I’m Racquel Knight. I’m on a mission to make a meaningful impact by wearing various hats that align with my passion for empowering underserved communities and fostering business growth.
Growing up in the small district of Bellevue in Portland, Jamaica, and migrating to the States at 21 in 2011, I’ve forged a path driven by my commitment to community development. As the founder of RKnight All About Business Services, I offer various services, from comprehensive business development and consultation to marketing and branding, supporting for-profit and nonprofit enterprises.
My dedication to community growth extends to my nonprofit venture, For One Child Foundation, where I serve as the Founder and CEO. I’m deeply committed to providing quality education to children in rural and remote areas of Jamaica. To date, we’ve provided over 600 chairs and desks to 14 schools, distributed books to 21 schools, and implemented a laptop project benefiting four schools, positively impacting countless young lives.
Education remains a core focus of my philosophy, which is evident in my volunteer work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Community Harvest Project, and Friendly House. I’ve also led service-learning trips to Jamaica, my birthplace. At Becker College, I served on the Millennium Fellowship Campus Network Advisory Board and The Yunus Social Business Advisory Board.
My commitment to personal growth and development is reflected in my academic journey. Armed with a diploma in Secondary Teaching, an associate degree in general agriculture, and a BA in global citizenship with a concentration in management, I am pursuing an MBA specializing in marketing at Johnson and Wales University. I believe continuous learning is crucial to providing the best support to entrepreneurs and communities.
My purpose revolves around empowering entrepreneurs and uplifting communities. Whether through my professional roles or philanthropic efforts, I’m dedicated to creating positive change, fostering growth, and ensuring that everyone has the tools to achieve their dreams regardless of their background.
Q: Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
As the Director of the Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE) Central/Western MA Women’s Business Center, I deeply empower entrepreneurs, particularly women of color. My commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success is evident in the design and execution of impactful programs at CWE. Spearheading initiatives that facilitate collaboration and networking, I focus on equipping individuals, especially women of color, with the tools needed to launch and grow their businesses. Notable endeavors include organizing the Black Entrepreneurs Business Summit, hosting resource-enriching workshops at The Village Worcester, and leading the Women of Color Initiatives at CWE. I take pride in forging strategic partnerships with organizations such as LABO, EForAll of Greater Worcester, The Venture Forum, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, WorcLab, World of Foods Worcester, Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC), and many more. These collaborations extend my influence in securing essential resources for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. What I love most about my role is the opportunity to make a tangible impact by creating pathways for individuals to achieve entrepreneurial success.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
Unique Cafe holds the top spot for me with dishes such as Jerk Pork, Stew Peas, Curry Pork, and Seafood Soup. It’s hard to pick just one dish when all of these options are equally outstanding.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank, is the most fascinating individual I’ve encountered. His inspiring story of lending $27 to 42 women, helping them escape poverty and start their own businesses, resonates with me, shaping my identity as a social entrepreneur.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Bali is my dream destination due to its enticing combination of delicious cuisine, pleasant weather, and stunning oceans.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Kes The Band, a Soca group from Trinidad, is my perennial favorite. Their music offers a versatile range that suits any mood.
Q: What is your best advice?
“Keep it Positive, Keep it Moving, Keep it Irie.” This mantra encourages living life to the fullest and finding joy in the journey.
