< PreviousWomen In Business 10 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 Women are excelling across the business sector, with sport being an arena in which they can show their prowess on and off the field. Two female executives who hold prominent positions are Merta Day, head coach (sports coordinator for women) with the Cayman Islands Government Department of Sports, and Caroline Deegan, operations manager at Cayman Rugby Football Union. CAROLINE DEEGAN As a woman, and the first person to hold the post of operations manager at Cayman Rugby Football Union, Caroline has relished the opportunity to shape her role. She took on the job 15 years ago, at a time when Cayman Rugby was growing and the administrative team expanding. “As this role had never been held by any person before I took on the challenge, I knew I had to prove my worth and ensure that I was heard, as it was historically a very male-dominated world,” she says. “When I was given the opportunity to work for Cayman Rugby, I jumped at the chance to combine my love of the game with my everyday life, and quickly got my teeth into the many roles that came with the job, with the goal of elevating Cayman Rugby. “ PLAYING THE GAME Rugby has always been a central and important feature of Caroline’s life. Her first introduction to Cayman Rugby was as a player and she is proud to be a founding member of female contact rugby in the Cayman Islands. In fact, she has had a glowing career as a rugby player, taking part in XV and VII rugby at club and national level, and represented the Cayman Islands at Olympic VII qualifiers and Caribbean XV championships as a player and national captain. “I was part of the first ever female rugby team in the Cayman Islands that won the Caribbean XV championships, taking on the dual roles of player and the head coach,” she says. Caroline has also coached at grassroots levels in schools and at the rugby club, and after retiring as a contact player, she moved into the head coach role for the Cayman Islands Women’s National XV team. “After such a wealth of experiences both on and off the field as a player and coach, I have now taken up the whistle,” she says. “I am a Level 2 touch rugby referee and look forward to qualifying for my Level 3 certification, as I have my sights set on refereeing at the 2024 Touch World Cup, which is being held in the UK.” IN THE OFFICE This wealth of experience tailors perfectly with her office job in which she is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Cayman Rugby. “My role is varied, challenging and requires lots of different hard and soft skills,” she says. Cayman Rugby is a non-profit organisation, with four full-time employees including Caroline, as well as around 50 volunteers. “One of my primary tasks is making sure the rugby club facilities, operations and employees are able to function efficiently, safely, and meet the quality and delivery standards set by our executive and membership,” she explains. “I am also involved in planning, project delivery, and strategy, managing various departments including human resources, IT, finance, food and beverage service/staff, marketing, social media, scheduling, functions, bookings, facility operations, membership, and sponsorship agreements.” TRAILBLAZER As a local trailblazer for women on the business-side of sport, Caroline is keen to encourage others. “There are many jobs within the sporting arena beyond the traditional roles of professional athlete or coach,” she says. “I have had the pleasure of having an insider view of just how many different personnel are involved in the sport of rugby, from legal counsel, physiotherapists, marketing and communications, accounting and WOMEN IN THE BUSINESS OF SPORT “A passion for sport can easily be combined with your professional life and leads to a very fulfilling career.” – Caroline Deegan Caroline Deegan taking photos at a rugby match.Women In Business 11 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 WOMEN IN THE BUSINESS OF SPORT financing and team management, to name just a very small number of roles. A passion for sport can easily be combined with your professional life and leads to a very fulfilling career.” MERTA DAY In July of this year, Merta marked 20 years in her role as head coach (sports coordinator for women) with the Department of Sports. But her involvement dates to 1989, when she became a trainee sports instructor. After completing her training, she worked as a sports instructor for 12 years before taking up the newly created post of sports coordinator for women. “Recently my title was officially changed to head coach, however primary day-to-day duties remain the same,” she says. Throughout the years, Merta has led key areas at multiple sports events as an extension of her role at the Department of Sports. “It has allowed me the opportunity to network and collaborate; also, to learn and grow,” she says. “All of which further enhances my skills in the realm of sports, helping me to be the employee I am to date.” These events included Sports Alive 2005, a post- Hurricane Ivan event; sports at the Governor’s residence in 2007 which featured a royal visit; being chief finish line judge at the 2010 CARIFTA Games; Women’s World Open Squash Championship 2012; and logistics head and race director for the Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge from 2013 to 2018. TALENTED SPORTSWOMAN Merta is a talented sportswoman in her own right, having represented the Cayman Islands at a national level regionally and internationally, as well as in local leagues and multiple sports as an athlete and manager. To name but a few, she has competed in taekwondo, netball, basketball, rugby, squash, track and field (middle distance running), football. volleyball and cricket. She is also multi-decorated for her achievements, with honours including the Queen’s Birthday Parade Award Sports