“Life has taught me that true success is not in what we acquire, but in the integrity, we live by, the compassion we extend, and the strength we give to others along the way.”
Introduction
The life of Dr. Anja Seejoor is one that speaks of courage, determination, and a deep devotion to values that transcend personal gain. Born in the heart of central Trinidad, she grew up surrounded by the simplicity of rural life and the constancy of parental support—love, discipline, strong Christian faith, and an unshakeable belief in the power of education. These influences laid the foundation for a woman who would go on to shape organizations, inspire communities, and lead with both strength and compassion.
Note on family name: In this biography, Seejore is used for Anja’s parents, reflecting the family spelling across generations, while Seejoor is used for Anja and her sisters.
From her earliest years, Anja carried the weight of responsibility as the eldest of four sisters. She learned accountability not from books, but from life itself—helping her parents and her siblings, and recognizing that leadership is born when one puts others before self. The lessons of her childhood—honesty, hard work, resilience, and integrity—became the compass that guided her through every phase of her journey.
Her path was carved through years of study, sacrifice, and perseverance—whether in the laboratories of Caroni, the lecture halls of the University of the West Indies (UWI), or the executive offices of Kaizen Environmental Services (Trinidad) Limited. Along the way, she became more than a professional; she became a mentor, a leader, and a visionary. Her story is not just about achieving First-Class Honours or guiding companies to international certifications—it is about shaping lives, protecting environments, and breaking barriers for women in spaces where their voices were often unheard.
What makes this biography significant is not only the milestones of Dr. Seejoor’s career but also the spirit with which she has lived. She has built capacity across generations and consistently balanced compassion with strength. Her voice has championed the importance of mutual respect and understanding between men and women, affirming that each—through their unique physiology and makeup—has a vital role in strengthening the family unit, which in turn nurtures healthier communities and societies. While emphasizing this complementarity, she has also spoken up so that women are heard, respected, and understood. Through personal loss, natural disasters, and professional challenges, she never lost sight of the values instilled by her parents: do every task with excellence, live with honesty, and serve with humility.
This biography does not merely recount the life of an environmental leader—it invites readers into the heart of a woman whose journey proves that beginnings do not define destiny. It is a portrait of resilience meeting opportunity, of leadership shaped by service, and of legacy built not in isolation but in the lives of those she has touched. In sharing her story, Dr. Seejoor opens the door for others to see what is possible when faith, family, and fortitude come together. Her life reminds us that every challenge can be transformed into strength, and every step forward can light the way for others to follow.
“Greatness often begins in the quiet corners of life, where love teaches more than wealth ever could.”
Phase 1: Roots in the Soil of Simplicity
The story of Dr. Anja Seejoor begins in the modest surroundings of central Trinidad, where she was born on April 1, 1971. In many ways, her birthplace reflected the foundation of her character—rural, unassuming, and yet filled with a resilience that would later define her journey. She came into the world as the first of four daughters, carrying from the very beginning the weight and privilege of being the eldest child. Growing up in a home rooted in simplicity and a deep reverence for the Almighty God, she was surrounded by what truly mattered: love, faith, discipline, and a respect for education. These early influences would become the guiding principles of her life and leadership.
Her early childhood was shaped by a paradox. There was simplicity and sacrifice—but there was also richness: her parents’ tireless devotion, their belief in shaping character, and their insistence that their daughters rise as far as education and integrity could take them. What might have been remembered as “less” became a period filled with stories, books, and nurturing guidance. As Anja would often note, her parents wrapped their daughters in the security of love and purpose so thoroughly that limitation never overshadowed possibility.
Being the eldest child quickly made Anja perceptive and responsible. With three younger sisters born in quick succession—one two and a half years younger, followed by twins not long after—she soon found herself stepping into a role that was more than siblinghood. She became a caretaker, a little mentor, and at times, the one held accountable when others faltered. This responsibility might have seemed unfair to her as a child, but in hindsight, it became one of her earliest leadership lessons. She learned to shoulder burdens not only for herself but for those around her, to guide others, and to accept accountability even when it came at a cost. These lessons, absorbed in the fabric of everyday family life, would one day echo in the boardrooms, classrooms, and communities where she would lead with steadiness and compassion.
“Responsibility is the first language of leadership—it shapes not just what we do, but who we become.”
Phase 2: Lessons of Responsibility and Resolve
If childhood planted the seeds of character, early adolescence was the season when those seeds began to take root. As the eldest of four sisters, Anja carried the quiet duty of helping her younger siblings while balancing her own studies. At times, she was held accountable for their mistakes, a weight that seemed unfair in youth but which later proved to be one of her first trainings in leadership and accountability.
