HERS 2025: Island SPACE Caribbean Museum Honors Caribbean Women with Style, Spirit and Sisterhood in Tamarac
Caribbean women from across South Florida gathered in glowing celebration at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum’s third annual HERS event, held Sunday, July 14, 2025, at Colony West Golf Club in the City of Tamarac. With a blend of empowerment and culture, HERS 2025 was a tribute to the multifaceted identities and contributions of Caribbean women.
More than 300 attendees filled the event room, foyer and balcony, ready to connect, celebrate and be inspired. The afternoon unfolded with uplifting presentations, beauty and wellness demonstrations, a women-owned marketplace, a powerful awards ceremony recognizing local heroines, and a bold fashion showcase—all designed to nourish the mind, body and spirit.
Presented with the sponsorship of the División Cultural del Condado de Broward, the Community Foundation of Broward and Commissioner Morey Wright from the City of Tamarac, the event brought together women of Caribbean heritage from diverse backgrounds and industries.
A Sacred Space for Caribbean Women’s Stories
The program began with a warm welcome by Calibe Thompson, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, before Tamarac Commissioner Morey Wright offered opening remarks, underscoring the city’s support for inclusive cultural initiatives and the women who fuel them.
Guests were treated to a spoken word performance by Anne Sylvie Jean-Louis, whose poetry about her Haitian roots and her relationship with her hair offered emotional reflection. Attendees rotated through mini-workshops, including Peggy Nesbitt-Rigg’s expert insights into managing female hair loss, and a live makeup demo by Candice Veerasammy y Jennifer Betances of RoryLee® Cosmetics. Stephanie Stanford took attendees on a journey inward with a presentation on finding peace in soca, sun, sand and sea—offering a moment of thrilling excitement and calm mindfulness in the midst of activity that had one attendee sharing “the noise in my head quieted for a little while.”
Honoring Caribbean Women Who Lead and Inspire
A major highlight of the afternoon was the HERS 2025 Honoree Presentation, recognizing women across a range of sectors—from healthcare and education to entrepreneurship and the arts—who have made outstanding contributions to their communities. Each nominee was honored with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition presented by U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a proclamation from City of Tamarac Mayor Michelle J. Gomez and Commissioner Wright, and their official Island SPACE HERS 2025 Honoree Certificate.
Three honorees were spotlighted with video vignettes and awards, for their unique service to the community. The museum itself was also acknowledged for its leadership and impact in preserving and celebrating Caribbean heritage by Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who offered congressional recognition of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum as the only Caribbean heritage museum in the world.
A $1,000 donation was presented to the museum by Mayor Gomaez and Commissioner Wright, with Wright also recommitting to his personal matching donation. Matching donations were also pledged by two anonymous donors and Commissioner Karlene Maxwell-Williams.
Also in attendance were County Commissioner Hazelle Rogers, Sunrise Vice Mayor Jacqueline Guzman and Commissioner Latoya Clarke, Miami Gardens Councilwoman Linda Julien, and many other distinguished guests.
Shopping, Self-Care, and Caribbean Style on the Runway
Throughout the event, guests browsed a curated vendor marketplace featuring woman-owned businesses like Moonflower Essentials (natural body care), Akajou Creation (handmade home and fashion items), R&D Self Defense, and more.
The event concluded with a stunning Caribbean fashion show hosted by Stephanie Cobham-Azerak, showcasing bold, beautiful designs by Zainabu Fashion, all available for purchase. With a traditional African Djembe drum setting the tone, models strutted in bold prints and contemporary silhouettes that embodied the segment’s Afro-Caribbean theme.
A silent auction closed out the program, giving attendees one last opportunity to support the museum and walk away with hand-selected treasures like hotel stays, a free dinner at Yarumba Dominican Restaurant in Miami Gardens and massages.
A Rejuvenating Experience for Women Who Give Their All
From start to finish, HERS 2025 offered an intentional space for women to recharge, reconnect and reflect on the power of their collective impact. Attendees left feeling empowered, supported and deeply celebrated.
Take a look at some of our favorite moments here:
