phenomenal women
of nevis
Honouring Past and Present Pioneers
on the International Stage
Though small in size, Nevis has produced extraordinary women whose influence has reached far beyond its shores. Nevisian women have long been the backbone of society - nurturing families, preserving traditions, and excelling in their fields. But beyond shaping life on the island, many have carved paths of success on the international stage, proving that greatness is not limited by geography. In celebration of Women's History Month, this online exhibition, honours the resilience, brilliance, and achievements of women of Nevisian heritage who have made an impact in their respective fields. Whether as educators, activists, artists, entrepreneurs, lawmakers, or cultural ambassadors, these women have carried the spirit of Nevis with them, breaking barriers and inspiring change worldwide.
This exhibition is not an exhaustive list, but a tribute to a selection of women whose stories, often unsung, highlight the power of determination and excellence. From an island of just 36 square miles, these trailblazers have risen to global prominence, proving that the size of one's homeland does not limit the scale of their influence.
As you explore this exhibition, we invite you to celebrate the legacy of these phenomenal women, recognize their contributions, and be inspired to carry forward their spirit of resilience and ambition.
Welcome to Phenomenal Women of Nevis: Honouring Pioneers on the Global Stage, Past & Present -a tribute to the strength, brilliance, and boundless impact of Nevisian womanhood.
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Frances (Fanny) Coker was born enslaved on 26 August 1767 on Mountravers, John Pretor Pinney’s sugar plantation in Nevis. She was the oldest child of Black Polly, an enslaved African woman who had endured the Atlantic crossing in a slaving vessel. Fanny’s father almost certainly was William Coker, one of Pinney’s white plantation managers. Coker’s wife was an aunt of Mrs Pinney’s, and Fanny was, therefore, Mrs Pinney’s cousin-by-marriage.
When she was eleven, Pinney freed Fanny Coker – one of only about half a dozen individuals he manumitted (freed). In 1783 the Pinney family returned to England taking with them two servants: Fanny and Mr Pinney’s enslaved manservant, Pero Jones.
Although trained as a seamstress, as a ‘nursemaid’ Fanny Coker also looked after several of the Pinneys’ young children but in due course advanced to became Mrs Pinney’s lady’s maid. The Pinneys valued economy, and Fanny could alter Mrs Pinney’s garments cheaply by adding fashionable touches. She would also have had to know how to keep a variety of materials in good condition: feathers, leather, silk, lace, pearls, silver and gold. Ladies’ maids washed and ironed their mistresses’ delicate items of clothing, assisted them in getting dressed and undressed and styled their hair with feathers and ribbons. They had to know how to curl and cut, and how to mix cosmetics and fragrances from ingredients such as dried flowers and castor oil which was imported from Nevis.
Although ladies’ maids fulfilled practical functions, an important role was that of companion. Mrs Pinney’s and Fanny’s shared West Indian background may have outweighed the difference in status and wealth and may have been the basis for their long-lasting relationship. Mrs Pinney, 14 years Fanny’s senior, enjoyed walking, and the two women would often have strolled to the local coffee house to catch up on news and gossip. Mrs Pinney was an energetic traveller, and over the years the women visited many different places. Part of the summer they spent at seaside resorts and at one of the Pinneys’ country houses. Occasionally Fanny Coker was in charge of looking after their other country house where she enjoyed greater personal freedom while having to adjust to quiet rural life. One summer she had the company of Nancy, a visitor from Nevis.
Fanny Coker also travelled alone by public coach, proving that she was an organised, independent woman. On long trips she took with her the one truly private item all servants possessed: a lockable trunk for personal belongings.
Fanny Coker demonstrated religious maturity and an independent spirit when she joined the local Baptist church. Having been christened as a young child in Nevis in the Anglican faith, she chose to undergo baptism as an adult in a Nonconformist church whose senior members supported the abolition of the trade in enslaved Africans.
In the early 1800s Fanny earned £12 a year but as she became more proficient in her job, over time her wages more than doubled. She was able to save money from her wages and possibly also from working on commissions. Pinney invested money on her behalf and, in addition, on his death he left her an annuity - on condition she remained in Mrs Pinney’s service.
Throughout her life Fanny maintained contact with her family by writing letters and sending presents or goods that could be sold at a profit. In later years her mother and one of her brothers, Billey Jones, lived semi-free in Charlestown. Black Polly claimed that Billey was Pinney’s son - something Pinney denied.
Fanny suffered from a ‘liver affection’ and during the last few months of her life was cared for by a nurse hired by Mrs Pinney. Fanny died on 12 April 1820 at the age of 52. According to the Baptist records she had 'lived honourably and died comfortably'.
She left £80, three trunks of clothes, her watch and silverware to her immediate family in Nevis. Fanny remembered her fellow servant Ann Seymour with a personal gift, her ‘best tea chest’, along with any remaining items. She also bequeathed £5 to the Baptist Missionary Society which was then seeking to convert enslaved people in Jamaica.
Fanny Coker was buried in the Baptist Burial Ground in Bristol where a tombstone marked her grave. Over time that cemetery became disused and all human remains were in 1026 moved to another single burial site elsewhere in Bristol.
Whilst her brother Billey had died shortly before Fanny, she was survived by her mother, her sisters Hetty and Little Molly and her brother Cubenna and over a dozen nephews and nieces. Some of their descendants, no doubt, still live in Nevis.
Fanny Coker’s story adds to our understanding of plantation-born female domestics who so far have remained largely invisible in British and Caribbean history.
Text © 2025 Christine Eickelmann and David Small
Eulalie Spence was born in Nevis in 1894, the eldest child of Robert Spence and Eno Lake Spence. Her father owned or managed a sugar estate on the island but following a severe hurricane in 1901 he migrated to Harlem, New York. His wife and four daughters followed him in 1902. The family later moved from Harlem to Brooklyn. Eulalie attended Wadleigh High School, New York’s first public girls’ high school and then attended the Normal Department of the New York Training School for Teachers. After beginning her teaching career, she took courses in speech and English at the College of the City of New York (CCNY) and Columbia University and studied for a short period at the National Ethiopian Art Theatre School which sought to train and employ black actors. Spence obtained her Bachelor of Arts in 1937 from New York University and her Master’s of Arts in Speech in 1939 from Teacher’s College, Colombia University. Spence taught English and elocution for 31 years (1927-1958) at the Eastern District High School in Brooklyn, a predominantly white school where she also directed the school drama club. Her career at the school was a remarkable achievement for a black teacher at the time.
Spence wrote up to 14 known plays between 1920 and 1933. Unfortunately, some of these have been lost. Her plays are mainly one act dramas, mostly categorized as comedies. She is thought to have been the only playwright of the Harlem Renaissance who had formally studied dramatic structure, and the quality of her work reflected this. Five of her plays won prizes in competitions organized between 1925 and 1927 by the Black literary magazines, Opportunity and Crisis, more than any other competing playwright, male or female. A number of her plays were also published. She was a leading member of the short lived but influential Krigwa Players Theatre group also known as the Little Negro Theatre, founded by the leading black writer and academic of the Harlem Renaissance, W.E.B. Dubois.
Spence described herself as a folk dramatist aiming above all to entertain her audience. Many of her plays were set in Harlem and depicted the daily lives of ordinary black people speaking in the contemporary dialect, to enhance the realism of her character portrayals. This was unusual at the time. She sought to present social and psychological issues affecting human lives and relationships especially among the sexes rather than focus on the history of racial discrimination endured by persons of African descent in the United States. Her perspective on the role of drama conflicted with the views of Du Bois and other members of the New Negro movement who felt the role of black theatre should be primarily political, presenting “propaganda pieces” which highlighted the institutionalized racism endured by people of African descent in the United States. Du Bois nevertheless recognised and admired the great talent of Eulalie Spence, and she won two prizes in 1927, the year when he was the primary judge of the Crisis competition. Krigwa produced many of her plays and two of her sisters acted in them.
While she readily identified with and depicted the daily lives of African Americans in her work, Spence stood out from other Harlem Renaissance playwrights due to her West Indian origins. These origins strongly influenced her view of the world, and by extension, the role of theatre. She spoke of the discrimination which her family as Caribbean immigrants had experienced from African Americans. She explained her resistance to writing propaganda plays by pointing out that growing up in the West Indies, she had not experienced the extreme forms of racism and segregation that existed in the American South.
