Kingston, Jamaica – March 29, 2026 — The HerFlow Foundation proudly introduced the Legacy of Care Award at its annual Celebrate Her: Unsung Shero Awards, held on March 29, 2026, recognizing extraordinary Jamaican women whose sustained service and leadership have created lasting impact in their communities.
Rooted in the belief that true impact is built over time, the Legacy of Care Award honours women who have dedicated years—often decades—to uplifting others. These are women whose work has become a steady force in their communities, showing up consistently with compassion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to change.
In 2026, the award took on even deeper significance as it recognized women who rose to meet the urgent needs of their communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa—mobilizing support, providing relief, and standing as pillars of strength during one of the country’s most challenging moments.
“These women represent the very heart of what it means to serve,” said Shelly-Ann Weeks, Founder and Executive Director of HerFlow Foundation. “The Legacy of Care Award is about honouring not just what they have done in moments of crisis, but the years of consistent, often unseen work that has strengthened communities and transformed lives. Their impact is not temporary—it is lasting, and it deserves to be celebrated.”
The 2026 Legacy of Care Award recipients are:
- Michelle “D’Angel” Downer, Angels Foundation – for her unwavering humanitarian leadership, providing critical relief, meals, and rebuilding support to families affected by Hurricane Melissa
- Joy Crawford, Eve for Life – for over 15 years of visionary leadership empowering vulnerable women and girls through transformative psychosocial and economic support
- Dr. Janice Johnson Dias, GrassROOTS Community Foundation – for leading impactful disaster recovery efforts, including rebuilding homes and supporting vulnerable families in communities such as Flankers, St. James
The awards were presented in partnership with the High Commission of Canada, a longstanding supporter of HerFlow Foundation’s work. In a statement, the High Commission noted:
“Canada is proud to support Celebrate Her 2026, in partnership with the HerFlow Foundation, as part of its commitment to advancing gender equality, human rights, and inclusive community development in Jamaica… Through this initiative, Canada recognizes and amplifies the leadership of Jamaican women whose courage, compassion, and service are transforming lives and fostering resilience.”
The partnership reflects shared Canadian–Jamaican values of solidarity, resilience, and community-driven action, particularly in supporting women-led recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
Celebrate Her 2026 brought together leaders, advocates, and community members to honour women whose work often goes unseen but continues to shape stronger, more resilient communities across Jamaica. The introduction of the Legacy of Care Award marks a significant addition to the programme, ensuring that long-standing service and sustained impact are recognized and celebrated.
“This is why we Celebrate Her,” Weeks added. “Because these women remind us that real change happens when care is consistent, intentional, and rooted in community.”
