On Friday, the Donna Frett-Gregory Community Impact Foundation highlighted powerful women within the Virgin Islands community in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. The ceremony recognized 22 impactful women who continuously display bravery and proactivity for the betterment of the Virgin Islands.
The recognition of the 22 honorees marked the DFG-CIF Inc.’s fourth annual International Women’s Day event, held on the waterfront apron. The event featured live entertainment and was secured by the Virgin Islands Police Department. Each honoree has trailblazed her way into the spotlight and demonstrated “accelerated action” through acts of service.
The mistress of ceremonies, Shayla Solomon, opened the event by informing the audience about its purpose and the raffle ticket prizes, benefitting The Kid’s Kitchen Initiative and the Three Queens Venture Initiative under Seat Caribbean. The event was well attended by family members and friends of the honorees, senators, government officials, and fellow Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta.
Former Senator Donna Frett-Gregory welcomed the supportive crowd with a celebratory speech. “This event isn’t just about celebration; it’s about action. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Accelerate Action,’ and we need to stand by accelerated action from the women of the Virgin Islands,” Frett-Gregory said. “It reminds us as women in the territory that we can’t stand still, and we must keep moving. Now is the time to push forward and create more opportunities for women to thrive.”
She also noted the difficulty of narrowing down the list of honorees each year due to the innumerable number of impactful women in the community. “Tonight, we are shining a light” on them, Frett-Gregory said.
The former senator also highlighted the DFG-CIF Inc. flagship programs. The Kid’s Kitchen Initiative served over 1,400 hot meals to children in the housing community every Saturday during the summer in the St. Thomas-St. John district. The foundation also awarded four scholarships to graduating seniors to continue their education and assist in their journey to becoming impactful women. Additionally, Seat Caribbean’s Three Queens Venture Program helps women entrepreneurs develop business strategies to grow their businesses throughout the territory. Gregory thanked the audience for their support in raising funds for these initiatives and recognizing the honorees.
The remainder of the evening featured catered food and live entertainment. Each honoree was awarded a glass plaque for her hard work in the community, accompanied by an announcement of her biography and a photo taken by photographer Roshan Sookram. After the awards, the honorees were serenaded by Harmonic Voices from the University of the Virgin Islands with a rendition of Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire.”
Frett-Gregory was later joined by Sally Petty, Junia John-Straker, Lorraine Benjamin Mathew, Barbara Michaud, and Jessica Whyte for a segment called “Fireside Chat.” Each woman answered a question about how her resilience was challenged and how she persevered. One of the questions was: “How have you learned to advocate for yourself, whether it’s negotiating, leading, or setting boundaries in spaces that weren’t always designed with you in mind?”
Guests stayed behind to eagerly await the announcement of the raffle winners. The support of the guests helped keep the night vibrant, and individuals embraced the networking opportunities, leaving with more knowledge and inspiration than when they arrived.
“To everyone here tonight: the struggles are real, but keep moving forward and always put God first,” said honoree, Benjamin-Mathew, co-owner of Just Right Trucking.
DFG-CIF Inc. 2025 Trailblazers
Safiya George, president of the University of the Virgin Islands
Alda Schultebrant-Monsanto, visionary leader & community advocate
Barbara Michaud, director at Cancer Support VI
Sally Petty, principal at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School
DFG-CIF Inc. 2025 Inspirational Leaders
Junia John-Straker, CEO, Lutheran Social Services of the VI
Shelby King Gaddy, Esq., executive director of Legal Services of the VI Inc.
Jamila Russel, talk show host & community activist
Jessica B. Whyte, MA, LPC, JW Behavioral Center
DFG-CIF Inc. 2025 Women in the Spotlight
Lorraine Benjamin Mathew, co-owner of Just Right Trucking
Quianna E.E. Christian, second international vice president at Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Asiah Clendinen-Gumbs, chief operating officer at GERS
Jeree Estrill, owner of Key N GO UTV Adventures
Shauna George, owner of S’Hairs Hair Salon
Aniqua Harrigan, founder of Sisters Helping Sisters
Michelle Martin Dowe, Psy.D., owner of Therapy 2 Thrive
Ananta Pancham, publisher at the Virgin Islands Source
Charlotte K. Perrell, Esq., managing partner, Dudley, Newman Feuerzeig LLP
Shammie Phipps, owner of Shammie’s Boutique
Kendra Roach, fo-Founder & principal consultant of The Leader’s Branch
Sheniqua Robinson, communications specialist & mentor
Khnuma Simmonds, owner of My Girlfriend’s Closet
Marjorie Smith, president of Smith Ferry Services Ltd.
