Cayman Connection Celebrates Caymanian Excellence at Fifth Annual Making Waves Awards
Caymanians at home and around the world came together on Saturday, 15th August to celebrate the achievements of Caymanians making a difference across the globe at the 2026 Making Waves Awards
Now in its 5th year, the awards programme recognises Caymanians living overseas who are excelling in their fields, contributing to their communities and proudly representing the Cayman Islands on the regional and global stage across nine award categories. This year marked the introduction of the People’s Choice Award, giving the public a direct voice in recognising Caymanian excellence and opportunity to vote for the individual whose journey resonated with them most.
“Celebrating the fifth year of the Making Waves Awards is a particularly proud milestone for us. Year after year, our winners continue to represent the incredible diversity of talent within the Caymanian community, making their mark across a wide range of sectors and industries.
Their achievements shine a light on what is possible for our young generation. By sharing their journeys, successes and contributions, we are not only celebrating the individuals who are making waves today, but also showcasing the possibilities that exist for the next generation of Caymanian talent.
We are incredibly proud to provide a platform that recognises these inspiring individuals and allows their stories to serve as a source of encouragement and aspiration for the next talent pool. The future is bright, and the breadth of talent represented through Making Waves is a powerful reminder of just how much our young Caymanians can achieve.”
Ashlea Akinwumi (nee Webster), Executive Director of Cayman Connection
2026 Making Waves Award Winners
- Arts, Culture & Heritage Award: Grace Byers
- Ministry of Education & Training Education Award: Tiffany Jeremiah
- Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability Environment & Sustainability Award: Connor Childs
- Maples Group Financial, Legal & Professional Services Award: Shivonne Mitchell
- Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability Health & Wellness Award: Dr Larissa Johnson
- Inclusion Award: Amy Watson-Rankin
- Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage Sports Award: Gunnar Studenhofft
- CUC STEM Award: Lyea Rivers
- Ministry of Tourism & Trade Development Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Award: Enzaghi Bush
- People’s Choice Award: Karthik Adapa
Cayman Connection extends its congratulations to all of the 2026 Making Waves winners and finalists, whose achievements demonstrate the breadth of Caymanian talent and the contribution Caymanians continue to make around the world.
The organisation also extends its thanks to the Ministry of Education & Training, CUC, Maples Group, Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability, Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage, and Ministry of Tourism & Trade Development for supporting individual award categories, as well as all sponsors, partners, judges, volunteers, nominees, families and community members who contributed to the success of the 2026 programme.
“I had the pleasure of attending the 5th annual Making Waves Awards ceremony. The pride that families and friends felt for the nominees was evident from that start of the evening. This pride extended to the entire building by the end of the night. Seeing how many people had achieved so much and in turn had positively affected others was not only impressive but also awe inspiring.
Congratulations to the nominees, to their community for inspiring, supporting and acknowledging them. Well done to the organizers it truly was a lovely event.”
Milena Conolly, Attendee
The Making Waves Awards form part of Cayman Connection’s wider mission to connect and support Caymanians overseas, while creating opportunities to recognise achievement, celebrate Caymanian identity and inspire the next generation. By bringing these stories to a wider audience, the programme helps young Caymanians see the possibilities available to them and the impact they can make both overseas and when they return home.
For more information about the Making Waves Awards, visit the Making Waves Awards page or contact hello@caymanconnection.org.
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