Eleven Caymanians were recently recognised for their outstanding achievements and contributions on the global stage. The honourees were celebrated at the Cayman Connection 4th annual Making Waves Awards, held on 31 July at the Harquail Theatre. The awards highlight individuals who are making a significant impact in their respective fields while proudly representing the Cayman Islands abroad.

The 2025 awardees are:

• Dr. Katrina Jurn – environment and sustainability (Canada)
• Rita Estevanovich – arts, culture and heritage (UK)
• Mr. John ‘JJ’ Gillooly, MD – health and wellness (UK)
• Dr. Joel Rose – health and wellness (highly commended) (USA)
• Gabriella Hernandez – STEM (Spain)
• Jamaal Estwick – tourism, travel and hospitality (Dubai, UAE)
• Emma Graham-Taylor – inclusion (USA)
• Harvey Stephenson Jr. – legal, financial and professional services (USA)
• Paula Jackson – legal, financial and professional services (highly commended) (USA)
• Molly Kehoe – sports (Wales, UK)
• Suahil Housholder – education (USA)

“I’m delighted with the turnout for our 4th annual Making Waves Awards. It was a truly special and emotional evening,” said Kate Kandiah Cayman Connection Founder. “The awardees have done tremendous work overseas and they hold Cayman string in their hearts, always wherever they are, and this must be celebrated. We are very much looking forward to our fifth year and hope even more people will get involved.”

Five of the 11 awardees were on hand to collect their awards while the others had friends, family members and/or colleagues represent them. A common theme among the acceptance speeches from the awardees or their proxies was the strong connection to home and the love of country. 

“I am feeling really emotional, honoured and humbled. We have such incredible Caymanians across the world; I am amazed at the calibre of our people,” said actress, cultural ambassador and storyteller Rita Estevanovich in her acceptance speech. “It’s important to note that we started right here, across these three islands. There’s something very special about this place. There’s something good in the water. To the young people, I say don’t discount home. Do the work here. You can have the international stage as well, but it starts here and then note to self: come back home.”

Suahil Housholder, who until recently was the Vice President for Finance and CFO at Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana and is now transitioning to the role of Chief Financial Officer at Butler University in Indiana, was also on hand to accept her Making Waves Education Award, sponsored by the Ministry of Education and Training. 

“I’m a very proud Caymanian. Whenever I present myself and I say who I am, I always say I am from the Cayman Islands, and they know it and I’m proud of it. And although I don’t live here anymore, my heart is always here,” said Housholder. “I wish I wasn’t so emotional, but that’s just how much this means to me.”

Gabriella Hernandez, who lives in Spain, is Head of Communications & Sustainability at Metta, a company that supports entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation through research and programmes. Unable to join in person, her mother, Angelyn Hernandez, accepted the Bullish-sponsored STEM Award on her behalf and brought greetings from Gabriella. 

“I am truly honoured to receive this award and to be nominated alongside the other winners. I’m grateful for the support of my family and community that has afforded me the opportunity to live, work, and study overseas,” said Hernandez. “As the national song says, “although I wander far, my heart enshrines thee yet. Homeland fair Cayman Isle, I cannot thee forget.” I’m grateful to be able to represent my home. My experience growing up in Cayman has shaped my worldview and work, and while I’m grateful to be able to do the work I do, helping to support innovation and ecosystem development overseas, I hope I can one day help my own community.”

The full awards ceremony can be viewed on Cayman Connection’s YouTube channel. The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism & Trade Development, Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability, Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage, Ministry of Education & Training, Maples Group, Bullish, Ministry of Social Development & Innovation and Royal Bank. 

For more information about the Making Waves Awards email [email protected].

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Kate Kandiah, Founder of Cayman Connection

Julia Goulden (L) and Tara Hopwood accept the Making Waves Inclusion Award from Hon. Premier Andre Ebanks on behalf of Emma Graham-Taylor

Rita Estevanovich accepts the Making Waves Arts, Culture and Heritage Award from Hon. Isaac Rankine, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage.

Rita Estevanovich leads the audience in a tearful and emotional rendition of “Come Back Home” during her acceptance speech

Dr. Joel Rose accepts the Making Waves Health and Wellness (Highly Commended) award from Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Wayne Panton

Dr. Joel Rose

Angelyn Hernandez accepts the Making Waves Bullish Stem Award from Alasdair Foster, CEO of Bullish Capital

Angelyn Hernandez

Miss Eleanor Estwick, daughter of Jamaal Estwick, accompanied by her mother, Jessica Estwick, accepts the Making Waves Tourism, Travel and Hospitality award on his behalf from Mr. Joel Francis, Deputy Chief Officer in the Ministry of Tourism & Trade Development

Mr. Harvey Stephenson Jr. accepts the Making Waves Maples Group Legal, Financial & Professional Services Award from Maples Group Partner, Christina Bodden

Mr. Harvey Stephenson Jr.

Ms. Paula Jackson, accepts the Making Waves Maples Group Legal, Financial & Professional Services (Highly Commended) Award from Maples Group Partner, Christina Bodden

Masters of Ceremony Eddie Weber and Leanni Tibbetts

Former Triple C classmates Rita Estevanovich and Dr. Joel Rose

Cayman Olympian Charlotte Webster, winner of the 2024 Making Waves Sports Award is interviewed.