School became both a challenge and an opportunity. Anja was not satisfied with rote learning—she developed a habit of thinking deeply, analyzing, and asking why. Her father’s evening lessons went far beyond what her teachers assigned. He drilled his daughters not only in précis writing and clear speech but also in arithmetic, algebra, botany, zoology, and other subjects that stretched their young minds. These rigorous sessions sharpened Anja’s ability to think critically, to connect ideas across disciplines, and to communicate with clarity. The skills she mastered then remain part of her professional life today—tools she continues to practice herself and expects of others, encouraging them to write and speak with precision, discipline, and confidence.
Her mother, meanwhile, reinforced discipline in subtler ways. She made sure every task was approached with pride and precision, reminding her daughter that work was a reflection of character. What began as household duties became life lessons in excellence, efficiency, and order. These habits became the benchmarks by which Anja would later measure her own performance and that of those she led.
Adolescence also revealed Anja’s independence of thought. Though her father envisioned teaching as the path for his daughters, she quietly resisted. At the time she could not explain why—she simply sensed an inner calling toward something broader, a life where she could make a meaningful impact. That conviction would later take her into industries and leadership roles far removed from her family’s expectations. Yet, with maturity, she came to recognize her own love for teaching and understood that her father’s respect for the profession was well placed.
“Education is not just about learning facts—it is about discovering who you are and what you are called to change.”
Phase 3: Awakening the Mind, Shaping the Future
By her teenage years, Anja was stepping out of the shadows of childhood duty and into a season of self-discovery. The responsibilities of being the eldest had given her strength and resilience; now education began to give her wings. No longer just a daughter carrying family expectations, she was becoming a young woman shaping her own vision of what life could be.
School offered both challenge and liberation. Anja’s appetite for learning grew beyond the walls of the classroom. Her father’s rigorous evening lessons—covering not only précis writing and confident speech but also arithmetic, algebra, botany, and zoology—pushed her to think across disciplines. These exercises sharpened her reasoning, stretched her imagination, and instilled in her the habit of connecting knowledge to real life. It was here that she discovered her ability to absorb complexity and distil it into clarity, a gift she would carry into every professional role.
Her mother’s influence remained steady but now took on new meaning. The discipline of order, the insistence on integrity, and the demand for excellence no longer felt like household rules; they became standards Anja chose for herself. She began to recognize that presentation, diligence, and honesty were not small virtues—they were the very qualities that distinguished people of character.
It was during this stage that Anja’s independence of thought crystallized. While her father envisioned teaching as the natural path for his daughters, Anja felt an unspoken pull toward something larger. She could not yet articulate it, but deep inside she knew her calling lay in breaking boundaries and creating impact in ways that went beyond tradition. This inner restlessness was not rebellion; it was the stirrings of purpose. Ironically, she would later discover her own deep love for teaching, realizing that her father had been right about its nobility—yet at this point, her heart sought to carve a path that was distinctly her own.
Note of Thanks
First and foremost, I give my deepest and humblest gratitude to Jehovah God, for without His hand none of this would have been possible. His unfailing guidance, strength, and unmerited kindness have carried me every step of the way. Every opportunity and every accomplishment is because of Him.
To my beloved parents, Sahadeo and Dayah Seejore—your unwavering love, discipline, and extraordinary generosity made this work possible. You gave more than you ever kept for yourselves, ensuring that your daughters had opportunities and comforts you were denied. Your sacrifices are the bedrock of my life, and your example of integrity and devotion will forever guide me.
To my dear sisters—Ingrid, Anlyn, and Bella—thank you for being my lifelong pillars of solidarity and encouragement. Together we have turned burdens into shared strength and setbacks into triumphs. Our bond is my greatest earthly treasure.
To my CEO, Mr. Douglas De Freitas—thank you for stretching my capabilities, entrusting me with responsibility, and giving me a profound learning opportunity at Kaizen.
To my colleagues at Kaizen—especially Ammar, Kirk, Silas, Shantel, Visham, Alonzo, Yasir, Amy, Jamie, Anusha, Usha, Alia, Andy, Selon, and Nazir—thank you for your integrity and resilience through both triumphs and trials.
To my congregation and friends in the faith—Ted Callender, Janice Ammon, and Sherry Ann Rajkumar—your encouragement and spiritual companionship have been invaluable blessings.
To my dear friend Sunil, my longest friendship of nearly four decades—thank you for your steadfast loyalty, countless late-night calls, and the kind of support that only true friendship provides.
To my special friends along the way—Dave, who always made me feel that nothing could go wrong in his presence; Sham, whose steady kindness and dependability have been a constant source of comfort; Gerald and Quintin, early friends from my Caroni days whose friendship has stood the test of time; and Ben-Adams, whose sincerity has been a true gift—thank you for standing by me with unwavering support and friendship.
A special mention must be made of Daniel, for my deep admiration of his example of modern-day sacrifice. In him, I have seen how someone can rise above setbacks, losses, and difficulties, carrying on with dignity, courage, and triumph. His life is an inspiration and a living reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
Finally, to the writer, thank you for your craft, patience, and dedication in helping to bring these words to life.
Thanks
Dr. Anja Seejoor