Growing up in the small indigenous village of Tapakuma in British Guiana, Margaret Ivy Fredericks had big dreams for herself. However, at 15 years old, when she was betrothed to a man six years her senior, she learned then that, in order to survive, she had to adapt. 
 
Though many events in her life were beyond her control, Margaret’s flame of resilience led her to rise above the challenges. For instance, when a shopkeeper attempted to rape her at 12 years old, she fought back with all she had and won. Or when her husband fractured their marriage with abuse and neglect, she showed him the love of God, witnessing through her actions. Even when faced with financial hardship while mothering six children, she put her talents and skills to work to ensure their needs were met. 
 
With God’s guidance, Margaret worked for most of her life as a teacher, gaining experience that led her to become a headteacher and to turn the tide of two primary schools that were previously shut down. 
 
She addressed scores of people in the political arena, witnessed for God wherever she went, and eventually became the head elder of the Tapakuma Seventh-day Adventist Church. 
 
Margaret’s story is one of womanhood and steady resistance against the barriers meant to subdue one’s highest potential. No matter the trial, she never gave up, and her resilience has marked her in history as a force to be reckoned with.