Vote for the Making Waves People’s Choice Award

Highlights

• Turning a passion for Caymanian heritage into a platform for education.
• Using digital media to preserve and share Cayman’s stories with the world.
• Inspiring pride in Caymanian identity while celebrating Caribbean creativity.

Alyssa Gilbert is using creativity to help preserve and celebrate Caymanian culture for future generations.

A graduate of the London College of Fashion, Alyssa has chosen to use her skills to tell stories about the Cayman Islands and the wider Caribbean. Through her Instagram platform, @caymanheritageguide, she shares the history, traditions and everyday experiences that make Cayman unique, helping educate younger generations while connecting Caymanians living overseas to their roots.

She is also the founder of West Indian Creatives (WIC), a digital magazine and online platform that shines a spotlight on Caribbean artists, designers, writers and other creatives. By sharing their stories and work, she is helping to build a stronger appreciation for Caribbean culture and talent around the world.

At a time when so much of our history and culture exists online, Alyssa is ensuring that Cayman’s heritage is not only remembered but celebrated, shared and passed on to future generations.

Highlights

•  International actress with starring roles in television and film.
• #1 New York Times bestselling children’s author whose books have inspired families around the world.
• Proudly representing the Cayman Islands while promoting confidence, inclusion and self-worth.

Grace Byers is a Caymanian actress, bestselling author and advocate whose work has inspired audiences around the world.

Raised in the Cayman Islands by her deaf parents, Grace’s childhood shaped her passion for inclusion, confidence and self-worth. After earning degrees in theatre and acting in the United States, she rose to international fame through her role as Anika Calhoun in the hit television series Empire. Since then, she has appeared in several television shows and films while proudly sharing her Caymanian roots with audiences around the world.

Grace is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling children’s book I Am Enough, which has sold more than one million copies worldwide. Inspired by her own experiences, her books encourage children to embrace who they are and believe in their own potential.

Whether through acting, writing or advocacy, Grace continues to use her platform to inspire others, promote inclusion and shine a positive light on the Cayman Islands.

Highlights

• Excelling academically and on track to graduate with First Class Honours.
• Recognised with two university leadership awards for going above and beyond in supporting fellow students.
• Proudly representing the Cayman Islands through leadership, service and academic excellence while studying overseas.

Bella Belicia Alves is a Caymanian student whose academic success is matched by her passion for helping others.

She is currently studying for a BA (Hons) in Business Management & Human Resources at Nottingham Trent University and is on track to graduate with First Class Honours. Her outstanding academic performance has also earned her the opportunity to progress directly to doctoral studies.

But Bella’s impact goes far beyond the classroom.

She serves as President of the HR Society, Course Representative, Student Mentor and Senior Student Ambassador, using each role to support fellow students and help create a welcoming and inclusive university community. In recognition of her leadership and commitment to others, she was named Course Representative of the Year and received the Extra Mile Award at the 2026 Nottingham Trent Students’ Union Awards.

Alongside her studies, Bella has gained professional experience with the Cayman Islands Government, CIMA, Grant Thornton and Cayman National Bank. Wherever she goes, she proudly represents the Cayman Islands through her leadership, kindness and commitment to helping others succeed.

Highlights

• Dedicated to helping students thrive through inclusive, student-centred learning.
• Served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Fiji, supporting teachers and expanding educational opportunities for local children.
• Proudly representing the Cayman Islands through a career focused on empowering students and fostering meaningful learning experiences.

Raechel Nelson is a Caymanian educator dedicated to helping young people learn, grow and reach their full potential.

Holding a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Raechel has spent the past seven years working with students in a variety of learning environments. After beginning her career in the public school system, she joined the Peace Corps as a Youth in Development Volunteer in Fiji, where she trained teachers in student-centred learning and helped grow a village homework club from just five students to more than 40.

Her career has continued to focus on creating inclusive, student-centred learning environments where children feel safe, supported and encouraged to succeed. Through her work with diverse student populations, Raechel remains committed to helping every learner reach their potential while continuing to grow as an educator and proudly representing the Cayman Islands abroad.

Highlights

• Representing the Cayman Islands at international climate and ocean conservation conferences.
• Combining research, advocacy and hands-on conservation to protect marine ecosystems around the world.
• Championing environmental protection in Cayman while inspiring young people to care for the islands’ natural heritage.