Person of the Year 1988; Cayman’s first international medal – a silver for taekwondo at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 1993; National Heroes Day Awards: Medal of Merit - Gold (GMM) for Meritorious Contributions 2011, and Pioneer Award for Extraordinary Contributions 2018. Additionally, Merta has been the chair, secretary, manager, fitness trainer, and co-lead of many other sporting organisations and events. Recently she has become an internationally accredited doping control officer, which enables her to act in that role at global events such as the Olympic Games. VARIED TASKS On a day-to-day basis, her job varies depending on the time of year. She could be handling summer camps in the morning to early afternoon, as well as community coaching and events on evenings and weekends. Other times she could be officiating at inter-primary and inter-secondary track and field sports meets in the daytime, and community coaching during mornings and evenings. More examples include media promotion-work, including general wellness for women, as well as organising events. “I especially enjoy interacting and working with the unique blend of personalities and various athletic abilities.” she says. “When working with people you become up-close and personal at times, depending on the duration. Therefore, they sometimes look to you for advice and support generally.” SOCIABLE JOB Safe to say, Merta is one of the best-known faces in Cayman’s sporting community and beyond. “This job is an extremely sociable job,” she says. “I am customer-facing often, so must have the qualities to be sociable and a cheerleader in many respects. “Participants’ or athletes’ achievements become my achievements, and their wins become my wins. All this and so much more makes me happy, plain and simple, despite challenges at times as in every job. I can’t ask for much more than that.” “Participants’ or athletes’ achievements become my achievements, and their wins become my wins.” – Merta Day Merta Day.Caroline Deegan (centre) at the recent Tradeview Markets Corporate Touch Rugby League game held in Cayman.Women In Business 12 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 Diagnosing life-threatening illnesses, combined with enduring and easing the emotional hardships which inevitably appear in healthcare settings, requires a skilled and compassionate workforce. The team of women who lead Baptist Health International Cayman Islands’ PET-CT Diagnostic Center tick all the boxes in this regard providing diagnostic imaging locally.. Each woman brings unique skillsets to the Cayman Islands arm of this extensive US healthcare system, which has been utilised by Cayman Islands residents for many years. They all thrive on easing life for their patients, and experiencing the success of overcoming health challenges, but also endure the inevitable emotional toil that comes when there are less positive outcomes. ALINA DOWSON NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST Alina has a degree in nuclear medicine technology, and has been working in nuclear medicine for eight years in various clinical settings. Her schooling took place in Virginia, with subsequent jobs at hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland, to hone her skills as a healthcare professional. “I was looking for a change of scenery from my daily city life and found this job opportunity with Baptist Health in the Cayman Islands,” says Alina. “Helping patients with cancer is my passion, as I took care of my mom, who battled cancer for several years.” On a daily basis, Alina performs positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans, otherwise known as PET-CT and CT scans which assess where a patient’s cancer is located at first diagnosis by providing 3D images. “The scans are also performed throughout treatment to monitor their response to different therapies,” explains Aline. CT scans are conducted for numerous indications, including any issues with the organs, such as lung diseases, blood clots and many other ailments of the body. “Knowing that I provide excellent healthcare to those in need is very fulfilling,” says Alina, who tries to bring smiles to those whose healthcare journeys may not be heading for a positive outcome. “As Maya Angelou said, ‘At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel.’” NICKOLA O’SULLIVAN MANAGER Armed with a degree in international business administration, and an advanced certificate in regulatory compliance, from Hult International University, London campus, Nickola first joined Baptist Health International as a marketing administrator. After a subsequent stint in administration and compliance elsewhere in the healthcare field, Nickola was eager to rejoin the Baptist Health team when a manager position became available. Nickola’s duties are varied, covering business development and operations. “No two days are alike,” she explains. “I maintain and build relationships with physicians, patients and insurance companies; oversee the PET-CT centre; process international patient referrals; and plan medical events and conferences. My primary goal is to provide the highest level of care and service to our overseas and local patients.” Nickola finds her job rewarding, especially the role of meeting new patients and being able to guide them on their healthcare journey. “When we follow up with patients and they tell us that the appointment with one of our physicians was successful, it makes my day,” she says. “Unfortunately, in the medical field we sometimes lose patients. That’s certainly the most difficult part of this job.” TIFFANY VENDIVIL ASSISTANT MANAGER AND CLINICAL SUPERVISOR Tiffany hails from the Philippines and has been in Cayman since 2015. She has more than 15 years of experience as a nurse. “It was my compassion and desire for helping people that led me to pursue nursing,” says Tiffany. “Working