Thyra Heaven, director of Mustard Seed Communities, has dedicated her life to serving those in need.

To this end, she is in charge of fund-raising for Mustard Seed Communities, which caters to children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. She also works on school projects where she establishes a link between local schools and the United Kingdom, creating possibilities of travel, the exchanging of ideas and discovering new cultures.

The 68-year-old grew up in Townhead, Westmoreland. As a young girl, she wanted to be a lawyer but her parents could not afford it so, instead, she went to Shortwood Teachers' College in the early '60s. In the '70s she did a bachelor's degree at the University of the West Indies and later a master's degree in government. And, as fate would have it, she would end up serving others, only not in the courtroom.

Usually, on the way to success there are obstacles, but for Heaven she does not allow them to get in her way. "When I am faced with challenges I get excited. I get a new burst of energy, inspiration and an initiative to work," said Heaven.

She notes that the one time a major obstacle got the better of her was when her son died. It took her a long time to recover but, in the end, she got strength from serving others. She doesn't set boundaries. If she fails she believes it is because it was not meant to be.

Heaven said her greatest reward is working for charities. "It is not just about giving money and other material things, but giving of yourself, your time and allowing someone who is less fortunate to have things a little more bearable."