Educator, author, leadership advocate and community builder
Written by K. L. Williams
For Dr. Rene’ Level, impact begins with purpose. The educator, academic advisor, author and community builder has spent years creating books, programmes and mentorship opportunities that encourage children, educators and communities to recognise their potential. Her work brings together education, emotional wellness, leadership, faith and creative expression.
In this edition of Eight Questions, Level discusses creating with intention, building trust, documenting one’s impact and refusing to let geography define Caribbean creativity.
1. Who are you, and what do you do?
I am Dr. Rene’ Level, an educator, academic advisor, author, leadership advocate and passionate community builder dedicated to inspiring individuals to discover their purpose, embrace their potential and create meaningful change.
For many years, I have dedicated my life to education, student development, mentorship and leadership. As an educator, I believe every child has the ability to succeed when provided with the right support, guidance, encouragement and opportunities. My work focuses on creating positive learning environments, strengthening discipline, promoting emotional wellness and empowering students and educators to achieve excellence.
I am also an author who uses the power of words to inspire, heal and transform lives. Through my books, poetry and educational resources, I share messages of hope, resilience, faith, courage, leadership and personal growth. My writing reflects my passion for helping people overcome challenges and become the best versions of themselves.
Beyond the classroom and my writing, I am committed to community service and empowering others through mentorship, workshops and initiatives that support children, families and communities. I believe education is not only about academic achievement but also about building character, confidence, compassion and purpose. My mission is to inspire, educate and empower others to dream boldly, believe in themselves and create a positive impact in the world.
2. What have you made so far, and what are you working on now?
Throughout my journey as an educator, author and community advocate, I have created several initiatives, educational resources and inspirational works designed to empower individuals and transform lives. I have authored books that focus on personal growth, resilience, leadership, faith, confidence and emotional well-being. My published works include Dream Code, Shine Like You, Becoming Your Own Hero, Leadership Edge, Creative Courage and Still Stand in Faith. Through my writing, I use storytelling, poetry and meaningful messages to inspire children, young people, educators and communities.
As an educator, I have developed programmes and resources that support student development, positive behaviour, leadership and emotional wellness. I have created initiatives such as poetry and mentorship programmes, life-skills resources and empowerment activities that encourage young people to discover their voices, build confidence and develop their potential.
I am also the founder of the Dr. Level Poetry Club, where I use poetry as a tool for creativity, self-expression, healing and personal transformation. Through community outreach projects, including educational support initiatives and back-to-school drives, I continue to serve and uplift children and families.
Currently, I am working on expanding my impact through new books, educational programmes, leadership initiatives, workshops and international opportunities. I am developing more resources that combine education, counselling, leadership and creative expression to help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals. My vision is to continue building a legacy of hope, empowerment and transformation by inspiring people to believe in themselves, embrace their purpose and use their gifts to make a positive difference in the world.
3. What’s the first move when a new piece starts? Walk us through it.
The first move I make when beginning a new piece of work is to identify the purpose behind it. I believe every meaningful project must begin with a clear vision and a strong understanding of the impact I want to create. I start by asking myself: Who will this help? What message do I want to share? What change do I want to inspire? This reflection allows me to create with intention rather than simply producing something for the sake of completion.
The next step is research, planning and gathering ideas. Whether I am writing a book, developing an educational programme or creating a community initiative, I take time to organise my thoughts, explore different perspectives and determine the best approach.
After establishing the vision, I begin the creative process. I write, develop, revise and refine my ideas until the message is clear and meaningful. I believe excellence comes through patience, preparation and continuous improvement. Finally, I seek feedback and make adjustments to ensure the work connects with the people it is intended to serve. My goal is always to create something that educates, inspires, empowers and leaves a lasting impact.
4. Give us an industry hack everyone in your field needs to know about.
One of the most important lessons I have learned as an educator and author is that relationships are the foundation of impact. The greatest tool we have is not just knowledge; it is our ability to connect with people, understand their needs and create experiences that inspire growth.
In education, many people focus on delivering information, but real transformation happens when we build trust. Students, educators and communities respond when they feel valued, heard and supported. My approach is to lead with empathy, listen intentionally and meet people where they are.
Another key strategy is to document and share your work. Many educators and professionals are doing amazing things but fail to capture their impact. Keep records of your programmes, successes, testimonials, lessons learned and innovative ideas. Your work becomes your evidence, your portfolio and your story.
For authors and creatives, the secret is to understand that your message is your brand. Do not just create content; create connections. Share your journey, remain authentic and consistently provide value to your audience.
The greatest “hack” is this: combine your expertise with your passion and use your unique voice to solve real problems. When you serve with purpose, your work will always have meaning and influence.
5. What’s the first thing you ever made that made you think, “I could do this”?
The first thing I ever created that made me believe I could truly make an impact was my ability to use education, words and creativity to inspire and uplift others. Early in my journey as an educator, I discovered the power of encouraging students, sharing meaningful messages and creating opportunities for them to believe in themselves. Seeing the transformation that happened when a student gained confidence, found their voice or realised their potential made me recognise that I had a gift for inspiring change.
Later, when I began writing and sharing my poetry and educational resources, I experienced that same feeling of purpose. Creating my first book was a defining moment because it showed me that my experiences, knowledge and passion could be transformed into something that could reach beyond the classroom and touch lives.
That moment taught me that my voice had value. I realised I could create resources that educate, encourage and empower people across different communities. Since then, I have continued to create with the belief that every idea has the potential to become a source of hope, healing, inspiration and transformation.
6. What’s something many would consider trivial that you simply cannot live without?
Something many people may consider trivial that I simply cannot live without is my journal and a quiet moment of reflection. For me, writing is more than putting words on paper; it is a way of processing my thoughts, expressing gratitude, recording ideas and staying connected to my purpose.
Whether I am creating a new book, preparing a lesson, developing a project or navigating life’s challenges, those moments of reflection help me remain grounded. Sometimes the smallest habits create the greatest impact, and for me, writing is a simple but powerful tool that keeps my creativity, faith and vision alive.
7. What’s something about creating from the Caribbean that outsiders consistently get wrong?
One thing outsiders consistently get wrong about creating from the Caribbean is that they often assume our work is small because our region is small. In reality, Caribbean creators produce world-class work shaped by resilience, rich cultural traditions, creativity and innovation.
As a Caribbean educator, author and leader, I do not see my location as a limitation; it is my strength. The stories I tell, the poetry I write and the lives I impact are rooted in authentic experiences that resonate far beyond our shores.
Creating from the Caribbean means carrying the voice of a people who have overcome challenges, celebrated triumphs and continue to inspire the world. Our creativity is not defined by geography; it is defined by purpose, passion and the courage to share our stories with the world.
8. Where can people find you, see your work, and where will you be next?
People can find me through my books, TikTok, Amazon, speaking engagements, community initiatives and educational workshops. Whether I am writing, teaching, mentoring or sharing poetry, my mission is always the same: to inspire hope, empower others and encourage people to become the best versions of themselves.
I will be donating this Dream Code Mini Library to a primary school to encourage reading, inspire young minds and help students develop a love for learning and personal growth.
Follow Dr. Rene’ Level to explore her books, poetry, educational resources, mentorship initiatives and community work, including the Dream Code Mini Library.
Find Dr. Rene’ Level
- TikTok: @poetry_club25
- WhatsApp: +1 876 282 5957
- Amazon: see the book links below
Selected work
- Shine Like You: Kindle | Paperback
- Becoming Your Own Hero: Kindle | Paperback
- Dream Code: Kindle | Paperback
About the writer
Kerece Lilanie Williams is a Jamaican poet, writer, educator and creative entrepreneur. Under the name Lilanie, she is the author of three poetry collections: Faith and Favour: Odes of Gratitude for Unmerited Grace, Above Water and Kisses and Lies.
She writes for Urban Vine Media, with a special interest in telling the stories of artists, artistes, artisans and other creatives across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Through features, interviews and cultural storytelling, she highlights the people, ideas and creative work helping to shape the region’s arts, culture and entertainment landscape.
Kerece is also the founder of Write Ah Yaad, a Caribbean writing community for poets and storytellers, and the Chief “Copy Cat” behind MeowMedia Services, where she has a particular interest in helping creatives develop their brands, strengthen their businesses and become sustainable creative entrepreneurs.
Have a story, project, release, product, exhibition, event or creative journey you think Urban Vine Media should know about? Email urbanvinemedia@gmail.com or submit your details to be featured.
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