for Baptist Health International gave me a great opportunity to provide unique care to the community, since we are the only PET-CT diagnostic centre in Cayman.” Tiffany’s primary duties focus around maintaining standards of care, ensuring patient and staff satisfaction, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone who attends the diagnostic centre, whether patient, staff or visitor. “I also work with the team to ensure that we continue to meet the accreditation standards that have been set by the Joint Commission International,” says Tiffany, as the centre has been awarded a JCI Gold Seal of Approval. While the hardest part of Tiffany’s job will always be negative outcomes, she feels rewards when a patient finds out that they no longer have cancer. “Seeing the smile on their face when they tell me their health is improving, or having them complete treatment, gives me comfort knowing that there’s hope.” RACHEL JACKSON HEALTH COORDINATOR Rachel has been working in the healthcare field for 10 years in various clinical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and a local retirement home. She is trained as a medical assistant, clinical medical administrator and in medical billing and coding. “I’ve always had a passion for working in the healthcare field,” she says. “I understand the importance of providing high-quality care to patients and their families.” Rachel joined the imaging centre due to the opportunity to provide quality care to cancer patients in her own community. “My day-to-day job entails clinical and administrative duties such as receiving local and international patient referrals, obtaining medical records, reviewing patients’ insurance, scheduling PET-CT and CT scans and assisting with medical events and conferences,” she explains. “The most rewarding part of my job is making patients happy, knowing that by providing excellent healthcare I can put a smile on their face.” WOMEN LEAD THE CHARGE AT BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATIONAL CAYMAN ISLANDSWomen In Business 13 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 Karen Cole has always been a people person. It’s one reason she decided to launch her own business after years of working in the financial services industry. A certified public accountant, Karen is the owner of Peace of Property, which offers bespoke accounting and bookkeeping services as well as property management. “I really enjoy meeting people and getting to know them,” she says. “I feed off people’s energy.” Karen began her career in her native Jamaica as a trainee auditor in 2002 at PricewaterhouseCoopers. She became a certified accountant in 2005, moving to Cayman to work at Ernst & Young, and later in the captive insurance industry. While enjoying success in her career, Karen felt something was missing – connecting with clients. “I really enjoy interacting with people versus having to always be sitting in front of Excel spreadsheets all day,” she says. That’s when she decided to broaden her horizons and work in other fields, including real estate development, hospitality, tourism and wholesale/ retail in beers, wines and spirits. “I really thrived because I got to interact with so many people whilst still performing my accounting duties,” she says. MAKING A CHANGE When the pandemic hit, Karen decided it was time to make another change. “I knew it was my time to start a business that brought me happiness,” she says. Along with accounting, her background in strata management came into play. Karen has been involved in her townhome strata since 2015 as a committee member, and later chairperson, helping with financial records as well as maintaining the property. She eventually became a committee member of other stratas, offering her services at low cost to assist with financial records and annual general meetings. Combining her background in strata management with her long-time experience as an accountant, she launched Peace of Property in 2021. The business caters to a niche market, offering an affordable option for accounting and bookkeeping services for property owners, stratas and micro-businesses, as well as property management services for residential properties and stratas. For now, it’s a one-woman operation but Karen is looking to expand next year to enhance her services and build the business. WORK-LIFE BALANCE It’s been a whirlwind journey. Karen juggles a demanding career with a busy home life – husband Errol Gayle and their blended family of two children, Evelyn and Zuri. “Life will always happen, so I just organise everything in a calendar so that no activities or birthday parties get missed,” she says. She also finds work-life balance by exploring her creative side. Karen is passionate about interior design – decorating the family’s townhouse herself – as well as fashion. Her straightforward advice for other women looking to follow their passion and launch their own venture: “Just start from somewhere and ignore the outside noise,” she says. FOLLOWING HER PASSION FOR PEOPLE AND PROPERTY “I knew it was my time to start a business that brought me happiness.” – Karen Cole Accountant changes direction to start own company. Karen Cole. Photo: Taneos Ramsay.Women In Business 14 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023Women in Healthcare With 70% of our workforce comprising of women, our commitment to caring for you is natural and evident each and every day. As the largest and longest healthcare provider in the Cayman Islands, our strength resides in those empowered to deliver the highest quality, compassionate care. 875 WOMEN STRONG hsa.ky Roz Griffiths Women In Business 15 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023Women In Business 16 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 As the second female governor of the Cayman Islands, Jane Owen took up her post in April of this year, showing that women can reach the highest office in the territory. She follows on from Helen Kilpatrick, who blazed a trail as the first female governor in Cayman from 2013 to 2018. Now, settled into Government House on Seven Mile Beach with her beloved labrador Benji, and in full swing with government business, Governor Owen tells Women in Business about her path to this position. As a young woman, what were your aspirations for your career ahead? I applied to join the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (now the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) in my last year of university, because I was attracted to the idea of living in different countries, learning other languages and meeting people from various cultures and approaches. I wanted to make a contribution in some way to getting people and governments around the world to work together, better. I joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1987 (following a year teaching English in Japan immediately after graduating – my introduction to sushi and Japanese etiquette). What was your initial career path and what qualifications did you need to get started? At the time I joined, it was useful to have a first degree in order to join the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Now, some kind of practical experience in the private sector or a non- governmental organisation, or even another part of government is greatly valued, too. My first year was spent in the Latin America department, and after that I was sent on two years’ Japanese language training, before taking up a position in our embassy in Tokyo, working in the trade team. It was quite a baptism of fire to be dealing with British companies trying to sell car parts to Japan – I had not imagined that that could be part of the work of a diplomat. Please outline how your career path unfolded from there. After four years in Japan, I returned to London in 1993, where I ran the Japan desk in our trade ministry, and then moved to the European Department of the FCO. After that, I spent 12 years in Asia (Vietnam, Japan again and India), before moving to Oslo to take up the role of British Ambassador to Norway in 2010. What challenges or barriers have you encountered, as a woman, along the way and how have you overcome these circumstances? I am pleased to say that I haven’t encountered any significant hurdles as a woman. In fact, I found that sometimes my contacts were more likely to open up about issues than they might have done with my male counterparts. We are lucky to live at a time and in an environment where women can thrive in the workplace in many countries. But, we should never take that for granted, because working women still face challenges in other countries, and the gender pay gap still exists. Which female leaders do you look up to and why? I have benefitted from admiring a number of role models over the years – sometimes my boss, sometimes colleagues or people who work for me, and that includes a lot of male colleagues, too. My mother was one of my strongest sources of inspiration – a working woman who developed a successful toy shop business without a university education, and someone who always encouraged me to follow my dreams and keep my mind open to new possibilities. What do you feel needs to be in place for women to enter and thrive in the workplace? Role models help inspire confidence. Decent Governor Jane Owen at her residence on Seven Mile Beach. Photo: Submitted. Governor Owen shines a leading lightWomen In Business 17 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 maternity leave provisions and access to affordable childcare helps with the logistics of bringing up a family (and that’s important for men, too). Finally, we need to make sure that we are all embracing the values of respect, kindness and professionalism in our behaviours and language. So far, what has impressed you about women in the workforce in Cayman? I have seen a lot of confidence, camaraderie and ‘can do’ attitudes. I feel that many of the skills that are associated with women are valued here: being well-organised, good listeners, strong communicators, multi-tasking. I’m not saying that only women have these attributes, but it’s important to recognise that a diverse workforce in every sense will bring a stronger mix of talents, and more resilience to meet the challenges of the future. Do you feel that improvements could be made to encourage more female participation in the private and public sectors? Please elaborate. I’m always keen to see that the public sector is working to encourage female participation, particularly in leadership roles. I’ve been pleased to see that Cayman Islands Government includes a women’s mentorship programme to help guide and inspire the next generation of leaders. As mentioned, I’ve found role models have really encouraged me and I always look to guide and support all those in my team in a similar way. What advice would you give to women in the Cayman Islands who are either starting their careers, changing career paths, or setting up in business, in terms of pursuing their dreams and achieving their goals? I would say don’t get too fixated on a specific path. I’ve seen this in some wonderful women that I’ve worked with, and I think that it can hold them back from new career opportunities or challenges. Don’t be afraid to try new roles and have confidence in what you are good at, rather than focusing on what you still need to develop. Learn a new skill every year, however small – this year mine is posting on Instagram. What so far are you enjoying most about your new posting to the Cayman Islands as the second female governor in the islands’ history? I am really enjoying the chance to meet people from many different parts of Cayman Islands Government, business, society and culture. I love living near the sea and am trying to make the most of