Women’s History Month Celebration 2025
More than 80 attendees gathered at Island SPACE on the afternoon of March 16th for the third annual Women’s History Month Celebration. This year’s theme, Unmasking Our Beauty, explores the many layers of beauty—both internal and external—that shape women’s identities.The event was presented in partnership with Caribbean Professionals Network and supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Unmasking Our Beauty: An Afternoon of Empowerment, Culture, and Self-Care
The event began with a warm welcome from Calibe Thompson, co-founder of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, setting the stage for an afternoon of enlightenment and inspiration. Guests were then treated to a guided tour of the Clover E. Barrett Thompson Exhibit Hall, where museum staff offered a deeper look into Caribbean history and its remarkable contributions.
To break the ice, event producer Finiana Joseph, founder of Caribbean Professionals Network, led an interactive session filled with Caribbean fun facts and national mottos, sparking laughter, cultural pride, and friendly competition as attendees tested their knowledge.
Insightful Conversations and Expert Advice
As the formal program began, moderator Shatik Stephens, author and owner of The Finer Essence, Inc., introduced a dynamic lineup of speakers, each sharing their expertise on wellness, beauty, and empowerment.
The first presentation, led by trichologist and licensed cosmetologist Peggy Nisbett-Rigg, delved into Hair Wellness, Care & Growth. She provided expert tips on maintaining healthy hair, discussing natural treatments, protective styling techniques, and solutions for hair loss.
Next, Marjorie Hollingshead, founder of Zainabu Natural Skincare, took the stage to showcase Makeup Artistry & The Power of Natural Skincare. She demonstrated how chemical-free beauty products can enhance natural radiance while nourishing the skin.
The theme of self-confidence continued with a presentation on Youthful Beauty by 10-year-old Celeste Warburton, reminding everyone that self-love and empowerment begin at any age. This message was reinforced in The Seven Keys to Women’s Empowerment, equipping attendees with practical steps to cultivate confidence and personal growth.
Health, Wellness and Holistic Living
Shifting the conversation to intimate wellness, Dr. Tiffany McCalla-Bottorff, a board-certified physician and owner of Calla Genics, explored Healthy Sexual Aging. She emphasized the importance of self-care, confidence, and embracing changes in wellness over time.
Timica Anderson, owner of TropiLeaf Juice Bar, then shared her personal journey in Juicing for Vitality. She highlighted the transformative power of nutrient-rich juices in boosting immunity, promoting detoxification, and enhancing overall energy.
The event’s highlight was an inspiring keynote by Dr. Guerda Nicolas, a renowned psychologist, professor, and advocate. In her talk, Women: Mental Health & Cultural Integration, she addressed the unique challenges women face in balancing mental wellness with cultural expectations. Her message of self-compassion, resilience, and community support resonated deeply, sparking a lively Q&A session where attendees shared personal experiences and sought expert advice.
A Celebration of Culture & Community
Beyond the powerful discussions, the event featured exciting Ddoor Pprizes, including Rum Cake Festival tickets, HERS event tickets, specialty cakes from the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory, and bottles of Ready Set Rum! Tropical Punch.
The festivities continued with an island-style reception, where guests indulged in an array of traditional treats, including rum cakes, and black cakes, perfectly paired with refreshing TropiLeaf natural juices.
As the event came to a close, organizers expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community partners, funders, and attendees who made the gathering a success. Guests left feeling inspired and empowered, having gained valuable insights into self-care, mental wellness, and cultural pride. The event reinforced the importance of embracing both inner and outer beauty while fostering a strong, supportive community for Caribbean women.
Enjoy this gallery of photos showing some of our favorite moments:
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum and Le P’ti Club Inc. look forward to hosting more events that honor and preserve the cultural richness of the Haitian diaspora.
For more information on future events, visit islandspacefl.org/events.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Island SPACE is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Broward County Cultural Division, BBX Capital Foundation, Community Reinvestment Alliance of Florida, “King” George Jograj, Dr. Lydia Malcom of Authentic Behavioral Health LLC, and her husband, Mr. Waynewright Malcolm, Alexandra P. Davis, and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund.
About Island SPACE Caribbean Museum
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the Caribbean’s diverse heritage through exhibits, educational programs, and events that spotlight the region’s history, art, and music.
The facility features a historical archive filled with information and artifacts from across the Caribbean region, a fine art gallery and multipurpose spaces.
The public is invited to visit the museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $15 per adult and $7.50 per child. Visit islandspacefl.org to learn more.
Get Involved
If you’d like to participate in a future staging of this event or to get involved otherwise, here’s how you can:
Sponsor an upcoming event: Email museum@islandspacefl.org or call 954-999-0989
Become a vendor at an upcoming event: https://islandspacefl.org/become-a-vendor
Volunteer with us: https://islandspacefl.org/volunteer
Become a museum member: https://islandspacefl.org/membership
Plan your visit to the museum: islandspacefl.org/visit
Book an event with us: Email museum@islandspacefl.org or call 954-999-0989
