Women across the Caribbean and African diaspora will gather in Maryland this month for a celebration rooted in legacy, leadership, and community impact.
The 2nd Annual Caribbean & African Women of Impact (CAWI) Honors will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Silver Spring, Maryland, recognizing women of Caribbean and African descent whose work is creating meaningful change locally and across the global diaspora.
Presented by SEA The Difference by Hopeless RHOmantic LLC, the Women’s History Month event returns under the 2026 theme “Bloom & Flourish,” continuing its mission of Giving Flowers, Honoring Legacies. After a sold-out inaugural celebration in 2025, CAWI Honors returns this year with expanded partnerships and growing momentum.
This year’s honoree class reflects a powerful mix of leadership across entertainment, advocacy, public service, and entrepreneurship. Honorees and guests represent countries including Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, and more — highlighting the richness and influence of the diaspora.
Among the newly announced honorees are Emmy-nominated actress and comedian Janelle James, Academy Award-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, and public health leader and advocate Dr. Berthrude Albert, alongside other distinguished women making impactful contributions within their fields.
Community voices are also being uplifted through public recognition. Entrepreneur and educator Nakeba McKoy has been selected as the Public Nomination Honoree, chosen from nominations submitted by the community. Social media personality Vanessa Imani will receive the Rising Star Award for her growing influence and impact.
The evening will also spotlight businesses making meaningful contributions to their communities. Labay Market will be honored with the Seed to Harvest Community Impact Award, recognizing the internationally known Caribbean business for its longstanding dedication to nourishing families and supporting community initiatives.
Attendees can expect an afternoon filled with celebration and connection, featuring live performances, special guests, and raffle giveaways, with catering provided by Emmanuella’s Cuisine.
The event will also take time to honor the legacies of several remarkable women who have recently passed, including Sharon Chuter, founder of UOMA Beauty, Mrs. Alsion Roach Wilson of Jamaica, a beloved community figure, and Miya Marcano, whose legacy continues through the advocacy work of the Miya Marcano Foundation.
In addition to celebrating honorees, CAWI Honors will uplift nonprofit organizations making a difference. The event will highlight Chemi Chemi Foundation Inc. and collect donations in support of Good Intentions Foundation Inc., furthering humanitarian and community-driven initiatives.
The 2026 celebration is supported by sponsors including Narcisso Wine Cellars, Fetelist, and Black Girl Vitamins, alongside tourism partners Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Grenada Tourism Authority, reinforcing the event’s connection to the broader Caribbean and African diaspora.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Location: Civic Building, Silver Spring, Maryland
VIP Welcome Hour: 11:00 AM – 11:55 AM
Brunch and Awards Ceremony: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Tickets are available at cawihonors-2026.eventbrite.com.
A Legacy of Honoring Impact
Since its launch, CAWI Honors has recognized women whose leadership spans industries and communities. Past honorees include Aisha Braveboy, Joy Thomas Moore, Elizabeth Montano, Maureen Umeh, and Fiona Compton, representing excellence across business, media, advocacy, and culture.
As the event returns for its second year, CAWI Honors continues to center a simple but powerful idea: giving women their flowers while they can still receive them.