Spence was also a drama critic, coach, director and actor. She joined Columbia University’s Laboratory Players in the late 1930s. After writing her last play in 1934 (her only full-length drama of 3 acts) she devoted the rest of her professional life to teaching and also directed a number of productions at her school. As a teacher, she became a mentor to her student, Joseph Papp, who became a distinguished theatrical producer and director, and the founder of the New York Shakespeare Festival (now called Shakespeare in the Park) and the Public Theatre. Papp, who is considered one of the major influences in American Theatre in the second half of the 20th century, described Spence as “the major influential force” in his life.
Eulalie Spence died in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on March 7, 1981, at the age of 86.
Plays
• The Starter (1923)
• On Being Forty
• Foreign Mail (1926)
• Fool’s Errand (1927)
• Her (1927)
• Hot Stuff (1927)
• The Hunch (1927)
• Undertow (1927)
• Episode (1928)
• La Divina Pastora (1929)
• The Whipping (1934)
Essays
• "A Criticism of the Negro Drama as it Relates to the Negro Dramatist and Artist." Opportunity, June 28, 1928.
• "Negro Art Players in Harlem." Opportunity, December, 1928.
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Constance Baker Motley (1921–2005) was a pioneering civil rights attorney, judge, and politician who played a crucial role in dismantling segregation in the United States. Born on September 14, 1921, in New Haven, Connecticut, she was the ninth of twelve children born to Nevisians, Willoughby and Rachel Huggins Baker. Her parents, who valued education and hard work, instilled in her a strong sense of justice and ambition despite the racial barriers of the time. Motley excelled academically and developed a passion for civil rights early on. With financial support from a local philanthropist, she attended Fisk University, later transferring to New York University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in 1943. She went on to earn her law degree from Columbia Law School in 1946, becoming only the second Black woman to graduate from the institution.
After law school, Motley joined the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), where she became one of the most influential legal minds of the movement under Thurgood Marshall’s leadership. She played a key role in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the landmark Supreme Court case that struck down school segregation. Motley personally argued ten cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, winning nine, and contributed to dozens more. Her victories include:
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Meredith v. Fair (1962): She successfully argued James Meredith’s right to integrate the University of Mississippi, despite violent resistance.
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Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority (1961): This case expanded civil rights protections by holding that racial discrimination in public accommodations with government ties was unconstitutional.
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Hamilton v. Alabama (1961): She defended civil rights activists and reinforced the right of Black citizens to be treated with dignity in court.
Motley’s work extended beyond the courtroom—she traveled throughout the South, often at great personal risk, to challenge segregation in schools, buses, parks, and lunch counters. She was instrumental in desegregating the universities of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. She also defended Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights activists who were arrested during protests. In 1964, Motley became the first Black woman elected to the New York State Senate, where she advocated for fair housing laws and economic opportunities for Black communities. Two years later, she was appointed as the first woman to serve as Manhattan Borough President, where she championed urban development projects and anti-poverty initiatives.
In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed her as the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge, a historic milestone. As a judge in the Southern District of New York, she presided over major cases involving gender discrimination, housing rights, and employment equality, further cementing her legacy in the fight for justice.
Constance Baker Motley remained on the federal bench for nearly four decades, serving as Chief Judge from 1982 to 1986 and taking senior status in 1986. She continued hearing cases until her passing on September 28, 2005.
Motley’s work shaped American civil rights law, paving the way for future generations of lawyers, activists, and politicians. Her perseverance, legal brilliance, and unwavering commitment to justice left an indelible mark on the nation.
Born on December 18, 1924, in East Harlem, New York, Cicely Tyson was the daughter of Nevisians Fredericka (née Huggins) Tyson and William Augustine Tyson. Over a career spanning more than five decades, she broke barriers and redefined the representation of Black women in Hollywood. Her talent and commitment to her craft earned her numerous accolades, including three Emmy Awards, multiple NAACP Image Awards, an Oscar nomination, and a prestigious Kennedy Center Honor in 2015.
In an industry where longevity is rare, Tyson remained a commanding presence well into her later years. Even in her late 80s, she graced Broadway with unforgettable performances in The Trip to Bountiful (2013) and The Gin Game (2015). Her role in The Trip to Bountiful earned her a Tony Award at the age of 88, making her the oldest person to receive the honor at the time.
Throughout her career, Tyson rejected roles that reinforced negative stereotypes of Black women. Known for her elegance and signature style, Tyson became a fashion and cultural icon, playing a key role in the “Black is Beautiful” movement. She graced the covers of Ebony, Essence, and Jet magazines and helped popularize natural hairstyles. In 2016, at age 91, she stood proudly at the White House as President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In 1974, Tyson starred in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, a groundbreaking television film about a formerly enslaved woman’s journey through a century of history. Her portrayal won two Emmy Awards and captivated 40 million viewers. She later delivered memorable performances in Roots (1977) and biographical roles such as Harriet Tubman and Coretta Scott King.
Tyson visited Nevis in 1983 and 2004. On 19 September, 1983 she presided over the dedication of the newly restored building in Charlestown that now houses the Nevis Island Assembly, the NHCS offices, and the Museum of Nevis History. In later years, Tyson continued captivating audiences with standout performances, including her role as Ophelia Harkness, the mother of Viola Davis’s character Annalise Keating, in the hit legal drama How to Get Away with Murder (2015–2020). Her emotionally charged performance as a mother battling dementia earned her multiple Emmy nominations, proving that her talent remained unparalleled well into her 90s.
Beyond television, Tyson’s film credits span a diverse range of roles. She appeared in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Fried Green Tomatoes, Because of Winn-Dixie, Hoodlum, and Diary of a Mad Black Woman. She also starred in Madea’s Family Reunion, Why Did I Get Married Too?, The Help, and Alex Cross, continuing to leave an impact on audiences across generations.
Tyson’s legacy extended beyond the screen. She remained active in theater, appearing in over 100 productions throughout her lifetime. Her influence was widely recognized, culminating in some of the highest honors in the industry. In addition to her Kennedy Center Honor, she received an honorary Oscar in 2018, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the NAACP’s prestigious Spingarn Award. Cicely Tyson passed away on January 28, 2021 at the age of 96.
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Born on November 8, 1972, in Bath Village, Nevis, Hazel D. Byron was a trailblazer whose legacy of resilience and achievement continues to inspire. Diagnosed with Down syndrome, she defied expectations and etched her name in history at just 14 years old. In 1987, Hazel became the first Special Olympics gold medalist from St. Kitts and Nevis at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in South Bend, Indiana. Competing in shot put and sprinting, she secured an extraordinary haul of three gold medals and a bronze—an achievement that remains unmatched in the nation’s sporting history.
Hazel also competed at the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in Connecticut, earning yet another gold medal, this time in the sport of bocce.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Hazel dedicated over two decades of her life to the Charlestown Pre-School, where she formed lifelong bonds with students and colleagues alike. Her warmth, determination, and unwavering spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Hazel D. Byron passed away in 2024 at the age of 52, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance, excellence, and love that will be cherished for generations to come.
Melanie Janine Brown, widely known as Mel B or Scary Spice, was born on May 29, 1975, in Leeds, England. She is the daughter of Nevisian Martin Brown and great granddaughter of Celian "Martin" Powell of Zion Village. Her Nevisian and British heritage has been a defining part of her identity, influencing both her personal and professional journey.
Mel B rose to global stardom in the 1990s as a member of the Spice Girls, the best-selling girl group of all time. Embodying the persona of Scary Spice, she was known for her bold personality, energetic performances, and fearless attitude. The group’s debut single, "Wannabe," topped charts in 37 countries, launching them into worldwide fame. Selling over 85 million records, the Spice Girls spearheaded the "Girl Power" movement, making a lasting impact on pop culture and empowering women globally.
After the group's initial disbandment in 2000, Mel B pursued a successful solo career, releasing her debut album, Hot, which featured the UK number one hit “I Want You Back.” She later reinvented herself as a beloved television personality, serving as a judge on major talent shows such as America’s Got Talent, The X Factor UK, The X Factor Australia, and The Voice Kids Australia. Her unfiltered charisma and sharp wit made her a fan favorite, earning her a place as one of television’s most recognizable faces.
Beyond entertainment, Mel B is a passionate advocate for women’s rights, using her platform to speak out against domestic abuse and support survivors. Drawing from her own personal experiences which she describes in her best-selling memoir, Brutally Honest (2018). she has worked closely with charities and organizations to raise awareness and empower women. In recognition of her dedication to charity and advocacy, she was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
In addition to her global influence, Mel B’s deep connection to Nevis was officially recognized when she was made an Ambassador of Nevis, a title that reflects both her pride in her heritage and her commitment to promoting the island on the world stage.
Today Mel B continues to inspire through her music, television presence, and advocacy work.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juliette_Jeffers
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0420156/
Follow her on social media @juliettejeffers
Juliette Jeffers is an award winning Caribbean American actor, playwright, director, producer and teaching artist. On screen, she has appeared in twenty-two films, forty-one TV shows and over sixty national commercials. Some of her recent credits include “Found”, “Law & Order” and “911 Lone Star”. You can currently see Juliette in “Aftermath” and “Noise in The Middle” on Amazon Prime and “Tulsa King” on Paramount Plus. And stay tuned for her upcoming Guest Star Recurring role in Shondaland’s “The Residence” on Netflix starring Giancarlo Esposito.
Juliette has produced several theatre productions in NY and LA. She has written five solo plays and has performed them throughout the US and the Caribbean; Batman and Robin in the Boogie Down, (Bronx Council on the Arts Award, Drama Desk, and NAACP nominations), Chocolate Match, Pan Gyul, Judgment Day, and Tio Pablo (In English and Spanish – best play and best actress awards – Hollywood Short and Sweet fest).
As a teaching artist, Juliette has taught acting and writing in schools and correctional facilities in New York, Los Angeles and recently, Nevis. She is a private coach and has helped develop and/or directed over one-hundred solo shows. Juliette served on the Board of the LA Women’s Theatre Festival and was the Curator of the Black Voices Solo Theatre Festival at the Whitefire Theatre.
Juliette is working with the Nevis Film Commission to help build their Film Industry. She is currently in pre-production for a film that she will shoot there this summer.
Chantal Miller is a storyteller by trade, with a passion for social and creative entrepreneurship. She is the founder of Island Girls Rock (IGR), a non-profit initiative dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and connecting women of Caribbean heritage. Through IGR, Chantal has created a platform that fosters cultural connections, amplifies Caribbean voices, and champions collaborative opportunities between women of the Caribbean and its diaspora. The impact of IGR has been recognized internationally, including a feature in Essence Magazine—a significant moment of visibility for a Caribbean-led platform.
But storytelling, in all its forms, is at the core of Chantal’s work. Whether through film curation, podcasting, wellness, or broadcasting, her focus is always on crafting meaningful narratives and creating intentional spaces.
Film Curation & Production
For over 15 years, Chantal has been curating Caribbean film screenings and festivals in London, Paris, New York, and Nevis. But here’s the thing—her screenings aren’t just about watching a film. They are immersive experiences, layered with meaning, music, food, and deep conversation. Thoughtfully curated. Sumptuously done. A full sensory journey.
Beyond curating, her love for film runs deep. She studied Film & Media at Birkbeck University, has produced films of her own, and is stepping back into that space—telling our stories visually once again. Along the way, she has built an incredible network of Caribbean filmmakers, writers, directors, producers, sound technicians, makeup artists, and hairstylists—every aspect of the filmmaking process. Many of these professional relationships have evolved into deep friendships, making this work even more meaningful.
Her contributions to visual storytelling extend beyond film. She co-curated the exhibition “Home” with Gabrielle Smith of The New Black and produced a series of events for Photofusion UK, amplifying the work of Caribbean photographers and the way they tell stories.
Podcasting & Broadcasting
Chantal’s background in broadcasting started in Nevis at VON Radio, where she made her on-air debut providing hurricane updates during Hurricane Hugo. Since then, she has built an impressive career in media, including voiceover work for The Caine Prize for African Writing and hosting numerous live events.
She is the co-host of The (Relate)able Podcast, a space for open and honest conversations created unapologetically for Black people. In 2023, the podcast was recognized as one of the best women-produced and hosted podcasts of the year, earning it a feature on billboards across the UK, including London, Liverpool, and Wales. The podcast was also selected to close the London Podcasting Festival with a live recording in its very first year.
