Two Caribbean-American leaders — including a first-generation Jamaican American — are among the 14 women being recognized by the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women as part of 2026 Women’s History Month.
Under the theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” the commission is recognizing women whose work has shaped Broward County’s social, economic and political landscape — including entrepreneurs, elected officials, attorneys and nonprofit leaders with deep roots in the Caribbean diaspora.
Among them is Kimba Williams, a first-generation Jamaican American entrepreneur and women’s health advocate. As co-founder and CEO of KUSHAE, described as the first OB/GYN-founded feminine wellness brand, Williams has built a mission-driven company focused on safe, science-backed intimate care products. Overcoming personal health challenges, she helped grow the brand into a multimillion-dollar business while pushing to normalize conversations around women’s health — particularly in communities where such topics are often stigmatized. In addition to her business leadership, Williams mentors women entrepreneurs and promotes health education in underserved communities.
Also recognized is Ana Valladares, who was born in Cuba, raised in Venezuela and has lived in South Florida since 1984. Valladares serves as CEO of Latin Women Empowering Latin Women, Inc. (Mujeres Latinas Impulsando Mujeres Latinas), where she works to expand economic opportunity and civic participation for Latina women while honoring their cultural heritage. Her leadership extends to multiple boards focused on behavioral health, education and child welfare, and she has been recognized locally and nationally for advancing equity and opportunity.
The list of honorees also reflects strong representation in public service and business advocacy.
Joyce L. Davis, mayor of Dania Beach, is being recognized for her leadership in environmental sustainability and economic development. Since taking office, Davis has advanced initiatives aimed at maintaining a “pristine, environmentally healthy and economically strong” Dania Beach for future generations, including the installation of Florida’s first bronze “Sea Turtle Beach” sculpture. She previously received the United Nations Association of Broward County Sustainable Development Goals Leader Award in 2023.
Attorney Shaheewa Jarret Gelin, after more than 17 years as a federal litigator, now serves as general counsel for the Gelin Benefits Group. She also incorporated the Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce, which has grown to more than 560 members and has served approximately 12,000 people through advocacy and business development training. Through its foundation, the chamber has administered more than $250,000 in grants to support local businesses. Gelin earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and her law degree from the University of Miami School of Law.
Other honorees include Angelica Negrete, Audrey Fesik, Jacqueline Reed-Stills, Joyce Davis, Katherine O’Fallon, Laura Dobrzanski, Missy Williams, Susan V. Spragg, Val Butler, Victoria Ranger Nunez and Yanil Corvino — women recognized for their leadership across education, mentorship, public policy and community engagement.
For Broward’s Caribbean and broader immigrant communities, the recognition of leaders like Williams and Valladares reflects the region’s evolving demographic and the growing influence of women of Caribbean and Latin American heritage in shaping South Florida’s future.
