U.S. Virgin Islands – Bloom where you are planted, rooted in radiance. That powerful theme filled the room Saturday as the Access and Visitation Program (AVP) of the V.I. Department of Justice (DOJ) Paternity and Child Support Division (PCSD) hosted in collaboration with community partner agencies, its 3rd Annual Mothers Matter Empowerment Event at the UVI 13D Research and Strategy Innovation Center under the inspiring theme.
Organizers said this year’s theme reminded mothers that even in difficult seasons, they can grow, heal, and thrive where they are. More than 70 mothers from across the Territory gathered for a day of empowerment, healing, and celebration. The event featured testimonies, motivational messages, and discussions on self-compassion, emotional wellness, family responsibility, and personal development, creating a supportive atmosphere of encouragement and connection.
Participating organizations included the UVI Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL), Family Resource Center, Inc. (FRC), Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), the V.I. Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Child Care and Regulatory Services, Inspire V.I. LLC., One Communications USVI and the Institute for Social Change.
“The Mothers Matter Empowerment Event reflects our continued commitment to strengthening families and uplifting mothers throughout the Virgin Islands,” said Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea. “This year’s theme, Bloom Where You Are: Rooted in Radiance,’ reminds us that even through adversity, growth is possible. When mothers flourish, families and communities flourish with them.”
The event featured powerful speakers, wellness moments, giveaways, resources, photo opportunities, certificates of recognition, and meaningful fellowship. Fitness instructors Willa Fils and Annette Nicholson were on hand to lead exercise activities at the event.
DOJ Chief of STT Criminal Division, H. Timothy Perry, during his opening remarks reminded us of the extraordinary power mothers carry. A mother can create stability during chaos, to believe in her child’s greatness before the world sees it, and to nurture that child into recognizing their own potential. Mothers help shape what is possible for the next generation.”
Dr. Sharon Jackson-McDonald, AVP Administrator, reflected on the uplifting atmosphere of the event and said, “The event provided a welcoming space focused on healing and family engagement, bringing together mothers from diverse backgrounds. Thank you to our community partners, presenters, participants, and volunteers whose support made the event a success. Positive feedback from attendees reinforced the importance of continuing programs that strengthen families and support mothers through everyday challenges. The AVP remains committed to strengthening families through parental involvement and community collaboration
Guest speaker Dr. Muria Nisbett, founder of the HeirMark Framework, shared that through her work in mental health and community outreach, she recognized a need for services more specifically tailored to women in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She created HeirMark as a framework aimed at fostering healing, growth, and generational impact. “The HeirMark framework looks at what we’ve inherited, what we’re still carrying today, and what we want to leave behind intentionally,” she explained. “Legacy is not just what you leave behind. Legacy is what is different because you were here — what patterns end with you, and what you choose to start because of you.”
Motivational speaker and retired educator Carol O’Bryan Henneman encouraged women to establish their values early and stay grounded in self-awareness. She cautioned that without clear boundaries; women can end up carrying emotional burdens they were never meant to bear. “If we don’t define ourselves and our values early,” she said, “we can find ourselves in compromising situations and carrying emotional and personal loads that were never intended for us.”
In her presentation, “Petals of Power,” FRC’s Ms. Karen Blyden discussed some of the challenges many parents face. She noted that there is no manual for parenting that tells you step-by-step exactly what to do. Instead, parenting is often a process of trial and error — a “baptism by fire” — while doing the best you possibly can with common sense and love.
DHS TANF Director Dr. Cira Burke, in her presentation “Rooted in Greatness,” shared a personal story of perseverance through difficult times, noting she anchored her faith during her most challenging moments. “So, when you are going through the storm,” she said, “make sure you have faith as one of your powerful pearls.” She also reminded attendees, “Today, you are planting roots for decades to come,” emphasizing how present choices shape the future.
Dr. Susan Darrow-Magras, UVI CELL Director shared her healing journey through the handpan, a percussion instrument similar to the steelpan, following the loss of close family members. She said, “Playing the handpan allowed me to grieve, lose myself in rhythm and sound, and experience the benefits of sound healing.” Her reflective musical piece was played during Claudette Elliott’s presentation.
Guest speaker Claudette Elliott also spoke about overcoming challenges and the importance of intentional healing through her work with Soul Morphosis, LLC, which supports women navigating different stages of menopause. Although she initially planned to focus on nervous system regulation, Elliott instead felt compelled to share her personal journey and with the women in attendance. “Little did I know this presentation would turn into sharing my personal story. I had always wanted to incorporate my journey, but today I realized this was the right time and place. The women were so receptive, and I am truly grateful.”
VIPD Deputy Commissioner Carolyn Wattley spoke about the resilience of mothers and the unique role they play within their families. She shared that even during some of life’s hardest moments, mothers continue to push forward for the sake of their children. “Sometimes you have hard days,” she said. “Then you hear, ‘Mom, I’m hungry,’ and you get up and say, ‘Sure, what would you like to eat today?’ That takes immense strength and reconditioning of the mind because, at the end of the day, we are doing it for our future — we are doing it for our kids.”
DHS Assistant Commissioner Taetia Phillips-Dorsett encouraged women to understand the importance of setting boundaries while continuing to grow and evolve. “Know how to set boundaries while you bloom,” she said. “As you are on a journey — whether personal, professional, or even medical — you have to be the person to look within yourself to determine what you can handle, when you can handle it, and when you need to take time out for yourself… and be unapologetic for it.”
For more information about the Access & Visitation Program, please contact:
V.I. Department of Justice, Paternity and Child Support Division (PCSD) Access & Visitation Program (AVP)
St. Thomas: (340) 775-3070
St. Croix: (340) 778-5958
Email: 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
Institute for Social Change
St. Thomas (340) 642-9691
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2026
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: Sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov