Meet Annette Gomes

We recently connected with Annette Gomes and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Annette, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I was born in Barbados and there’s something about that Island that screams “YES YOU CAN” In spite of. I’ve always known I had a calling on my life. I can’t explain it. I’m very good at making that connection. Figuring out why I gravitate towards certain things but stay away from others is truly a gift. I get knocked down but I always get back up!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My work lives at the intersection of storytelling, voice, and impact. I’m a professional voice over actor and author who has spent my entire career using my voice as a tool to inform, connect, and move people. I began as a reporter, anchor, and talk show host, where I learned how powerful it is to meet people where they are and tell stories with empathy and authority. That foundation continues to shape everything I do today.

As a professional African American female voice actor, I bring what I call my “Empathetic Edge” to every project. My voice has the warmth to build trust and the strength to command attention, which allows me to work seamlessly across genres—from commercials and corporate narration to e-learning, political campaigns, and museum installations. Brands and organizations like Pfizer, the African American Museum, and major political campaigns have trusted me with their messages because I understand how to honor a story while delivering it with clarity, care, and confidence. I pride myself on being adaptable, collaborative, and deeply invested in helping clients connect authentically with their audiences.

Beyond voice over, I’m also the co-founder of Dream Out Loud Media, an organization dedicated to promoting literacy, diversity, and inclusion in children’s literature. As an author and creative entrepreneur, this work allows me to extend storytelling beyond sound—helping young readers see themselves reflected in stories and encouraging them to dream boldly and out loud.

What excites me most about my work is its versatility and purpose. Whether I’m voicing a national campaign, narrating educational content, or developing stories for children, I’m always focused on impact—using my voice to uplift, inform, and inspire. At its core, my brand is about commanding care: delivering messages with heart, intention, and a spark that keeps audiences listening long after the last word.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

First, determination has been essential. This industry doesn’t always move quickly or predictably, and there were many moments when consistency mattered more than momentum. Staying committed to my craft, whether refining my delivery, showing up for auditions, or building relationships allowed me to keep moving forward even when results weren’t immediate. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to respect the long game. Progress compounds over time, so stay focused, patient, and disciplined, even when no one is applauding yet.

Second, adaptability has shaped my career in powerful ways. My background as a reporter, anchor, and talk show host taught me how to shift tone, pacing, and perspective depending on the story and audience. That flexibility now allows me to work across commercials, corporate narration, e-learning, political campaigns, and cultural institutions. For those just starting out, invest in learning multiple styles and formats. Be curious, stay teachable, and don’t box yourself in too early. versatility creates opportunity.

Finally, empathy has been the foundation of everything I do. My ability to connect with people on a human level is what sets my voice apart and builds trust with clients. Whether I’m voicing a brand message or advocating for literacy and inclusion through Dream Out Loud Media, empathy allows me to tell stories with care and credibility. My advice is simple but powerful: listen more than you speak. Understand the message, the audience, and the intention behind the words. Skill can be taught, but empathy deepens with experience and awareness.

Together, these qualities, determination, adaptability, and empathy have allowed me to build a career rooted in impact, purpose, and authenticity. For anyone early in their journey, focus on developing not just your talent, but the character and mindset that will sustain it.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I’ve been fortunate to be shaped by a combination of faith and people who poured into me at critical moments in my life. First and foremost, I give a great deal of credit to God. My faith has grounded me, especially during seasons of uncertainty, and has given me the strength to keep moving forward when the path wasn’t clear.

My grandparents were monumental in my growth. They made me feel so special and that I could accomplish anything. They instilled in me values like discipline, integrity, and perseverance. Lessons that still guide how I show up professionally and creatively. They taught me the importance of using my gifts responsibly and with purpose.

I also credit my second-grade teacher and a high school teacher who recognized my voice early on and encouraged me to speak, read, and express myself confidently. At such a young age, that affirmation mattered more than I realized at the time. It planted a seed that eventually grew into a career rooted in communication and storytelling.

Finally, I had a “play aunt” who consistently reinforced belief in me. She challenged me to dream bigger, speak boldly, and trust that my voice had value. Her encouragement helped me build confidence and resilience, especially during moments of self-doubt.

Collectively, these influences were monumental in my growth. They didn’t just help me develop skills—they shaped my mindset, values, and belief in the power of my voice. Their impact continues to show up in my work every day.

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Image Credits

Lindria Dockett

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