Department of Sports Have Your Say Series

During March we will be publishing a list of women who are involved in sports in Cayman Islands

Our twenty-ninth person in the Series is:

Illeann Powery

Owner of iPow Creations, a local business that provides photography and videography services to its clients.

Cayman Islands Women’s Beach Volleyball Player

Travelled to 11 different countries and competed in 16 international tournaments through the sport.

Placed 7th out of 16 teams for the 2022 NORCECA stop hosted in the Cayman Islands

Competed at the 2015 PanAm Games in Toronto, Canada,

Competed in three Island Games (Bermuda, Gotland & Gibraltar)

Competed in the 2018 CAC Games in Colombia

Competed in the Youth Olympic qualifiers in Trinidad & Tobago and Puerto Rico

Entrepreneur (owner of a local business titled iPow Creations)

Photographer; Videographer; Cayman Islands Folk Singer; Athlete

John Gray High School and UCCI Graduate & 2016 Proud of Them Honoree

Quote:

“As the carriers of human life, women have always been the epitome of strength and resilience. Regardless of the doubts or limits that are put on our potential, we will always rise and overcome”. #EmbraceEquity

Our thirty-sixth person in the Series is:

Lady Rabia Abdul-Hakim

Miss Teen Cayman Islands 1986

1992 Sportsperson of the Year

1994 National Taekwondo World Cup Team

Author/Illustrator

CEO, Bani Rabia International

Ambassador, Fight For Sight UK

10th AC, Dubai Marathon, Feb. 2023

Quote:

“My sisters, the fact that you were born shows your significance to God. The fact that you birth every human shows your significance to humankind.” - Lady Rabia

Our thirty-seventh person in the Series is:

Desrene Cox

Stay at Home Mom - Volunteer Coach & Athlete

CI Women’s National Softball Team & Local League Champion

CI Women’s National Cricket Team – Past Local Cricket League - Top Bowler & Batswoman

Assist Coach PPS - FAB Friday & Festival Dance Performance Support

Assist Coach PPS - Youth Cricket & Track & Field

Assist Coach - Various DOS Summer Camps

Quote:

“You can achieve anything you put your mind to, with hard work and dedication”. I #EmbraceEquity.

Our thirty-second; thirty-third  & thirty-fourth persons in the Series - hails from MYSC&H:

Name: Dorisley Jackson – Left in photo

Personal Assistant to the Hon. Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage

Current Member of DOS Community Fitness Group

Practiced martial arts for many years

Black Belt first Dan in the Purple Dragon Don Jitsu Ryu system

I #EmbraceEquity - Continuously taking action is the only way to levelling the playing field. As Founding Member and Past President of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Cayman Islands chapter and I am proud to continue to serve as a Board Director of this international organisation, that provides support and empowers women in a male dominated industry. WISTA Cayman Islands has a strong commitment to the youth and community, leading as well as taking part in various initiatives, seminars and activities since its inception.

Name: Leisa Welcome – Middle in Photo

Personal Assistant to the Chief Officer CIG - Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage

Current Member of DOS Community Fitness Group

Quote:

“Equity is not solely something that you do, it is who we are.  If we demonstrate equity in our homes, more people will understand and accept it as adults.” #EmbraceEquity.

Name: Yvonne Evans - Right in Photo

Human Resource Manager CIG - Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage

Current Member of DOS Community Fitness Group

Quote:

I #EmbraceEquity; and believe that systems should be fair and that everyone should have access to the same opportunities.  In a male dominated society, I am happy to know that within the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage, we have women in leadership roles.  Strong women at the top ensure that our voices are heard and we are not overlooked or ignored.  Although the Ministry is primarily made up of women, we create and support a workplace of inclusion and diversity.

Our thirty-fifth person in the Series is:

Taylor Reid

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Specializing in Human Performance Pre-Physical Therapy.

Master of Science in Physiotherapy.

Current Orthopedic and Sports Physiotherapist at HSA.

Sports Physiotherapist Brunel University London Women’s Basketball and Volleyball Teams

Cayman Islands Basketball Association Table Official and past Youth National  Basketball Player.

 Quote:

“ The most important thing, the thing that unites all of us, is that we can INSPIRE, and CHALLENGE one another TO BE BETTER.

-Kobe Bryant -  #EmbraceEquity.