The Cayman Islands has produced many influential women who have made remarkable contributions in politics, law, business, science, education, the arts, and community development. These women have helped shape the nation and represent it with pride on the global stage.
1. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly
First Female Premier of the Cayman Islands
Field:
Politics, Law, Leadership
Trailblazer: First and only female Premier (2012–2013)
Current Role (2025): Speaker of Parliament
Firsts:
First woman elected to the Legislative Assembly from the Sister Islands (Cayman Brac & Little Cayman)
Known For: Education reform, youth advocacy, and supporting Caymanian women in leadership
2. Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale
High-Ranking Female Jurist
Field:
Law & Judiciary
First female judge appointed to Cayman’s Grand Court
Later appointed Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Known for: Strong legal intellect, fairness, and advancing women’s presence in Caribbean legal systems
3. Olive Miller (OBE)
Pioneer in Social Work & Education
1912–2019
Founded the Cayman Islands National Council of Voluntary Organizations (NCVO)
Helped develop preschool education in Cayman
Served as a Justice of the Peace and community leader
Legacy: Known as “Cayman’s Mother of Social Work”
4. Selita Ebanks
International Supermodel & Philanthropist
Victoria’s Secret Angel and global fashion icon
Born to a Caymanian mother; raised in Cayman and the U.S.
Founder of Stardom Youth Foundation, promoting self-esteem and career skills for youth
Advocates for diversity in fashion and women’s empowerment
5. Dr. Carrie Manfrino
Marine Scientist & Educator
Founder of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) in Little Cayman
Focuses on coral reef preservation and climate resilience
Created Reefs Go Live, an award-winning STEM education platform
6. Nasaria Suckoo-Chollette
Author, Poet, and Cultural Advocate
Known for her Caymanian storytelling, plays, and poetry
Promotes preservation of Caymanian heritage and dialect
Active in schools, youth writing workshops, and theater
7. Theresa Pitcairn
Attorney & Advocate
One of the few Caymanian women to run for public office
Strong voice in discussions on women’s rights, land issues, and constitutional reform
Founder of Women of Valor Cayman, a group supporting female empowerment
8. Cydonie Mothersill
Olympian and Sports Administrator
Track and Field star: Represented Cayman Islands in multiple Olympic Games
Gold medalist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games
Served as Director of Sports, encouraging youth athletics across the islands
9. Shari Lewison-Snell
Entrepreneur & Creative Businesswoman
Founder of several Caymanian-owned businesses
Promotes local branding, fashion, and women in business
Leads workshops on entrepreneurship and creative arts
10. Dr. Carina Blackwood
Emerging Caymanian Neuroscientist
Cayman-born and UK-trained in mental health and neurobiology
Focuses on adolescent wellness and brain research
Engaged in public education and mental health awareness campaigns
