At the 39th Annual Legislative Conference of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative (N.O.B.E.L.) Women, five Virgin Islands women and one community organization were recognized with the prestigious 2024 National Shining Star Award. The awards, presented at the conference held on St. Thomas, honored contributions in education, healthcare, technology, social and economic justice, empowerment of women and girls, and civic engagement.
This year’s conference, which brought together Black women legislators from across the nation and held for the first time within the territory, focused on increasing the presence of Black women in leadership roles in government, non-profit, and corporate sectors. The event underscored the vital role these women play in shaping policies that affect their communities.
The Virgin Islands honorees included Brigadier General Sally Petty, Principal of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, recognized for her contributions to education, and Massarae Sprauve Webster, CEO of Frederiksted Health Care, Inc., for her leadership in healthcare. Other honorees were Torhera Durand for technology, Casey Payton, Esq. for social and economic justice, and former Senator Janette Millin-Young for empowering women and girls. The St. Croix Foundation for Community Development was also honored for its civic engagement efforts.
Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory and Sen. Marise James, who co-hosted the event, highlighted the importance of these awards in recognizing the often quiet but impactful work of women in the Virgin Islands. “These women get up every day and work to build better communities,” said Frett-Gregory. “It was an honor to nominate them for this national recognition.”
The N.O.B.E.L. Women’s conference not only celebrated these achievements but also emphasized the ongoing need for strong leadership and advocacy in addressing issues such as social justice and economic empowerment, particularly in Black communities.
