Island SPACE co-founders David I. Muir and Calibe Thompson with US Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus McCormick and Tamarac Commissioner Morey Wright Jr. (Photo: Contributed)
More than 300 guests filled the Colony West Golf Club in Tamarac on Sunday, July 14, 2025, for HERS: Honoring Exceptionally Regal Sisters, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum’s annual celebration of Caribbean women. Now in its third year, the signature event combined inspiring tributes with self-care, culture, and fashion, recognizing the strength and impact of Caribbean women across South Florida.
Sponsored by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Community Foundation of Broward, and Tamarac Commissioner Morey Wright, the event highlighted the voices and accomplishments of Caribbean women through storytelling, workshops, a women-owned vendor market, and a striking fashion showcase. The event was so well enjoyed that it earned a shout-out on HOT 105 by radio personality Stitchez, who attended to support one of the HERS Award nominees.
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Following Executive Director Calibe Thompson, Commissioner Wright along with Tamarac Mayor Michelle J. Gomez opened the celebration, welcoming guests and affirming the City of Tamarac’s commitment to inclusive cultural events. During her remarks, Broward County Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers took the stage to encourage attendees to support Island SPACE as the guardian of the community’s heritage.
“I’m a committed supporter of the museum, its work and its exceptional events,” said Commissioner Morey Wright, “and I encourage all other elected officials to support them too because Caribbean history is part of American history. HERS was a phenomenal success thanks to the team and volunteers. So many women commented on how unique this event is, incorporating entertainment and fashion, not just the awards. The City of Tamarac is excited to potentially be a part of next year’s even bigger and better event. Congratulations again to all the nominees.”
Recognizing Women Who Lead and Inspire
The HERS 2025 Honoree Presentation was a highlight of the afternoon. It honored women from various industries with recognition from multiple levels of government. Each nominee received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a City of Tamarac proclamation from Mayor Gomez and Commissioner Wright, and a HERS 2025 Honoree Certificate from Island SPACE.
Three honorees were spotlighted with short documentary vignettes, and the museum itself received congressional recognition from Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick for its leadership in preserving Caribbean culture. Mayor Gomez and Commissioner Wright presented a $1,000 donation from the City of Tamarac, with matches promised by Commissioner Karlene Maxwell-Williams from the City of Lauderdale Lakes and two anonymous donors.
Other notable attendees included Tamarac Vice Mayor Dr. Kicia Daniel, Sunrise Assistant Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Guzman, Commissioner Latoya Clarke and Miami Gardens Councilwoman Linda Julien.
A Celebration of Culture, Fashion, and Empowerment
Guests enjoyed curated marketplace shopping, wellness and beauty sessions, and a live poetry performance by Anne Sylvie Jean-Louis. The event concluded with a vibrant Caribbean fashion show featuring bold looks by Marjorie Hollinshead’s Zainabu Fashion, followed by a silent auction supporting the museum.
Organized primarily by the museum’s Advisory Council Chair Dr. Camille Edwards, and hosted by HERS committee members Cleopatra Bauduy Moise and Darielle Gadsby, from start to finish, HERS 2025 offered a rejuvenating and affirming experience for women of Caribbean descent—a celebration of identity, sisterhood and legacy.
Island SPACE events are made possible in part by 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
Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region, in South Florida and the broader diaspora. The public is invited to visit the Caribbean museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 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 per child. Visit www.islandspacefl.org to learn more.