Connor Childs is a young Caymanian environmental leader who is making an impact both at home and around the world.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Geography and the Environment at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Connor is dedicated to finding practical solutions to the environmental challenges facing island communities. His research, advocacy and volunteer work all share one goal: protecting our oceans and natural environment for future generations.

Connor has represented the Cayman Islands at major international events, including COP climate conferences, the UN Ocean Conference and other global forums, where he has spoken on behalf of small island nations about climate action, ocean conservation and sustainable development. He has also contributed to marine research through NOAA and Sea Grant, served as a Global Youth Ambassador for Blue Planet Alliance and volunteered with Sea Shepherd in the Mediterranean, helping remove ghost nets and protect marine life.

Closer to home, Connor has been an active voice for environmental protection in Cayman. He has worked with organisations including Sustainable Cayman, Protect Our Future and the National Trust, and even completed a five-mile open-water swim that raised more than $13,000 to help protect Cayman’s natural habitats.

Highlights

• Founder of CayOcean Cleanup, mobilising hundreds of volunteers to protect Cayman’s coastlines.
• Combining research, education and regional partnerships to tackle plastic pollution across the Caribbean.
• Inspiring communities to take action while proudly representing the Cayman Islands through environmental leadership.

Isaiah Thomas is a Caymanian environmentalist dedicated to protecting our oceans and inspiring others to care for the environment.

As the founder of CayOcean Cleanup, Isaiah has led hundreds of volunteers in removing plastic and other marine debris from Cayman’s coastlines. In 2021, he organised the largest single-day cleanup in the Islands’ history, bringing together more than 300 volunteers who collected over two tonnes of waste from beaches and coastal areas.

Isaiah’s work goes beyond cleanups. Through research, education and regional partnerships, he is helping to better understand how plastic pollution moves across the Caribbean and exploring solutions to stop it before it reaches our shores. He has also worked alongside international organisations to advance efforts to protect marine ecosystems and regularly encourages young people to become environmental stewards in their own communities.

Whether at home or overseas, Isaiah continues to proudly represent the Cayman Islands through his commitment to creating cleaner, healthier oceans for future generations.

Highlights

• Founder of a successful U.S. immigration law firm serving entrepreneurs, executives and other accomplished professionals.
• Three-time Olympian whose discipline and determination have shaped both his athletic and professional success.
• Proudly representing the Cayman Islands through excellence in law, business and sport.

Shaune Fraser is a Caymanian attorney and entrepreneur who has built a distinguished legal career after first representing the Cayman Islands as an elite international athlete.

As the founder of Fraser Immigration Law in Miami, Shaune helps entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors and other high-achieving professionals navigate complex U.S. immigration matters. His expertise has earned him recognition from Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America and Super Lawyers®, reflecting the reputation he has built in his field.

Before becoming an attorney, Shaune was one of the Cayman Islands’ most accomplished athletes. A three-time Olympian, Pan American Games medallist, NCAA champion and University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, he represented the Cayman Islands with distinction for more than a decade.

Today, whether helping clients achieve their goals or serving as an example of Caymanian excellence, Shaune continues to demonstrate the determination, professionalism and leadership that have defined every stage of his journey.

Highlights

• Building a successful career in legal operations with leading international law firms.
• Leading teams while helping create more inclusive, collaborative and high-performing workplaces.
• Proudly representing the Cayman Islands through leadership, professionalism and a people-first approach.

Shivonne Mitchell is a Caymanian leader helping shape the culture and operations of some of the United Kingdom’s leading international law firms.

Over the past eight years, she has built a successful career in legal operations and executive support, working with firms including Linklaters LLP and Mishcon de Reya LLP. In her current role, she leads a team of professionals who provide high-level support to senior leaders, while helping improve the systems and processes that keep a large, fast-paced organisation running smoothly.

Known for her collaborative leadership style, Shivonne is passionate about creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported and able to succeed. She has led operational improvements, supported international office launches and played an active role in initiatives that strengthen workplace culture, inclusion and employee engagement.

Through her leadership, professionalism and commitment to helping others thrive, Shivonne proudly represents the Cayman Islands while making a meaningful impact in the international legal sector.

