AARP Virgin Islands has named Yvonne P. Watson Francis as its Volunteer State President, the organization’s highest volunteer leadership position, serving more than 20,000 members in the territory.
The appointment was announced Thursday in a press release from AARP Virgin Islands.
Watson Francis, a retired educator, spent 32 years teaching and serving in leadership roles in schools in New Orleans and the Virgin Islands. Her career included positions at Ulla F. Muller Elementary School, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and Bertha C. Boschulte Junior High School before retiring in 2018, according to the press release.
Born in Roseau, Dominica, and raised on St. Thomas, Watson Francis has been active in community advocacy and education initiatives throughout the territory, the press release stated.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Dillard University in 1986, a certificate in administration from the University of New Orleans in 1987 and a master’s degree in education from the University of the Virgin Islands in 1996, the release stated.
According to the press release, Watson Francis has volunteered since 2000 as an advocate for individuals with disabilities and coordinated community programs, including the Work Able Project STAR in St. Thomas. She is also the founder of Advance Connections Educational Consulting and Tutorial Services, which supports students, families and adult learners across the territory.
Her community involvement includes work with Project H.O.P.E. at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, the Weed and Seed GED program, the Learn It Systems Summer Program and the Caribbean Center for Boys and Girls of the Virgin Islands. She has also served on the AARP Virgin Islands Advisory Council, the release stated.
“AARP Virgin Islands is thrilled to welcome Yvonne to this key leadership role,” said Troy De Chabert-Schuster, AARP Virgin Islands state director. “Her lifelong dedication to education, advocacy, and community empowerment makes her uniquely qualified to lead AARP’s efforts in advancing health security, financial resilience, and social connection for the 50+ community across our islands.”
Watson Francis succeeds outgoing Volunteer State President Jacqueline Heyliger. In her new role, she will work with volunteers, community partners and territorial leadership to support AARP programs and initiatives in the Virgin Islands, according to the release.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for Americans age 50 and older, with nearly 38 million members nationwide and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the release stated.
