Seven women have been honoured in the 2026 RISE Awards for their outstanding work empowering women and girls in Anguilla.
An independent selection committee chose the awardees from among 36 people who were nominated by the public, and they were presented with their awards on 8 March.
The ceremony took place at Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church as part of the International Women’s Day Celebration Service during the conclusion of 2026 Women’s Week.
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The annual RISE (Resilient Influential Successful Empowered) Awards scheme acknowledges outstanding achievements across seven categories.
Calla Gumbs received ‘Excellence in Leadership’, Dr Wenonah Lawrence was named ‘STEM Innovator’ and Kashamar Lewis earned the ‘Emerging Leader’ award.
Rodi Richardson took home ‘Arts, Culture and Sports’, Angela Rogers was honoured for ‘Entrepreneurial Excellence’ and Jemila Morson-Hodge received the ‘Community Impact Award’.
Rosena Brooks, who has dedicated over six decades to education, mentorship and community leadership in Anguilla, was presented with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’.
Beginning her career at age 19, she served for 30 years at Valley Secondary School and Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School including as head of the English department.
From 1999 to 2005 she served as education officer, curriculum at the Department of Education.
After retirement, she founded Spring High in 2006, providing inclusive educational opportunities and mentorship for secondary and adult learners.
Beyond education, Brooks has been a pillar in community organisations, including the Soroptimist Club of Anguilla and the Anglican Church Women Association.
Speaking to Anguilla’s women and girls, she said: “Be confident, be kind, be gracious in whatever you’re doing and be strong – very important – and let your light shine wherever you are.”
2026 Women’s Week took place from 1 to 8 March under the theme, ‘Give to gain: Accelerating rights and justice for women and girls’.
Events during the week included a symposium, a brunch, a church service, promotional activities and more.
Learn more about the 2026 RISE Awards winners in a video from the Gender Affairs Unit below:
Watch the 2026 RISE Awards ceremony in full here.
