The fourth annual women’s recognition event brings awards, conversation, culture and Caribbean style to Tamarac
TAMARAC, Fla. — Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is putting Caribbean American women center stage with the fourth annual HERS – Honoring Exceptionally Regal Sisters. It is set for Saturday, Aug. 29, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Tamarac Community Center. The 2026 edition will honor six women whose work spans music, law, education, healthcare, engineering, financial empowerment and college access.
Held under the theme “Where Queens Gather,” HERS is designed as both a recognition ceremony and a culture-forward afternoon celebrating women shaping South Florida’s Caribbean diaspora.
“HERS reflects the strength, ambition and generosity of women in our community,” said Tamarac Commissioner Morey Wright Jr., a supporting sponsor. “Tamarac is proud to welcome this celebration and the example these women set for the next generation.”
A Celebration Built Around Culture, Conversation and Community
L-R: HERS 2026 honorees Melky Jean, Lynn W. Gassant, Tremaine L. Hemans, Esq., Rev. Dr. Joan Williamson, Saisha Delevoe and Jessyka Castillo. | Photos: Supplied
This year’s HERS honorees include Melky Jean, Haitian American Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and Carma Foundation founder. She is recognized for humanitarian work supporting communities in Haiti and abroad.
Others are Tremaine L. Hemans, Esq., Jamaican attorney and founder of The Hemans Law Group, Florida Bar pro bono honoree and law student mentor. Her service includes scholarships in Jamaica and free immigration clinics.
Lynn W. Gassant of Haiti is the founder of Scholar Career Coaching. This organization has served more than 1,000 students and awarded more than $80,000 in scholarships.
Rev. Dr. Joan Williamson of Jamaica is founder of Living Well Community Care Center. She provides free primary care to uninsured South Floridians. Furthermore, she leads humanitarian missions in Jamaica.
Jessyka Castillo of the Dominican Republic is an engineer and founder of Fitness + Financial Gains. She promotes wellness and financial education.
Last is Saisha Delevoe of The Bahamas, founder of EqualPath Solutions. Her college-access work has reached more than 8,000 students.
Cleopatra Bauduy Moise
“HERS creates a space where achievement is elevated and women stand in the light,” said Cleopatra Bauduy Moise, board president of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum. “We want young women to see what is possible and the wider community to celebrate the women setting that example.”
A limited number of guests may reserve the premium $65 Queen’s Parlor experience, which 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 relaxing puzzle station.
Local artisan Trésors de Gerry displaying Haitian-made accessories at HERS 2025. | Photo by Island Syndicate.
On the Program: “Queens in Conversation”
The day’s featured panel, “Queens in Conversation: Same Author, New Chapter,” will examine how women navigate transition, claim new possibilities and move forward with greater clarity about identity and purpose.
Human resources professional Ayanna Edwards will moderate a discussion with Andrea Nevins, Nova Southeastern University associate provost, professor, author and life coach.
In addition, panelists include 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.
Fashion, Legacy and Community Support
Models in Zainibu designs by Marjorie Hollingshead strut the runway at HERS 2025. | Photos by Island Syndicate
The HERS Awards will anchor the afternoon, followed by a fashion presentation from Haitian designer Zamor of Zamor Creations. Zamor creates handmade pieces that pair bold color and expressive prints with African and Caribbean influences.
The program will also pay tribute to the late Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, 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.
HERS is supported by Tamarac Commissioner Morey Wright Jr.. It is also supported by the City of Tamarac, Broward County Cultural Division, the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, and the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce.
Advance admission is $30, same-day admission is $40, and the Queen’s Parlor premium experience is $65. Dress code is Island Chic.
Tamarac residents may request a limited number of free tickets through Commissioner Wright’s office at 954-597-3479; valid ID is required, while supplies last.
Event: HERS – Honoring Exceptionally Regal Sisters Date: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026 Time: 1-6 p.m. Location: Tamarac Community Center, 8601 W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac Tickets:islandspacefl.org/hers2026