Before the podcasting boom, Chantal launched the Island Girls Rock Podcast, which was nominated for Podcast of the Year at the Precious Lifestyle Awards (2019).
Her expertise in the industry led to an invitation to Spotify’s Sound Up Program, where she mentored emerging podcasters. Her impact was deeply felt—participants referenced her insights throughout the sessions, and Spotify acknowledged her as a strong model for women in podcasting.
Creative Healing & Wellness Advocacy
A certified sound healing and creative healing practitioner, Chantal integrates storytelling with wellness. She facilitates digital storytelling workshops for young people, leads meditation sessions, and designs wellness programs for organizations. The intention behind her practice is to encourage others to tend to their lives through meaningful self-care and ease.
Recognition & Impact
Chantal’s work has been acknowledged in various ways:
• Island Girls Rock has been featured in Essence Magazine.
• She was named a Carib Biz Network Boss Lady two years in a row.
• She has worked with Spotify, AfroPunk, BBC Arts, Southbank London, and The Caine Prize for African Writing.
• She covered the first AfroPunk Paris, with a highlight being an interview with Lenny Kravitz (Bahamian heritage).
• In 2021, she hosted the Table Talks series at Soho House London, amplifying Caribbean storytelling through food and the arts.
• She was the host of Speaking Of, a London-based event featuring performances and readings from emerging and established Caribbean wordsmiths—including Freetown Collective and the late Phife Dawg (A Tribe Called Quest).
Final Word
For Chantal, everything comes back to storytelling—whether through film, voice, wellness, or community building. With a deep passion for Caribbean culture, her work continues to create spaces of connection, healing, and joy for the people of the Caribbean and its diaspora.
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Simone Mills, born in New York City, carries the heart of Nevis within her. With roots deeply embedded in the island, hailing from Barnaby and Jessups through her parents, she spent her formative years and cherished holidays immersed in Nevisian culture. This profound connection to Nevis ignited a lifelong passion for Caribbean heritage.
Driven by this love, Simone pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Fairfield University, laying the groundwork for her academic exploration of the region. Her dedication culminated in a Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from New York University (NYU), where she focused her thesis on the powerful intersection of Carnival and resistance in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Beyond academia, Simone’s commitment to celebrating Caribbean culture shines through her vibrant content creation, sharing the richness and diversity of the region with a global audience. Her expertise and engaging voice have earned her features in prominent publications such as Travel Noire, Buzzfeed, Essence Magazine, InterCaribbean Airways in-flight magazine, and Caribbean Airlines in-flight magazine.
Simone’s contributions have garnered international recognition, including:
• Honoree for the 2023 IMPACT Honours from ImpactSKN for International Women’s Day, celebrating her digital impact on the region.
• Inclusion in Carib Biz Network’s 150 Caribbean Boss Ladies for 2024, recognizing her as a leading figure in the Caribbean business landscape.
• Carib Biz Network 2024 Island Icons Honors Digital Creator Excellence Nominee, acknowledging her exceptional talent in digital media.
• Recipient of the prestigious William J. Kramer Humanitarian Award, highlighting her dedication to serving others.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and with a beginner proficiency in Quechua, Simone embodies a spirit of cultural fluency and global understanding. Her work serves as a vital bridge, connecting the diaspora to the vibrant heart of the Caribbean, and stands as a testament to the power of cultural preservation and celebration.
Karen Tyrell is a communication specialist who specializes in film and television. As a unit publicist she has worked on projects as diverse as Amazon’s “The Boys,” and “The Expanse” for Amazon, "The Craft" for Sony/Blumhouse, "Come Play" for Amblin Entertainment, Warner Bros’ "300", Universal’s "The Hurricane", and "The Best Man Holiday".
Also a freelance writer, she has written promotional material for 20th Century Fox, HBO, Universal Pictures, Fox Searchlight, Bazan Entertainment, and Universal Home Entertainment.
Karen is a co-founder of Black Artists’ Networks in Dialogue (BAND) Gallery and Cultural Centre, an arts organization dedicated to supporting, documenting and showcasing the artistic and cultural contributions of Black artists and cultural workers in Canada and abroad.
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Stacey Tyrell is a visual artist who is a first generation Canadian from Toronto, ON Canada. Both of her parents are from Hermitage Road, Nevis. Her work explores the interplay of race, heritage and identity within post-colonial societies and the Caribbean Diaspora. In 2012 the Magenta Foundation’s Flash Forward 2012 chose her as one of the top emerging Canadian fine art photographers.
Her images have appeared in shows at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Red Line Museum Colorado, the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, the Canadian Museum for Immigration, and the Center for Photography at Woodstock. Her work has been featured in such publications as The Focal press Companion to the Constructed Image, Lens Culture, Wasafiri Literary Journal, Creole In the Archive, MFON: Women of the Diaspora, Marie Claire South Africa, Canadian Art, Prefix Photo, European Photography, Feature Shoot, Pictures From Paradise: A Survey of Caribbean Photographers (2013), Renewing Feminisms: Radical Narratives, Fantasies and Futures in Media Studies and See Me Here: A Survey of Contemporary Self-Portraits from the Caribbean.
Her work is part of the Royal Bank of Canada Fine Art Collection, Toronto Dominion Bank Fine Art Collection, the Spencer Museum of Art Collection, the Center for Photography at Woodstock and the Wedge Permanent Collection.
She has lectured on her work at New York University, the University of the Arts Philidelphia, OCAD University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Bennington College, School of Visual Art NY, Boston University, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Open College of the Arts UK,
Leslie Wade attended the Charlestown Secondary School, followed by Sixth Form College in St. Kitts. After attending the College of the Virgin Islands (CVI, now UVI), she received a graduate certificate in United Nations Studies from Long Island University in New York prior to completing the Masters Programme at Howard University and later a PhD in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and Economic Development.
Leslie was recruited by the United Nations Secretariat in June 1985, as an Associate Economic Affairs Officer. Serving the United Nations for 38 years, Leslie retired in September 2023 as Director in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
Ms. Wade has vast experience in strategic thinking and analysis, in providing intergovernmental support, relationship building with Member States and the UN system and in coordination and management. Leslie has worked in research and policy analysis beginning with her tenure in the field in various offices of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (Santiago, Port-of-Spain and Mexico), the Office of the Special Adviser for Africa and the Least Developed Countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Ms. Wade would go on to serve as head of the Inter-organizational and Inter-institutional Support Branch of the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development, DESA. Today, Leslie continues her legacy of excellence, she currently serves as the CARICOM Permanent Observer to the United Nations.
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Kendie Williams, born on October 15, 1985, on the island of St. Martin, has deep-rooted connections to Nevis through both of her parents, who are Nevisian. Having lived on Nevis for the past 27 years, she is also a citizen of the island by descent.
With over 17 years of experience at the Four Seasons Resort, Kendie began her career as a waitress, a position she held for three years before transitioning to bartending. After a decade as a bartender, she was promoted to Bar Supervisor and later achieved the distinguished title of Hotel Mixologist. In this role, she conducts mixology classes, rum tastings, rum pairings, and bar staff training while also crafting original cocktails featured across the hotel’s menus.
A self-taught mixologist, Kendie has further honed her skills through specialized training in New York and Texas. Her talent and dedication have been recognized through numerous accolades, including Employee of the Month (five times) and Employee of the Year (2019 & 2021).
Competing in mixology contests has become a hallmark of Kendie’s career. She has won the Angostura Federation Leg three consecutive times, advancing to regionals where she secured second and third-place finishes. Her achievements include:
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Four Seasons Hotel Bartender of the Year (2014)
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Recognized by the Caribbean Journal as "The Most Interesting Person Known for Rum"
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Third place in the Four Seasons Global Margarita Competition, leading to a training opportunity at Parón Tequila in Mexico
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Featured in the Forbes Travel Guide (2014, twice)
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NTA Bartender of the Year Award
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Creator of the Spicy Island Turtle, a cocktail selected by the Naked Turtle Rum Company and featured on their website and the Mango Bar menu at Four Seasons
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Creator of Kendie’s Kick, the hotel’s signature and top-selling cocktail
In 2023, Kendie traveled to New York with the Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) to showcase her cocktail, Nevisian Bloom, at the African American Society, where it was met with great acclaim.
Beyond her work behind the bar, Kendie values quality time with her family and continues to push the boundaries of mixology, ensuring that Nevis remains a recognized destination for exceptional cocktails.
Meritzer Williams of Craddock Road was born on January 1, 1989. She made history as Nevis's first female Olympian when she competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics at just 19 years old. Her participation marked a significant milestone for the federation, showcasing her as a trailblazer in athletics.
Following her Olympic feat, Meritzer pursued higher education on a full track and field scholarship at San Diego State University. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in economics, balancing both her academic pursuits and her passion for athletics.
Currently, Meritzer Williams works as a Track and Field Coordinator within the Department of Sports in St. Kitts. Her role allows her to contribute to the development of sports in the federation, drawing from her extensive experience and knowledge in the field.
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A daughter of the soil, Kashma Evelyn-Nisbett was born and raised in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Upon completing her studies here on Nevis, Kashma moved to New York to continue her education in the field of Marketing and Communications at CUNY Bernard Baruch College. Post graduation, she spent 8 years within the financial sector employed by entities such as New York City Government, JP Morgan and American Express.
In 2019, Kashma’s love for marketing and developing content grew, which led to the creation of her blog @foodforkash. What started out as a mere hobby, soon became a creative outlet that captures her love for all things food and travel.
Then in 2021, Kashma took a leap of faith, and left the corporate world to spearhead her own marketing company FOODFORKASH INC. She partnered with brands such as Walmart, Nutribullet, Wendy’s, Papa John’s, Ferrero Rocher, Ting Soda, Eggland’s Best, among others to create content and promote their products, across her social channels.
As her brand continued to soar, Kashma’s main goal was to return to Nevis to invest in the tourism sector. As such, she began highlighting local resorts, restaurants, tour companies, and activities. This allowed her to partner with locally based brands such as Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, St. Kitts Music Festival, Nevis Hydro Gardens and more.
However, Kashma’s true passion always touches on her love for food! She uses her food blog as a way to highlight local cuisine and food spots like Big6 Flavours, Exodus Ital Bar, Whyte Castle, Carbo's, Knick Knacks Cafe, Kamil’s Kitchen, Level Up Sports Bar & Grill, among others.
Her continued promotion of Nevis soon paid off when she was named host of the inaugural season of Nevis Tourism Authority’s series “A Taste of Nevis”. This series captured behind the scenes content of the best culinary on the island. Deemed a successful season, Kashma was named the Culinary Ambassador of Nevis - one of her greatest achievements to date.
Dawn Liburd who hails from Brown Hill, Nevis is a Partner at Microsoft Corporation. She is based in Seattle and currently serves as the General Manager of Risk Management, Trust & Safety Operations with responsibility for AI (Artificial Intelligence) Operations, Digital Safety and Responsible AI Operations, Global Trade and 3rd Party Compliance.
Dawn began her professional career at KPMG LLP in January 2000. During her tenure at KPMG, she worked in the External Audit Practice and served a range of publicly traded and privately held Financial Services companies. In 2011, with a goal of deepening her business acumen and joining a dynamic company that could keep her challenged, she joined Microsoft’s Audit, Risk and Compliance Group as a Senior Manager. After approximately 3.5 years overseeing internal audits in the US, Washington and various countries across the globe, Dawn was asked to take on Internal Audit leadership responsibilities for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Region. In October 2014, she relocated to Singapore and was appointed Audit Director for Microsoft’s APAC Region. She returned to Seattle in July 2018 where she led Internal Audit’s Corporate Pillar responsible for Accessibility, Privacy, Tax, Trade, Third-party Supplier and SOX Audit Programs and for audits across Business Development, Legal Affairs, Finance, Human Resources and Business Operations. Dawn assumed co-leadership responsibilities for Internal Audit in July 2020 through March 2022 before transitioning to her current role.
Dawn is a passionate people leader and advocate for Microsoft’s mission to “Empower every individual and every organization on the planet to achieve more”. She lives this mission each day in the way in which she leads her team and partners across Microsoft. This mission also fuels her passion for creating and fostering environments where people of diverse backgrounds feel valued and inspired to do their best work.
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