MINISTRY OF HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Environment & Sustainability Award

DR. KATRINA JURN

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGIST

Dr. Katrina Jurn is a passionate Caymanian environmental sociologist and co-founder of Sustainable Cayman. With a PhD from the University of Cambridge, Katrina champions data-driven, community-informed approaches to protecting Cayman’s coastal and marine ecosystems. From leading efforts to preserve South Sound to playing a key role in the CPR Cayman movement, her impact spans policy, advocacy, and education. Katrina mentors young activists and elevates Cayman’s environmental leadership on the global stage. Through science, culture, and collaboration, she embodies the values of Caymankind and continues to inspire a more sustainable future for the Cayman Islands.

ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE AWARD

Rita Estevanovich

London, UK
Actress | Cultural Advocate

Award-winning actress and cultural ambassador, Rita Estevanovich continues to make waves internationally and at home in the Cayman Islands. From her role in the acclaimed Netflix series Black Mirror to her standout stage performance as Gina Miller in Bloody Difficult Women at Edinburgh Fringe, Rita proudly represents Caymanian talent abroad. She recently appeared in On Demand at London’s Tabard Theatre, further showcasing her dynamic range. Her voice is also featured in several noteworthy projects both locally and abroad. At home, Rita contributes to the arts and heritage through national events like Gimistory and Cayfest. She also played a pivotal role in Cayman Connection’s growth, enthusiastic about connecting the Caymanian diaspora. Rita’s dedication to heritage, storytelling, and community makes her a true force in Caymanian arts.

Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability

HEALTH & WELLNESS AWARD

Mr. John (JJ) Gillooly

Bristol, UK
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon | Medical Educator

Caymanian-born orthopaedic surgeon, Mr. JJ Gillooly is making waves globally through his leadership in trauma and orthopaedic care. Now Head of the Orthopaedic Department at Practice Plus Group hospitals in the UK, JJ’s career spans top institutions across Ireland, the U.S., Australia, and the UK. He is a skilled clinician, medical educator, and former trauma surgeon for the U.S. military in Hawaii. With degrees from Trinity College Dublin and the University of Birmingham, JJ blends advanced surgical skill with a holistic, patient-first philosophy. A proud Caymanian, he continues to inspire with his service, teaching, and global impact in medicine.

Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability

HEALTH & WELLNESS AWARD
Special Recognition

Dr. Joel Rose

Kinston, North Carolina, USA
General & Advanced GI Surgeon
Executive Medical Leader | Community Advocate

Dr. Joel Rose is a board-certified Caymanian surgeon and healthcare leader based in North Carolina, specialising in advanced gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, he serves as President of the Medical Staff at UNC Health Lenoir Hospital and Executive Medical Director for the East Region of the UNC Physicians Network. Raised in George Town by parents dedicated to faith and healthcare, Dr. Rose combines clinical excellence with compassionate leadership. Inspired by his Caymanian roots and early mentors, he is also active in his church and community, and finds joy in music, football, and family life with his wife Deana-Marie and their two sons.

BULLISH

STEM Award

Gabriella G. Hernandez

Granada, Spain
Innovation & Impact Leader

Gabriella Hernandez is a Caymanian innovation leader driving global impact across sustainability, entrepreneurship, and technology. As Head of Communications & Sustainability at Metta, she supports international programmes including the Boeing-backed Aerospace Xelerated and the Kuwait Digital Startup Campus, while contributing to ecosystem-building efforts in Scotland, the UAE, and beyond. A Climatebase Fellow, she recently led a project exploring how to better support innovators from island communities. She is also part of a Climate KIC-led initiative supporting climate tech and AI startups in the UK and Ireland. With over a decade of cross-sector experience, Gabriella has worked with startups, corporates, governments, and NGOs. She has spoken at global events, including Aviation Festival Asia, and written for outlets such as Startups Magazine. Passionate about mentorship, she supports emerging founders and sustainability leaders, proudly representing Cayman on the global stage.

Ministry of Tourism & Trade Development

Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Award

Jamaal Estwick

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Pilot

Jamaal Estwick is a pioneering Caymanian pilot currently flying the Boeing 777 as a First Officer with Emirates Airlines. From dreaming of flying at age four, Jamaal’s passion led him to start his aviation career at Cayman Airways at 16, becoming the first Caymanian to fly the Boeing 737 Max 8 with Fly Dubai. Known for his resilience and motto “Positive Mind, Positive Outcome,” Jamaal’s journey exemplifies determination and excellence. His global success in aviation is an inspiration to young Caymanians, proudly representing the Cayman Islands in the skies and making waves in the international aviation industry.

INCLUSION AWARD

Emma Graham-Taylor

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA
Inclusion & Gender Equality Advocate

Emma Graham-Taylor is a passionate advocate for inclusion and gender equality, embodying the spirit of Caymankind through her selfless dedication. With a career in general management and latterly in human resources, including leading a local law firm’s inclusion efforts to address perimenopause and menopause in the workplace, Emma’s MBA thesis focused on advancing women leaders in the workplace. Now based in Iowa, and until recently holding the position of Senior Director of Operations for nonprofit Matthew 25, she now volunteers her time, continuing her drive to advocate for those who are marginalised or a minority. Emma is a founding member of 100 Women Who Care Cayman, which has raised substantial funds for charity, and former Chair of the non-profit Gender Equality Cayman. Her lifelong commitment to social justice and empowerment makes her a true leader and role model.

Maples Group

Financial, Legal & Professional Services Award

Harvey Stephenson Jr.

Arlington, Virginia, USA
Quantitative Analysis Manager

Dr. Harvey Stephenson Jr. is an economist at Capital One in Virginia, the largest credit card issuer in the United States, where he manages their macroeconomic modeling process, and previously served as a credit risk modeler. A Brown University graduate with a Ph.D. in Finance from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Harvey’s expertise spans risk management, econometrics and machine learning.Previously an associate economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and a former Cayman Islands Monetary Authority intern, he is also a champion for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives. Proudly Caymanian, Harvey exemplifies excellence in finance, risk management, and leadership on the global stage.

Maples Group

Financial, Legal & Professional Services Award
Special Recognition

Paula Jackson

Jackson, Tennessee, USA
Cayman Connection Regional Manager (U.S.)
Adjunct Professor Diaspora Advocate | Forensic Social Worker
Certified Facilitator/Board Member, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

Paula Jackson is a dynamic leader and advocate for the Caymanian diaspora in the United States, and serves as Adjunct Professor at Union University and the Forensic Social Worker with the Public Defender’s Office for the 26th Judicial District of Tennessee. She founded a Caymanians Abroad Facebook group, “Cayman Away From Home”, creating networks for Caymanians to connect and celebrate their heritage. As President of the Jackson-Madison Prevention Coalition, a certified facilitator and board member for the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certification programme, Paula also champions community well-being. Recognised in the Marquis “Who’s Who” and “Who’s Who Women of Influence “ 2024, she embodies resilience, service, and professional excellence, strengthening cultural and professional ties between the Cayman Islands and its diaspora through her innovative leadership and dedication.

Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage

Sports Award

Molly Kehoe

Cardiff, Wales
Semi-Professional Footballer | Cayman Islands National Player

Molly Kehoe is a semi-professional footballer and Cayman Islands national player, recently signed with West Bromwich Albion in the FA Women’s National League North. Formerly with Cardiff City FC Women’s, she played a key role in helping the team secure back-to-back Welsh Adran Premier League titles. A talented midfielder, Molly’s football journey began at Cayman Prep and High School and developed through Sunset FC and Elite SC. She has proudly represented the Cayman Islands Senior Women’s National Team in the CONCACAF W Championship Qualifiers and was named Inside Caribbean Football’s 2022 Female Player of the Year. Her passion, skill, and drive continue to shine on the international stage.

Ministry of Education & Training

EDUCATION Award

Suahil Housholder

Anderson, Indiana, USA
Chief Financial Officer | PhD Candidate

Suahil Housholder is an accomplished financial executive currently transitioning to the role of Chief Financial Officer at Butler University, beginning in August 2025. Formerly Vice President for Finance and CFO at Anderson University, she is also a Doctor of Education candidate at Ball State University. Suahil began her career as a student worker and rose through the ranks to become a recognised leader in higher education finance, known for her innovative strategies and commitment to institutional mission. She is a co-author of a recently published book on community colleges, where she contributes her insights on equity in higher education. Recognised among the Top 50 Women Leaders in Education, Suahil exemplifies resilience, integrity, and dedication. As Co-Regional Manager for Cayman Connection (US), she bridges her Caymanian heritage and global education leadership, inspiring others through her remarkable journey and commitment to excellence.