21 to join the ranks of The Distinguished
Published:Sunday | April 23, 2023 | 11:32 AM
A new crop of distinguished women have bloomed. Dedicated to recognising inspiring women from all walks of life, The Gleaner’s Flair will host The Distinguished, with an awards dinner in Kingston, tomorrow.
The annual celebration that recognises women making exceptional strides in their fields was first staged as a luncheon in March 2018. Since then the event has evolved and become a staple on the Flair calendar, providing one of Jamaica’s first and oldest women’s magazines with the opportunity to acknowledge women from all over Jamaica. This will be the first time that the event will take on a dinner format.
“ Flair has a time-honoured commitment to championing women since its inception in 1984 and the team is pleased to add another 21 women to the ranks of The Distinguished,” said Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor Jamila Litchmore.
Over the years, The Distinguished has honoured 100 women in areas such as business, the arts, education, fashion, law, science and technology, communications, and agriculture. Past winners include Audrey Tugwell Henry, Nicole McLaren Campbell, Keneea Linton-George, Elaine Thompson Herah, Alia Atkinson, Chorvelle Johnson Cunningham, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Leonie Forbes, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, Simone Clarke and Dahlia Harris.
The awards are separated into four categories: The Excellence Award, which is presented to one preeminent recipient who has achieved at the highest level and shown mastery in their chosen field and whose outstanding contributions and achievements have created a national or global impact and resulted in a significant transformation.
The Pioneer Award is presented to a trailblazer who has made a significant contribution to Jamaica and aided in the economic or social development of the island through their passion, purpose, and innovation.
The Distinguished awardees are selected based on their significant involvement in the activities and business of their field over an extended period. They show exemplary leadership and commitment to their community through time, actions, and talent. Nominees must: Be a citizen of Jamaica; demonstrate exemplary leadership and dedication to their community; show tireless dedication to their craft; demonstrate significant involvement in the activities and business of their field over an extended period and demonstrate a willingness to serve and assist other women in their personal and professional development.
Last, but certainly not least The Social Media Personality of the Year is selected based on their ability to use social media to influence society positively. They post with purpose and have significant engagement and following.
The following are the 2023 The Distinguished recipients: Excellence Award, Sheryl Lee Ralph; Pioneer Awards (Volunteerism) Joy Crawford and Patricia Watson, (Entertainment) Marcia Griffiths and (Health) Dr Sherridene Lee; Distinguished Awards (Media and Communications) Terri-Karelle Reid, (Business) Kalilah Reynolds, (Education) Phelisa Ricketts-Graham, (Health) Shauna Fuller Clarke, (Entertainment) Sosiessia Nixon, (Arts and Culture) Kerry-Ann Henry, (Agriculture) Toni-Ann Lalor, (Nation-Building) Andrea Dempster Chung, (Fashion) Shamara ‘Shampagne X’ Sahadeo, (Food) Alexa Von Strolley, (Volunteerism) De-Andrea Jackson, (Beauty) Gabrielle Waite, ( Law) Maia Wilson, (Sport) Shericka Jackson and (Science and Technology) Godiva Golding. Social Media Personality of the Year goes to Tammar Chin Mitchell.
Sheryl Lee Ralph as The Distinguished’s Excellence awardee was a no-brainer. Ralph exudes excellence and at 66, the actress champions Jamaica wherever she goes and always has great advice for future generations. “To all of you watching, come close to the screen and listen,” Ralph said at the 2023 Critics Choice Award, where she won for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Abbott Elementary. “People don’t have to like you, people don’t have to love you, people don’t even have to respect you. But when you look in the mirror, you better love what you see!” Excellent.
When asked how she felt about receiving The Distinguished Award for business, Kalilah Reynolds said, “I’m truly honoured to be receiving this award. Kalilah Reynolds Media has grown tremendously since we started in 2019. The impact we’ve had on the business and investing environment in Jamaica is undeniable. It feels amazing to know that our efforts and our mission are being recognised by such a prestigious publication. Thank you!”
Media and Communications awardee Terri-Karelle Reid said, “I am honoured to be a recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Award in Media and Communications from The Gleaner’s Flair. As a community builder, I always endeavour to be open and honest about my lived experiences, the highs and lows, the victories and the challenges, with the hope that the transfer of knowledge will resonate with, and impact someone else in a positive way. Thanks to The Gleaner’s Flair for the kind consideration and inclusion in this year’s staging and heartiest congratulations to my fellow awardees- sister Queens who are trailblazers, pioneers, beacons of hope and legacy builders in their respective industries. I am deeply honoured to be celebrating amongst you all.”
The Distinguished is sponsored by Mastercard, Scotia Investments, JAM-DEX, Port Authority of Jamaica, S Hotel, ATL Automotive, Sygnus, Grace Foods, Ascend Innovation, Key Insurance, DRT Communications Ltd., British Caribbean Insurance Company, Blue Diamond Resorts, Spanish-Jamaican Foundation, Baileys, Massy Distribution, Lifespan, Hema Luxe, P.A. Benjamin, Wendy’s, CPJ, Flow, In Good Company and The Jamaica Pegasus.
With over 150 guests set to be in attendance, look out for The Distinguished coverage on the glitzy pink carpet, and be sure to grab The Distinguished special printed edition of the Flair in The Gleaner tomorrow.