Highlights

• Helping people heal through specialist work in trauma psychology and forensic assessment.
• Improving access to mental healthcare through education, training and trauma-informed services.
• Continuing to support the Cayman Islands through her work with Aspire Therapeutic Services, the RCIPS, H.M. Cayman Islands Prison Service and the Alex Panton Foundation.

Dr. Larissa Johnson is a Caymanian forensic psychologist whose work is helping people, organisations and communities better understand and respond to trauma.

Based in the United Kingdom, she works with individuals experiencing complex trauma while also carrying out psychological assessments for criminal, family and civil courts. Her expertise helps inform important decisions in cases where mental health plays a significant role.

Beyond her clinical work, Larissa is committed to improving access to mental healthcare. She is the founder of inMind Psychological Services, where she is developing more accessible, trauma-informed services and reducing barriers to care through flexible payment options and digital resources. She also delivers training for healthcare professionals and organisations, helping them better understand trauma, burnout and mental wellbeing.

Despite living overseas, Larissa remains closely connected to the Cayman Islands through her work with Aspire Therapeutic Services, the RCIPS, H.M. Cayman Islands Prison Service and the Alex Panton Foundation. Through every aspect of her career, she is working to improve how trauma is understood, treated and supported – both for individuals and across the systems that serve them.

Highlights

• Advancing research to improve the health of mothers and babies.
• Contributing to internationally recognised research on maternal and child health and health equity.
• Proudly representing the Cayman Islands while helping build healthier communities through public health research.

Rashida Smith-Webb is a Caymanian epidemiologist dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies.

Her work focuses on understanding why some women and children experience poorer health outcomes and finding ways to prevent them. Through research, data and public health initiatives, she is helping identify the factors that contribute to pregnancy complications, birth defects and other maternal health challenges, with the goal of improving care for families around the world.

Rashida has received prestigious research funding and fellowships, including support from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association. Her research has been published in leading scientific journals and presented at international conferences, helping advance knowledge in maternal and child health while promoting more equitable healthcare for underserved communities.

Alongside her research, Rashida is passionate about mentoring future public health professionals and remains proud of her Caymanian roots as she continues to make a difference through science, compassion and service.

Highlights

• Founded Round Rock’s first Pride celebration, creating a welcoming space for thousands of people.
• Championing arts, culture and community through leadership and volunteer service.
• Proudly representing the Cayman Islands by building stronger, more inclusive communities through compassion and leadership.

Richard Parson is a Caymanian community leader dedicated to bringing people together and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Since moving to Round Rock, Texas, Richard has become a respected volunteer and leader, serving on a number of community boards and commissions supporting the arts, culture and local heritage. Today, he continues to champion the arts as the city’s Arts Ambassador, helping bring world-class cultural experiences to the community.

In 2020, inspired by a Pride event in a neighbouring town, Richard set out to organise the first-ever Pride celebration in Round Rock. What began as an ambitious idea quickly grew into a major community event. The inaugural celebration attracted more than 5,000 people, and today Round Rock Pride has become an annual event supported by local businesses, community organisations and city leaders.

Through his leadership, volunteer service and commitment to inclusion, Richard has helped create a stronger sense of belonging while proudly representing the Cayman Islands in his adopted community.

Highlights

• One of few Caymanian footballers to build a professional career overseas.
• Professional player with Phoenix Rising FC and a long-standing member of the Cayman Islands national team.
• Inspiring the next generation of Caymanian footballers by proving that dreams can become reality through hard work and determination.

Gunnar Studenhofft is helping put Cayman football on the international map.

After developing his game in the Cayman Islands, Gunnar moved to the United States to pursue both his education and his dream of playing football at the highest level. His talent and determination quickly paid off, helping his school win its first-ever championship before earning All-Region honours at Eastern Florida State College.

Today, Gunnar plays professionally for Phoenix Rising FC in Arizona while continuing to proudly represent the Cayman Islands national football team. His journey has taken him from local football pitches to the professional game, making him one of a small number of Caymanian footballers to establish a professional career overseas..

Through his success, Gunnar is showing young Caymanian athletes that with hard work, commitment and belief in themselves, they too can compete on the world stage.

Highlights

• 2025 IJSBA World Champion and one of the world’s top personal watercraft racers.
• Combining elite competition with technical expertise to build high-performance racing jet skis.
• Proudly representing the Cayman Islands while mentoring the next generation of athletes.

Vanjae Ramgeet is a Caymanian world champion jet ski racer proudly representing the Cayman Islands on the international stage.

Competing in the United States and around the world, Vanjae has established himself among the world’s leading personal watercraft racers.. His achievements include winning the 2025 IJSBA World Championship, claiming victory at the Clearwater round of the P1 AquaX Series, and finishing fourth overall in one of the sport’s most competitive international championships.

Away from the water, Vanjae combines his passion for racing with his mechanical expertise through his company, Victory Marine and Performance – VR Racing, where he builds and prepares high-performance racing jet skis. He is also committed to supporting the next generation of Caymanian racers by sharing his knowledge and mentoring athletes entering the sport.

Whether competing for world titles or helping others pursue their dreams, Vanjae continues to proudly represent the Cayman Islands through excellence, innovation and sportsmanship.

Highlights

• Building a career in neuroscience, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
• Founder of Styled by Mon Désir, blending science, psychology and personal branding to help others grow in confidence.
• Inspiring young Caymanians, especially women, to pursue careers in STEM while proudly representing the Cayman Islands abroad.

Arielle Mon Désir is a Caymanian whose passion for science is matched by her passion for helping others reach their full potential.

Her academic journey has focused on neuroscience, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where she is building expertise in fields that have the potential to shape the future of healthcare. Driven by curiosity and a desire to make a difference, Arielle continues to explore how science can improve lives through research and innovation.

Alongside her STEM journey, Arielle is also the founder of Styled by Mon Désir, where she helps professionals build confidence through personal style and branding. She developed the 70/30 Identity Diagnostic, a framework that combines psychology and personal branding to help individuals align how they present themselves with who they are.

Whether in science or entrepreneurship, Arielle is driven by the same goal: to help people grow. As a young Caymanian building her career overseas, she is showing others that it is possible to pursue ambitious goals while proudly representing the Cayman Islands.

Highlights

• Exploring how the health of people, animals and the environment work together to build healthier communities.
• Combining research, public health and science communication to make STEM more accessible and meaningful.
• Inspiring future Caymanian scientists while preparing for a career in public health and disease prevention.

Lyea Rivers is a Caymanian environmental scientist whose work focuses on the connection between people, animals and the environment.

Currently completing a degree in Earth and Environmental Science at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, Lyea is passionate about understanding how environmental conditions affect public health. Through research, internships and community outreach, she is building the knowledge and skills to help prevent disease and improve the health of both people and the natural world.

Alongside her studies, Lyea has gained hands-on experience with organisations including the National Drug Council and the Cayman Turtle Centre, while also leading science communication projects at university and contributing to international research on public health and environmental sustainability. She has also received several awards recognising her leadership and academic achievement.

Committed to inspiring the next generation, Lyea is writing a STEM book and educational game to help young people better understand how science, health and the environment are connected. She plans to continue her studies in public health with a focus on epidemiology.

Highlights

• Built an international aviation career after leaving Cayman at just 18 years old to pursue his dream.
• First Officer with Ryanair, flying passengers across the United Kingdom and Europe.
• Inspiring young Caymanians to dream big and pursue opportunities beyond our shores through hard work and determination.

Enzaghi Bush is a young Caymanian who turned his dream of becoming a commercial pilot into an international career.

After graduating from Triple C School, he left the Cayman Islands at just 18 years old to pursue flight training in Florida before continuing his journey to Ireland, where he completed the demanding qualifications required to fly commercially in Europe.

Today, at just 25 years old, Enzaghi is a First Officer with Ryanair, one of Europe’s largest airlines. Flying the Boeing 737, he helps transport thousands of passengers safely across the United Kingdom and Europe while working in one of the world’s most demanding aviation environments. He is also on track to become a Captain, a milestone that reflects the dedication, discipline and professionalism he has shown throughout his career.

By pursuing his ambitions overseas and succeeding in the highly competitive aviation industry, Enzaghi is proudly demonstrating what young Caymanians can achieve on the world stage.