Q: What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
Visiting Santorini, Greece, is a priority. I envision lounging on one of those poolside beds, enjoying wine and food, even if there’s a high chance I might accidentally fall into the water—it’s an adventure I eagerly anticipate.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
It’s a tough choice to pick just one local business that evokes nostalgia for Worcester. I appreciate the diverse cultural experiences offered by various businesses in the area. Redemption Rock, Bay State, and Wormtown breweries, in particular, have introduced me to a variety of beers beyond the usual Red Stripe and Heineken. Whether I’m at a laid-back spot on Milbury St or Water St, the interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds enrich my experience. The eclectic mix of businesses at the Worcester Public Market adds to the nostalgia, contributing to my overall enjoyment of living and working in this vibrant community.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Without a doubt, my pick would be Toni Braxton. Sharing a meal with her would essentially be a private concert for two. Her voice is so mesmerizing that she could sing gibberish, and I would still be cheering, “Sing it, Toni!”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
My aspirations span professional and philanthropic domains in the coming five to ten years. Initially, my primary focus is enhancing RKnight All About Business by achieving a 15% client base expansion within the following year. Simultaneously, I am eager to launch the construction of the For One Child Foundation Educational Resource Centre in Jamaica, a project significant to me. My vision includes a strategic personal development plan centered on strengthening leadership skills through honing expertise in policy analysis, strategic planning, and decision-making. I aim to evolve into an influential leader committed to advocating change, explicitly addressing critical issues affecting Women of Color, and promoting policy changes that foster inclusivity and equity. Additionally, my dedication extends to empowering others through effective mentorship and providing support to Women of Color in their personal and professional journeys. Recognizing the significance of self-care, I aim to discover practices that ensure a healthy work-life balance while fulfilling leadership responsibilities. Building a supportive network is crucial, and my plan involves cultivating connections with like-minded Women of Color leaders to exchange knowledge and experiences and mutually support growth. I will champion diversity and inclusion within my organization, implementing policies that provide equal opportunities for Women of Color. Furthermore, my goal is to champion intersectionality, gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted experiences of Women of Color, and leverage this knowledge to create more inclusive policies and initiatives. The ultimate objective is to use these skills to bring tangible, positive changes to the lives of Women of Color and their communities. I will establish growth goals, ensuring continuous development as a leader and mentor, empowering others and myself. Serving as a role model, I aspire to champion Women’s Leadership, inspiring others to assume leadership roles and break barriers across various fields.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
While my family is aware, many of my friends might be surprised to learn that, although it’s been quite some time, I have a passion for writing and recording songs. In the past, I maintained a dedicated folder for these creations, and I would often listen to them. Unfortunately, a hard drive crash halted this creative pursuit, and I haven’t written or recorded anything in a while. Perhaps making it a goal for the upcoming year will reignite that artistic side of me.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, Safe and Secure
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
If my life were to be portrayed in a motion picture, I would opt for Keke Palmer to play my role. Her humor, wit, and versatility make her an ideal choice. Additionally, I’d be intrigued to hear her speak Jamaican Patois, specifically the Rural Portland version, adding an authentic and unique touch to the portrayal.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
My journey to Worcester holds a unique and transformative story. Initially drawn to the United States with high expectations, I encountered a reality starkly different from the envisioned pot of gold. Armed with a Diploma in Secondary Teaching and an Agriculture degree from Jamaica, finding a decent job in Delaware proved challenging. The common immigrant experience of forging one’s path became evident, disrupting my preconceived life plan for Jamaica. Frustrated and on the verge of giving up, my mother suggested a move to Massachusetts, specifically Worcester. Despite the mismatch in name and spelling, I embraced the opportunity. After six months of work in Delaware and a rejuvenating Christmas in Jamaica, I embarked on a new chapter in Worcester on January 14, 2014. The past decade in this city has been a transformative journey. While not without its challenges, Worcester has molded me and my life in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I take pride in being a resident of this wonderful city, grateful for the personal growth and experiences it has afforded me.
Q: What is your favorite smell?
The most cherished scent for me is my momma’s cooking. Whether casually strolling past a restaurant and catching a whiff of something irresistibly delicious or encountering the enticing aroma of fried dumplings, stew chicken, curry goat, oxtail, fried/escovitch fish, and festival, the allure of exceptionally good food is my ultimate favorite fragrance. The savory and enticing smells of well-prepared dishes have an undeniable power to captivate and draw me in, making the experience of savoring delectable flavors all the more enjoyable.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My teachers were my greatest inspiration on the journey to becoming a better person. A poignant story shared by my father highlighted the influence of my kindergarten teacher in Jamaica, who went above and beyond by providing more advanced books for me to read. Throughout different stages of my life, it seems the universe placed various educators as mentors—individuals who challenged me and saw potential in me that I hadn’t recognized in myself. Mrs. Elaine Wanliss assumed a pivotal role while attending Port Antonio High School, preparing me for the support and encouragement I would receive from my teachers at Merl Grove High. Their unwavering belief in me acted as a driving force. As I transitioned into adulthood, Dr. Debra Pallatto-Fontaine took up the mantle while attending Becker College, guiding me to the finish line. Even though Mrs. Wanliss is no longer with us, her impact persists. I express gratitude to her and to all the teachers who never gave up on me. Their collective influence shaped my purpose-driven life. I carry the wisdom and knowledge they imparted, aspiring to live a life that reflects their commitment and, in turn, passing on the lessons they bestowed upon me.
