Celebrating Women Who Shine

June is Caribbean-American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of Caribbean people and their descendants to the United States. This year, we are proud to spotlight five exceptional women who are making a difference in their respective fields.

Dr. Claire Nelson (Jamaica)

Dr. Claire Nelson, a trailblazing Jamaican futurist, sustainability engineer, and social entrepreneur, launched the official campaign for June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month in 2004. Claire is a testament to the power of resilience, making significant strides in international development for over 25 years. A White House Champion of Change, she is sought after for her insights on economic development and Caribbean issues. Claire's unwavering determination continues to inspire through her work and speaking engagements. Claire is the Ideation Leader of the Futures Forum and Sagient Futures, LLC., providing strategic oversight consulting.

Hon. Hazelle P. Rogers, C.D. (Jamaica)

Hon. Hazelle P. Rogers, C.D., a trailblazing political leader from Kingston, Jamaica, has had a remarkable career in public service. Starting her political career in Broward County in 1996, Hazelle became the only woman on the Lauderdale Lakes City Commission. Hazelle served as President of the Broward League of Cities and was elected State Representative for Districts 94 & 95. In 2022, she was elected to the Broward County Commission. With over 32 years of experience, Hazelle has received numerous awards, including the Order of Distinction from Jamaica. Her priorities include affordable housing, senior support, and police and criminal justice review boards.

Janine Sylvestre (Belize)

Janine Sylvestre is a distinguished native of Belize who has had a notable career. She served in the Belizean Foreign Service, including a post at the Embassy of Belize in Washington, DC. Janine's career includes roles at the Free Trade Area of the Americas and Roses Paper Products. Janine is also a former President of the Rotary Club of Miami Beach. A distinguished diplomat and communicator, Janine is now serving the Government of Belize as Honorary Consul of Belize in Florida, representing Belizeans living in Florida and promoting trade, investment, and tourism to Belize.

Wanda Tima (Haiti)

Wanda Tima is an award-winning Haitian-Turks Islander media maven raised in Turks and Caicos and South Florida. Excited about her heritage and with a passion for giving back, in 2011, Wanda founded L'union Suite. This digital platform has become the heartbeat of the Haitian diaspora, reaching millions of people every week. Wanda co-founded "The Haitian-America" Facebook page, growing it to over 100,000 fans, with 5 million weekly views. She has revolutionized the way Haitians connect globally and elevated Haitian culture's visibility on a global scale. Wanda serves as the U.S. International Brand Manager for TRACE, the #1 Global Brand of Afro-Urban Music & Entertainment.

Cindy-Ann Boisson (Trinidad & Tobago)

Cindy-Ann Boisson, a stand-up comedian from Trinidad and Tobago, now based in Florida, has brought laughter and joy to audiences worldwide. Known as a ''delightful rum-punch of comedy,'' Cindy-Ann began her comedy career in 2014, inspired by a class at the Improv Comedy Club in Fort Lauderdale. A two-time finalist in Florida's Funniest Female competition, she has performed across the USA, UK, Canada, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. With a passion for spreading joy, Cindy-Ann's motto is "Everything can be funny, but not everything is funny." She aims to create meaningful connections through laughter.

These remarkable women, each with their unique achievements, are a testament to the diversity and richness of Caribbean culture. They are just a small representation of the many Caribbean women who have made significant contributions and continue to shine across the globe. Let's celebrate their achievements and the diversity they bring to our communities.