Six Caribbean American women whose work spans music, law, education, health care, wellness and college access will be honored this month as Island SPACE Caribbean Museum presents its fourth annual HERS – Honoring Exceptionally Regal Sisters celebration.
The event is set for Saturday, Aug. 29, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Tamarac Community Center under this year’s theme, “Where Queens Gather.”
HERS was created to celebrate Caribbean women making an impact in their communities while giving younger generations examples of what achievement and service can look like.
“HERS reflects the strength, ambition and generosity of women in our community,” Tamarac Commissioner Morey Wright Jr., a supporting sponsor, said in a news release. “Tamarac is proud to welcome this celebration and the example these women set for the next generation.”
Meet the 2026 HERS honorees
This year’s honorees represent several Caribbean nations and professional backgrounds.
Melky Jean, a Haitian American Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and founder of the Carma Foundation, is being recognized for her humanitarian work supporting communities in Haiti and abroad.
Tremaine L. Hemans, Esq., a Jamaican attorney and founder of The Hemans Law Group, has been recognized by The Florida Bar for her pro bono work. She also mentors law students, provides scholarships in Jamaica and operates free immigration clinics.
Lynn W. Gassant, of Haiti, founded Scholar Career Coaching, an organization that has served more than 1,000 students and awarded more than $80,000 in scholarships.
Rev. Dr. Joan Williamson, of Jamaica, founded Living Well Community Care Center, which provides free primary care to uninsured South Floridians. She also leads humanitarian missions in Jamaica.
Jessyka Castillo, of the Dominican Republic, is an engineer and founder of Fitness + Financial Gains, an initiative focused on wellness and financial education.
Saisha Delevoe, of The Bahamas, founded EqualPath Solutions, a college-access organization whose work has reached more than 8,000 students.
Cleopatra Bauduy Moise, board president of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, said the event is intended to give women a space to celebrate their accomplishments while making those achievements visible to younger generations.
“HERS creates a space where achievement is elevated and women stand in the light,” Bauduy Moise said in a news release. “We want young women to see what is possible and the wider community to celebrate the women setting that example.”
An afternoon of Caribbean culture and conversation
Beyond the awards, HERS will feature a steelpan welcome, artisan marketplace, Caribbean Culinary Café, live entertainment and networking.
The event will also include “Queens in Conversation: Same Author, New Chapter,” a panel exploring how women navigate change and make room for new chapters in their lives.
Human resources professional Ayanna Edwards will moderate a conversation featuring Andrea Nevins, associate provost and professor at Nova Southeastern University, author and life coach; Renée Rivers, licensed mental health counselor and founder of Reflective Rivers Therapy & Consulting; and Dr. Lydia R. Malcolm, licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Authentic Behavioral Health.
For guests looking for a more elevated experience, the $65 Queen’s Parlor package includes general admission, a curated swag bag, mini massage, Royal Touch-Up Bar, Queen’s Lash Lounge, hair wellness consultation, tea service with a Caribbean small-bite sampler and a puzzle station.
Honoring the late Nancy Metayer Bowen
The HERS Awards program will also pay tribute to the late Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, who was the first Black and Haitian American woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission.
Her mother, Marly Metayer, will accept the honor on her behalf.
The afternoon will close with a Caribbean fashion showcase from Haitian designer Zamor of Zamor Creations, whose handmade designs incorporate bold colors, expressive prints and African and Caribbean influences.
How to attend
HERS 2026 will take place Saturday, Aug. 29, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Tamarac Community Center, 8601 W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac.
Advance admission is $30, while same-day admission is $40. Guests attending should follow the event’s “Island Chic” dress code.
A limited number of free tickets are available to Tamarac residents through Commissioner Morey Wright Jr.’s office at 954-597-3479. Valid ID is required, and tickets are available while supplies last.
Tickets and additional event information are available at islandspacefl.org/hers2026.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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