Awards Categories
Arts, Culture & Heritage Award
The Making Waves Arts, Culture & Heritage Award is designed to recognise those who have made significant contributions to enrich cultural life, highlight Caymanian heritage, promote creative growth through arts education or have demonstrated a high level of artistic talent and success while overseas.
Example reasons for nomination:
- Preservation of cultural heritage sites or traditions
- Contributions to the local arts scene (e.g., exhibitions, performances)
- Support for emerging artists or cultural organizations
- Innovative approaches to cultural education or outreach programs
- Contribution to the Maritime preservation and advocacy
- Projects promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity
Dart Education Award
The Making Waves Education Award celebrates the contribution and achievements of those in teaching roles who have not only improved the quality of education, but also enriched the lives of their students. The Education Award is open to teachers and trainers who educate and inspire any age group.
Example reasons for nomination:
- Excellence in teaching or educational leadership
- Development of innovative curriculum or teaching methods
- Outreach programs promoting access to education for underserved populations
- Initiatives fostering lifelong learning or adult education
- Partnerships between educational institutions and community organizations
Ministry of Sustainability and Climate Resiliency Environment & Sustainability Award
The Making Waves Environmental Award recognises those who promote environmental responsibility. We’re looking to highlight those who have demonstrated excellence and commitment to managing environmental issues such as, promoting energy efficiency, climate resilience and sustainability innovation.
Example reasons for nomination:
- Conservation efforts to protect natural habitats or endangered species
- Implementation of sustainable practices in businesses or communities
- Advocacy for environmental policy reform or awareness campaigns
- Initiatives to combat climate change and reduce carbon footprint
- Projects promoting eco-tourism or responsible travel practices
Maples Group Financial, Legal & Professional Services Award
The Making Waves Financial, Legal & Professionals Award is aimed at individuals that have demonstrated exceeding client or business expectations, are innovative in their approach to problem solving and have a robust and resilient professional strategy in their field. The award also aims to shine a spotlight on the most impressive achievements by professionals in these fields.
Example reasons for nomination:
- Innovations in financial technology (fintech) or legal services
- Pro bono legal work benefiting marginalized communities or social causes
- Financial literacy programs or initiatives promoting economic empowerment
- Contributions to corporate social responsibility or ethical business practices
- Mentorship programs supporting professional development in finance or law
Ministry of Health and Wellness Health & Wellness Award
The Making Waves Health & Wellness Award honours those who embody health and wellness principles and leave a meaningful and lasting impression on those they care for. This award is designed to champion innovators and pioneers in the field, those who have achieved tangible success as well as those who have demonstrated an excellent commitment in the health and wellness sector.
Example reasons for nomination:
- Medical breakthroughs or advancements in healthcare delivery
- Mental health awareness campaigns or support services
- Initiatives promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles
- Research addressing public health challenges or disparities
- Programs addressing specific health needs of vulnerable populations
INCLUSION AWARD
The Making Waves Inclusion Award celebrates those who have actively promoted equality, diversity and inclusion either in their personal or professional lives. This award aims to shine a light on those who proactively seek and action ways to make the community they live in more inclusive. This award champions those who have contributed to reducing the disparity gap amongst one or more sections of society, (including disabled people, ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+) to improve accessibility and increase opportunities for all.
Example reasons for nomination:
- Diversity and inclusion training programs for organizations
- Advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights or disability rights
- Initiatives promoting gender equality in the workplace or community
- Cultural competency training or interfaith dialogue initiatives
- Accessibility improvements in public spaces or services
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Heritage Sports Award
The Making Waves Sports Award has been developed to spotlight the achievements of amateur and professional athletes, as well as coaches and trainers that continue to promote Cayman’s rich sports legacy – whilst living or working abroad.
Example reasons for nomination:
- Exceptional athletic achievements or records broken
- Contributions to sports development in the community (e.g., coaching, youth programs)
- Initiatives promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports
- Support for sports-related charities or community initiatives
- Leadership in sports governance or advocacy for fair play and integrity
Bullish STEM Award
The Making Waves STEM Award celebrates excellence in leadership, advocacy, engagement and achievement of those within the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. This award is open to professionals and students who are making a real impact, demonstrating success and promoting growth in STEM.
Example reasons for nomination:
- Breakthrough scientific research or technological innovation
- STEM education initiatives targeting underrepresented groups
- Development of sustainable energy solutions or green technologies
- Advancements in healthcare technology or medical research
- STEM mentorship programs for students or professionals
Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Award
The Making Waves Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Award rewards excellence of individuals in any sector within this broad industry bracket. This category covers all markets from travel agencies to food and beverage services, transportation and entertainment services, and more.
Example reasons for nomination:
- Development of sustainable tourism practices or eco-friendly accommodations
- Promotion of cultural heritage tourism or community-based tourism initiatives
- Innovation in travel technology or online booking platforms
- Partnerships supporting responsible travel and ethical tourism practices
- Tourism marketing campaigns showcasing unique destinations or experiences
If you would like more information about the Making Waves Awards, or would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please email makingwaves@caymanconnection.org