Kingston, Jamaica – March 2026 — The HerFlow Foundation proudly hosted Celebrate Her 2026, a powerful evening dedicated to recognizing Jamaican women whose compassion, leadership, and service transformed communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, held in recognition of International Women’s Day, continued its mission of honouring grassroots changemakers whose work often goes unseen, but whose impact changes lives across Jamaica.
This year’s staging placed a special spotlight on women who became first responders within their own communities following Hurricane Melissa—organizing relief efforts, mobilizing resources, feeding families, rebuilding schools, supporting vulnerable residents, and restoring hope during one of the country’s most challenging moments.
Founded in 2019 by Shelly-Ann Weeks, Celebrate Her was created to shine a light on women making extraordinary contributions at the grassroots level. Since its inception, the initiative has honoured more than 90 Jamaican women, including school nurses, guidance counsellors, community organizers, and humanitarian leaders.
Speaking at the event, Shelly-Ann Weeks, Founder and Executive Director of HerFlow Foundation, reflected on both the evolution of Celebrate Her and HerFlow’s decade-long commitment to dignity and empowerment for Jamaican women and girls.
“This year is especially meaningful for us as we celebrate 10 years of advancing dignity across Jamaica. What started as a mission to end period poverty has grown into a movement that advocates for health equity, education, and empowerment. Celebrate Her was born from the belief that women who quietly serve their communities deserve to be seen, celebrated, and supported. The women we honour today remind us that leadership is not always loud—it is often found in acts of compassion, sacrifice, and service,” Weeks shared.
The event honoured the Top 20 Celebrate Her Nominees of 2026, selected from 31 inspiring nominations submitted from across the island. Honourees represented communities in Westmoreland, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth, Trelawny, St. James, and beyond. Their contributions ranged from organizing shelter operations and relief missions to distributing meals, hygiene supplies, and rebuilding support for hurricane-affected families.
Special recognition was also given through the Legacy of Care Awards, presented to women whose long-standing humanitarian work has transformed lives and strengthened communities over decades of service. Recipients included Michelle “D’Angel” Downer of the Angel Foundation, Joy Crawford of Eve for Life, and Dr. Janice Johnson Dias of GrassROOTS Community Foundation.
Celebrate Her 2026 was supported by partners including Lasco Curves, Malta, the Canadian High Commission, Sarweeks Publishing, ProAudio Productions, and Dacx Productions.
Beyond the awards, the initiative continues to evolve into a national movement focused on amplifying grassroots leadership, investing in community changemakers, and inspiring a culture of service and empowerment throughout Jamaica.
HerFlow Foundation, a leading Jamaican nonprofit organization, has spent the last decade advancing menstrual and reproductive health, distributing millions of menstrual products, conducting school tours across all 14 parishes, and advocating for policies that support the dignity and wellness of women and girls.
As the organization celebrates its 10-year milestone, Celebrate Her remains a reflection of its broader mission: ensuring that Jamaican women and girls are not only supported—but seen, valued, and empowered.
“This is more than an awards ceremony,” Weeks emphasized. “It is a movement to recognize women who continue to rebuild communities, restore hope, and prove every day that compassion is one of the most powerful forces for change.”