swimming, diving and boating. Role of governor The governor is His Majesty King Charles’ representative in the Cayman Islands, whose functions are set out in the constitution, with special responsibility for defence, external affairs and internal security. Phot os: Taneos R amsa y. “Learn a new skill every year, however small – this year mine is posting on Instagram.” – Governor Jane Owen Governor Owen shines a leading lightWomen In Business 18 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 Nancy Whitefield joined the Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps in 1983, after leaving her job as a home economics teacher at Cayman Islands High School to have her first child. And four decades later, she looks back on the help that the group has provided – and continues to give – to those in need, as well as the satisfaction that the ladies themselves reap from giving their time and energy. “The purpose/mission of the Pink Ladies is to be of service to the Cayman community, with the objective of helping in institutions which care for the ill, the aged, the very young and others in need of comfort,” says Nancy. HISTORY The Pink Ladies was started in the Cayman Islands in September 1980 by Olive Miller and Evelyn Andresen under the umbrella of the National Council of Social Service (now the National Children’s Voluntary Organisation). Miss Olive, as she was fondly known, formed the idea of starting the organisation after a visit to Bermuda on Girls’ Brigade business, where one of the officers was a Pink Lady. “Both Miss Olive and Evelyn were on the committee of NCSS and felt Pink Ladies could be much-needed volunteers for the Home for the Aged which was under construction,” Nancy recalls. “This is now known as The Pines Retirement Home. “A meeting of 32 interested ladies was called and this membership was the foundation of the Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps.” EXPANSION Initially, Pink Ladies helped at The Pines by answering the telephone, feeding residents, supervising washing up, and fetching and carrying tasks. However, in a short time the main duties were manning reception and making monetary donations. It was also decided that Cayman Islands Hospital in George Town could benefit from volunteer help. Some ladies served hot drinks to patients in the evenings, while others helped in the records department. Then the Lighthouse School made a plea for help. “Very quickly it became obvious that money was needed for many of these organisations, so The Pink Hibiscus Coffee Shop was opened in July 1981 in a small building/hut on the hospital compound,” says Nancy. The coffee shop was at first run entirely by volunteers cooking 12 portions of lunches at home, baking hot biscuits and making sandwiches: 85 cents for a corned beef sandwich and 75 cents for cup of homemade soup. With growing demand, the shop expanded to open throughout the week and on Saturday mornings. But, in 2016 the Pink Ladies took the difficult decision to close due to dwindling volunteer numbers and prohibitive business costs. Forty years IN THE PINK LADIES Charity stalwart Nancy Whitefield reflects on her time with the volunteer organisation. Nancy Whitefield. Photo: Taneos RamsayWomen In Business 19 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 Forty years IN THE PINK LADIES FUNDRAISING Throughout the years, there have been many other groups which benefitted from the Pink Ladies, with most help now being given in the form of financial assistance from fundraising events. Some of the organisations to which the Pink Ladies donate are The Pines, The Lighthouse School, NCVO, Inclusion Cayman, The Heart Foundation, Special Olympics, YMCA of the Cayman Islands, The National Trust, Cayman Arts Foundation, Beacon Farms and Meals on Wheels. The main annual fundraising events are the Christmas Bazaar, this year being held on Saturday, 25 November at The ARC in Camana Bay, and a fashion show at the beginning of March. NANCY’S ROLES Over the years, Nancy has held many roles with the Pink Ladies, including being director six times. Currently she is a member of the executive committee, with Faye Lippitt at the helm as the present director. “I have been very involved in every event we have hosted over the years from the Christmas Bazaar when it was hosted at Government House, Mother’s Day tea, and fashion shows hosted in various members gardens, (to) Easter basket sales,” she says. JOIN THE GROUP With around 75 current members of the Pink Ladies, some of whom only live on-island part-time, Nancy would love to see new members come forward. “Any lady interested in joining can choose how much time she can give, and in what area of the things we do that she’d like to try,” says Nancy. As well as fundraising, there are volunteering opportunities at the The Pines, The Lighthouse School, Jasmine and at events such as the clean-up campaign on Earth Day, and manning water stations at Cayman Islands Marathon. There is also a weekly craft group. “Being part of a group of like-minded people is such a benefit to oneself,” says Nancy. “There are no definite time constraints on being a Pink Lady, everything we do depends on each of us wanting to take part. Each lady decides for herself how much time she can give/afford to contribute.” Nancy adds that volunteering can also make people better connected to the place in which they live. “I would (also) hope the people we are able to help through our fundraising events feel the benefit; their lives are better, they know others care about their well-being,” she says. *Visit the Facebook page Pink Ladies Cayman Islands, or ask any lady in a pink uniform at the Christmas Bazaar for details about joining or helping the organisation. The late Miss Olive, founding member of the Cayman Islands Pink Ladies. L-r: Nancy with current Pink Ladies director Faye Lippitt. A Pink Ladies fundraising event.Next >