Ciela Wynter
Ciela Wynter: A Life of Purpose and Passion
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ciela Wynter was born as Celia Jeanette Wynter on July 15, 1926. She is commonly known by her pen name, Ciela.
Birth and Death Dates
July 15, 1926 – October 7, 2009
Nationality and Profession(s)
Ciela Wynter was a Jamaican educator, writer, and advocate for women's rights and social justice.
Early Life and Background
Born in Jamaica, Ciela grew up in a family that valued education and community service. Her parents, both educators themselves, encouraged her love of learning from an early age. Wynter's childhood was marked by the vibrant culture and rich traditions of Jamaican society, which would later influence her writing.
Major Accomplishments
Ciela Wynter dedicated her life to empowering women and promoting social justice in Jamaica. Her most notable achievements include:
Founding the Women's Resource and Outreach Centre (WROC) in Kingston, a safe space for women to access education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Advocating for women's rights through her writing, speeches, and activism.
Teaching at various institutions, including the University of the West Indies, where she mentored generations of students.Notable Works or Actions
Wynter was an accomplished writer, publishing several books on education, women's empowerment, and social justice. Her most famous works include:
"The Jamaican Woman: A Study in Social Change" (1971), a seminal book that examined the roles and challenges faced by women in Jamaican society.
* "Women of Jamaica" (1983), a collection of essays and stories celebrating the contributions of Jamaican women.
Impact and Legacy
Ciela Wynter's tireless advocacy for women's rights and social justice has left an indelible mark on Jamaican society. Her work has inspired countless individuals, from students to community leaders, to strive for positive change.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Wynter's quotes and writings continue to inspire and motivate people around the world. Her wisdom, compassion, and commitment to social justice have made her a beloved figure in Jamaican culture. She is widely quoted for her insightful remarks on women's empowerment, education, and community development.
Ciela Wynter's legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a passion for creating positive change. Her life's work continues to inspire future generations to strive for a more just and equitable society.
Quotes by Ciela Wynter
Ciela Wynter's insights on:

As we venture further into the shadow aspects of our life, we must, over time, become like a sommelier for truth... the trained palate will be able to discern the most distinguished of egos utterly attempting to deceive them, yet sometimes they still do.

We either react to life as it comes, or we respond to life as it comes to us from an organized inner life.

We are each a world, actually, a universe of possibilities. To make effective change in the outer world, we have to make effective change in the inner world.

Within what we have been calling inner work exists many practices, pathways, reminders, nudges, prayers, callings, dreams, whispers, revelations, mysteries, and depths of silence. You actually have everything you need to do this within you, everything.


What is it to become enamored by the process of deep diving into the unknown oceans of vast unchartered waters within the psyche? There is a universe out there, science can prove it. Now we become private investigators to the universe within, researching the inner stars, planets, and galaxies for the clues to the profound mysteries.

The awe is infinite. What is possible is everything. How long have we overlooked the internal majestic landscapes of pure freedom within us?

Who is in the center of control? Is it my devotion to that which is greater than me, encouraging me to be? Or is it I, myself, that has an agenda here that is looking not to be? That is the question.

Inner work is the bridge to exploring what we don't know about ourselves, which is over 90 percent of who we are. Yes, the vast majority of us is unknown.

Our future is the result of the choices we are living right now. Thus, we are creating a future in the moment, this moment, so ultimately our work is to truly be here now.