one of diligence and determination – both to her family and to the students she serves. Her journey with Monroe University, from student to campus leader, reflects a belief in the power of education to change lives. As she continues to support and mentor others, especially young women, she leads by example, showing what’s possible when you stay true to your values and keep moving forward.