U.S. Virgin Islands – The 2nd Annual Mothers Matter Empowerment Event was held on Saturday at the UVI 13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center, bringing together 60 incredible mothers to celebrate their strength, resilience, and dedication. Hosted by the Access and Visitation Program (AVP) of the V.I. Department of Justice (DOJ) Paternity and Child Support Division (PCSD), this empowering event united a coalition of five partner agencies to offer a day full of inspiration, support, and recognition.
The interactive event included motivational speakers, giveaways, and resources aimed at uplifting and supporting mothers, especially those facing challenges in child support cases and are participants in the programs. Some of the topics included Financial, Responsibility, Self Compassion and Family Responsibility. Participating organizations included the UVI Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL), Family Resource Center, Inc. (FRC), Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) V.I. Department of Human Services-The Office of Child Care and Regulatory Services and Inspire V.I. LLC.
Organizers emphasized the importance of coordinating this event because it served multiple key purposes: empowering mothers, providing resources and support, fostering community connections, promoting positive co-parenting and family dynamics, raising awareness of critical issues, and supporting mental and emotional well-being.
The event sought to create a network of support for mothers and foster positive communication between mothers and non-custodial fathers. By promoting parental engagement, the initiative aims to strengthen family relationships and enhance the well-being of children.
“The Mothers Matter Empowerment Event reflects our deep commitment to strengthening families and supporting parents across the Virgin Islands,” said Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea. “When we invest in mothers, we invest in the well-being of our children and the future of our communities. I commend the Access and Visitation Program and all partnering agencies for their collaboration and dedication to this important work.”
DOJ Chief Deputy Attorney General Ian S.A. Clement highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting its impact on families and the broader community. “Mothers are the backbone of the Virgin Islands, and programs like this show that the Virgin Islands government—and all the partners involved—truly care,” said Clement. “I want to congratulate the mothers, the AVP team, and all the partners for this meaningful and successful collaboration.”
Dr. Sharon Jackson-McDonald, AVP Administrator, shared her gratitude for the collaborative effort behind the event and its meaningful impact on families. “This event served as a powerful platform for empowerment, personal growth, and the promotion of healthy co-parenting relationships,” said Dr. Jackson-McDonald. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the DOJ Family and all partnering agencies for their steadfast dedication to the mothers in our community. The challenges we face cannot be overcome by any single organization alone. We remain steadfast in our mission — to encourage, equip, and uplift mothers everywhere because when mothers thrive, families and communities flourish.”
Dr. Leah Vanterpool, VP of Administration & Finance and Chief Financial Officer at the University of the Virgin Islands, served as a guest speaker and addressed the importance of financial freedom and personal growth. “How we see ourselves often reflects how we see money,” said Dr. Vanterpool. “You have to be able to look at where you’ve been and say, ‘I’m not staying there—I’m evolving into who I’m meant to be.’ Growth takes a plan. Celebrate the small victories along the way—they’re what help us truly appreciate the big wins.”
Motivational speaker Carol O’Bryan Henneman, a retired educator, poet, and historian, shared her personal journey and delivered a message of self-reflection and resilience. “When you look at your situation, don’t measure yourself against anybody else—that’s not going to help you,” said Henneman. “What’s going to help you is learning to balance your life with all of your attachments, your responsibilities, all of your hard work, all of your labor—and finding a place to find yourself in the middle of it.”
Teejah T. Daley, M.Ed., an attendee of the event, shared how deeply the experience resonated with her as a single mother. “As a single mother, the topics discussed truly touched my spirit,” said Daley. “Each speaker delivered with such authenticity and wisdom that I found myself nodding, reflecting, and even tearing up at times. Their powerful words, grounded in real-life experiences and heartfelt truths, created a space where we could all see ourselves in their stories.”
Shenelle Fina Francis, another attendee, reflected on the impact of the speakers. “I was especially moved by Carol Henneman’s words,” said Francis. “Her testimony as a breast cancer survivor and her message about the power we hold as women deeply resonated with me. As a mother of two young boys, I’m already seeing how uniquely different they are, and her words reminded me of the strength and resilience we carry—not just for ourselves, but for our families and communities.”
Therese Thomas, another participant, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to connect with fellow mothers in a meaningful way. “Seldom do we get an opportunity to sit, fellowship, cry, and laugh together as we share in our motherhood journey, and I’m thankful that Mothers Matter has given us the opportunity to do so,” said Thomas.
All of the attendees/presenters were recognized with certificates during the ceremony.
For more information about the Access & Visitation Program, please contact:
V.I. Department of Justice, Paternity and Child Support Division (PCSD) Access & Visitation (AVP)
St. Croix: (340) 775-3070, ext. 5007, 5010
St. Thomas: (340) 778-5958
viaccess@vi.gov
Partners:
UVI Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL)
St. Croix: (340) 692-4230
St. Thomas (340) 693-1100
cell@uvi.edu
Family Resource Center, Inc., (FRC)
St. Thomas (340) 776-3966
frc4.ed@gmail.com
Inspire V.I., LLC
ciraburke15@gmail.com
Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)
340-778-2211
911 Emergency
police.commissioner@vipd.vi.gov
Department of Human Services-The Office of Child Care and Regulatory Services (OCCRS)
St. Croix (340)772-7147
St. Thomas/St. John 774-0930 ext. 4180 or 4184
www.dhs.vi.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2025
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov