< PreviousWomen In Business 20 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 Teresa Solomon Senior Vice President Co-Head Anti-Money Laundering Services Priscilla Arch Vice President careers CELEBRATING OUR WOMEN IN BUSINESS maples.com/careers @maplesgroup Over the past eight years, the Maples Group has provided me with opportunities, resources and a supportive environment to help progress my career from Administrator to Vice President. The Group continually raises the bar on its career development initiatives, including the ability to make lateral moves within the Group, providing necessary training and offering guidance from management, all of which I have used to my advantage. Now that I am in a leadership role, I take pride in creating opportunities that foster professional growth for which the Maples Group culture is widely known. My career path with the Maples Group has been an adventure with many triumphs and challenges that have sculpted who I am today. I have had the opportunity to work in different roles, which has led me to become a subject matter expert in several areas. My growth at the Group has not been solely professional; my career path has been one of continuous learning to pursue higher education and additional certifications, all with the Group's support. I am thankful to the many incredible women who have mentored me along the way and helped me navigate the complexities of the financial industry. Gillian Bedasse Women In Business 21 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 Teresa Solomon Senior Vice President Co-Head Anti-Money Laundering Services Priscilla Arch Vice President careers CELEBRATING OUR WOMEN IN BUSINESS maples.com/careers @maplesgroup Over the past eight years, the Maples Group has provided me with opportunities, resources and a supportive environment to help progress my career from Administrator to Vice President. The Group continually raises the bar on its career development initiatives, including the ability to make lateral moves within the Group, providing necessary training and offering guidance from management, all of which I have used to my advantage. Now that I am in a leadership role, I take pride in creating opportunities that foster professional growth for which the Maples Group culture is widely known. My career path with the Maples Group has been an adventure with many triumphs and challenges that have sculpted who I am today. I have had the opportunity to work in different roles, which has led me to become a subject matter expert in several areas. My growth at the Group has not been solely professional; my career path has been one of continuous learning to pursue higher education and additional certifications, all with the Group's support. I am thankful to the many incredible women who have mentored me along the way and helped me navigate the complexities of the financial industry. Women In Business 22 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023Women In Business 23 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 It’s an island icon, and one that is dear to the heart of long-time patron Maria Tom-Pack. So much so, that when Pure Art Gallery & Gifts went up for sale, she decided to take the leap and buy the business. “I’ve always wanted to have my own business, and this seemed like something I would really enjoy,” says Maria. “At this stage in my life – being over 50 – it was now or never.” With a background in business management and marketing, and a keen interest in art, it seemed the right fit. “Pure Art has been my favourite place to shop on- island for many years,” says Maria. “It has been my ‘go-to’ for gifts, especially when I travelled to see family. I could always find something different and beautiful there. Even if I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, I enjoyed browsing.” Located in a charming Caymanian cottage on South Sound, Pure Art has been an island mainstay for more than 35 years, opened by artist Debbie Chase van der Bol. The shop is a treasure trove of original paintings, art prints, jewellery, handcrafted gifts and other made- in-Cayman items. Maria took over the gallery and gift shop in November of 2022. “What I enjoy the most is meeting the people that visit Pure Art,” she says. “I love learning about where our visitors are from, talking about all our artists, helping customers find something special and connecting collectors with art that speaks to them.” Maria strongly believes art should be accessible to everyone, no matter what the budget, and works to ensure Pure Art delivers just that. ARTISTIC ENDEAVOURS Maria is an artist herself, although she describes herself as an ‘artistic dabbler’. She has been passionate about art and creativity since childhood, trying her hand at everything from drawing, painting and embroidery to pottery, sewing and cake decorating. “I love trying new things,” she says. “I find creating fun and I enjoy the challenge of creating something from my mind’s eye. I can get consumed when I’m focused on creating something. It allows me to forget about everything else.” Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Maria considered pursuing a career in the arts but chose a different path. She earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial management at the University of the West Indies. She then moved to Canada to attend the Schulich School of Business at York University, graduating with a master’s in business administration, majoring in marketing and strategic policy. She worked as a product and brand manager for Borden Foods Canada and HJ Heinz Canada in Toronto for several years, turning her talents to the more creative side of the business world, including product development and producing TV, radio and print commercials. In 2002, newly married, she and her husband, Ian Whan Tong, moved to the Cayman Islands. Maria worked in the marketing field before becoming a stay-at-home mom to their two children, both born in Cayman. Ian is general counsel for Cayman National Corporation. Now that their children are older, and away at boarding school and university, Maria has more time to dedicate to work. SUPPORTING LOCAL Maria has made several changes at Pure Art including reorganising, improving the lighting, installing new displays and creating more open space. She also introduced monthly solo exhibitions featuring local artists in the expanded gallery area. “The essence of Pure Art is still there, with just as much variety as before,” she says. “In the long-term, I want to ensure that Pure Art continues to show and represent local art, supporting local artists and artisans.” Maria wants to encourage Cayman businesses and interior designers to consider local art when decorating offices, boardrooms and homes. “There is so much talent here in Cayman,” she says. CONTINUING A LEGACY That talent includes Debbie Chase van der Bol, whom Maria became acquainted with as a frequent customer at Pure Art. “She has been a true ambassador of Cayman through her paintings of Cayman, its historic homes, landscapes and people,” says Maria. “Her work is hanging in prominent Cayman businesses and boardrooms, and homes around the world.” She notes Debbie was key in promoting other artists and artisans to both visitors and residents alike over the years. “I believe her work and creation of Pure Art Gallery & Gifts has played a very important part in Cayman’s artistic community,” she says. “I hope I can continue to represent and keep the spirit of Pure Art going for many more years to come.” And, if she has her way, Pure Art may become a family affair. Maria says one of the challenges of running a small business is it leaves little downtime. “Perhaps the most difficult part is not being able to spend as much time with my children as I would like to when they are home,” she says. “So, I think I will just have to put them to work at Pure Art when they’re home from school.” ART FROM THE HEART New owner of Pure Art carries on a legacy. “I love learning about where our visitors are from, talking about all our artists, helping customers find something special and connecting collectors with art that speaks to them.” – Maria Tom-Pack, owner, Pure Art Gallery & Gifts Left: Maria Tom-Pack. Above: Pure Art Gallery & Gifts. Photos: Taneos Ramsay. Phot o: Taneos R amsa y.@maplesgroup maples.com/careers Sophia Scott Partner maples.com/careers Joni Ebanks Associate CELEBRATING OUR WOMEN IN BUSINESS My journey with the Maples Group started 16 years ago as a summer student. The Group fostered my interest in a legal career and supported me every step of the way, allowing me to be where I am today. The Group encouraged my participation with outside organisations such as 100 Women in Finance, which is also committed to empowering women to find their personal path to success. I have been fortunate to receive such a great level of support and to be part of a nurturing team who are committed to the professional development of women in the industry. @maplesgroup CELEBRATING OUR WOMEN IN BUSINESS My unique career path in the legal world is one that has been shaped by resilience, dedication and a love for the law. My career took off as an Articled Clerk at the Maples Group and it has been a remarkable path that has led me to the role of Partner. Becoming a Partner within the Group is a humbling milestone, a reflection of my enduring dedication to the firm's growth and my clients' well-being. In addition to furthering my legal career, I enjoy volunteering within the legal profession and being a mentor to and training women in the legal field. maples.com/careers Women In Business 24 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023Shemila Eden @maplesgroup maples.com/careers Sophia Scott Partner maples.com/careers Joni Ebanks Associate CELEBRATING OUR WOMEN IN BUSINESS My journey with the Maples Group started 16 years ago as a summer student. The Group fostered my interest in a legal career and supported me every step of the way, allowing me to be where I am today. The Group encouraged my participation with outside organisations such as 100 Women in Finance, which is also committed to empowering women to find their personal path to success. I have been fortunate to receive such a great level of support and to be part of a nurturing team who are committed to the professional development of women in the industry. @maplesgroup CELEBRATING OUR WOMEN IN BUSINESS My unique career path in the legal world is one that has been shaped by resilience, dedication and a love for the law. My career took off as an Articled Clerk at the Maples Group and it has been a remarkable path that has led me to the role of Partner. Becoming a Partner within the Group is a humbling milestone, a reflection of my enduring dedication to the firm's growth and my clients' well-being. In addition to furthering my legal career, I enjoy volunteering within the legal profession and being a mentor to and training women in the legal field. maples.com/careers Women In Business 25 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023Women In Business 26 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 Female employees are flying high with Cayman Airways, where there are now five women pilots taking passengers through the skies. The collective girl-power means they now represent 12% of the pilots at the airline, proudly blazing a trail for women in what has traditionally been a male- dominated job. The ladies who hold the top posts are B737-8 First Officer Giselah Ebanks, Saab 340B+ Captain Crystal Godet, Saab 340B+ First Officer Amber Hydes, Twin Otter DHC-6 First Officer Leanni Tibbetts, and Twin Otter DHC-6 First Officer Jessica Ebanks. At an employee celebration earlier this year, Cayman Airways President and CEO Fabian Whorms lauded the female pilots, saying they play a crucial role in shaping the future of the airline and the aviation industry as a whole. Here, four of the ladies talk about their rise to the skies. JESSICA EBANKS AGE: 31 HOME DISTRICT: West Bay JOB TITLE: First Officer – Twin Otter TIME AS CAYMAN AIRWAYS PILOT: 1 year What was your career path to this position? I had been working as a domain broker for eight years before deciding to pursue my passion for aviation by enrolling in flight school. How long was your training? To achieve my commercial pilot’s licence, I completed an accelerated training programme, which lasted eight months, then an additional three- and-a-half months of training on the Twin Otter with Cayman Airways. What inspired you to choose this path and become a pilot? Although it felt unrealistic at the time, becoming a pilot was always my dream from a young age. I have an older cousin who is an airline pilot that I lived vicariously through, and once my own opportunity presented itself, he was instrumental in encouraging me to pursue this dream. What are some of the challenges of the job? With it being shift work, you can expect to work early mornings, late evenings, weekends, holidays, etc., and schedules change every four weeks, making it difficult to plan life events in advance. What do you enjoy most about the job? Each and every day is different, with the only constant being the beautiful scenery flying between our beloved islands. What advice would you give young Caymanian women who would like to follow in your footsteps to become a pilot? My advice would be, do it. Flight school is expensive and challenging. However, on the other side is a very fulfilling and rewarding career. WOMEN POWER SOARING AT NATIONAL FLAG CARRIER L-r: First Officer Jessica Ebanks, First Officer Leanni Tibbetts, First Officer Amber Hydes, Captain Crystal Godet and First Officer Giselah Ebanks. Photo: Cayman Airways. “Although it felt unrealistic at the time, becoming a pilot was always my dream from a young age.” – Jessica EbanksWomen In Business 27 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 WOMEN POWER SOARING AT NATIONAL FLAG CARRIER CRYSTAL GODET AGE: 40 HOME DISTRICT: Prospect JOB TITLE: Captain (Cayman Airways Express Department) TIME AS CAYMAN AIRWAYS PILOT: 10 years What was your career path to this position? After graduating high school, I got my first job as an aeronautical information services officer with the Civil Aviation Authority in Cayman Brac. This was a great opportunity (that I am grateful for to this day) for me to learn about air navigation services and all the behind the scenes work that goes in to being an air traffic controller. After gaining some valuable knowledge and experience there, I began my academic journey at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. I graduated with my bachelor’s of science in safety science with a concentration in air transportation safety in 2007. After which, I returned home to Cayman and began working with the Civil Aviation Authority again, this time as an aviation safety officer. I again went overseas in 2012, this time to obtain my pilot licences to fly commercially. I returned home in 2013 and started my career with Cayman Airways as a first officer on the De Havilland Twin Otter. In 2016, I was afforded the opportunity to fly Cayman Airways’ Saab 340 aircraft as a first officer, and then in 2018, I was promoted to the role of captain on the Twin Otter. Most recently, in the fall of 2022, I was moved to Captain of the Saab 340. Along the way, I also obtained a master’s of science degree in aeronautics and a master’s of business administration in aviation. What inspired you to choose this path and become a pilot? Becoming a pilot was my dream from as far back as I can remember. My mom worked at Cayman Airways when I was very young. So, maybe spending a lot of time at the airport had some influence in my love and passion for aviation. What are some of the challenges of the job? Getting accustomed to the shift work and sometimes unconventional hours is probably a challenge for some. It’s not an 8-to-5 job. Aeroplanes fly every day of the year. So, realistically, you have to be okay with working on weekends, and holidays. Sometimes, you will be away from your family and friends and miss out on special occasions, like birthdays and other events. But ask any pilot, and I’m sure you’ll get the same answer every time – it’s still the best job in the world. What do you enjoy most about the job? The view from the flight deck is one that never gets old. I have witnessed some of the most gorgeous sunsets (and sunrises) while at work. What advice would you give young Caymanian women who would like to follow in your footsteps to become a pilot? Set your goals and pursue them with purpose. Absorb all the knowledge and experiences along the way. Be confident in your ability and try to enjoy the journey. Flight school is an amazing experience. Also, find yourself a mentor to guide and help you along the way. LEANNI TIBBETTS AGE: 27 HOME DISTRICT: George Town JOB TITLE: First Officer – Twin Otter TIME AS CAYMAN AIRWAYS PILOT: 18 months What was your career path to this position? Prior to this position, I’ve had multiple career opportunities including (with) the following: Island Air, Cayman Islands Civil Aviation Authority, Hazard Management Cayman Islands and Cayman Islands Coast Guard. How long was your training? Flight school: the degree with flight took four years. Training for Cayman Airways: four months. What inspired you to choose this path and become a pilot? My father has been in aviation all my life; therefore, it was the only world I knew. Walking through all the terminals, everyone knew him, and as a result, me as well. At the age of 14, inspired by family friends who were pilots, and later, Giselah Ebanks, I determined the path I wanted to take in aviation was that of a pilot. What are some of the challenges of the job? These challenges range from consistent studying of company/emergency procedures and aircraft limitations to adapting to weather or logistical challenges without notice. The unfortunate part of flying an aircraft is that unlike a car or boat, you can’t pull over or stop after take-off, all issues must be addressed while in flight. We have the lives of our passengers in our hands and every decision we make matters. What do you enjoy most about the job? The most memorable moments are the breathtaking sunsets and admiring the pristine condition and uniqueness of our islands. The lush and rich greenery of our mangrove forests as you over fly East End, the richness and preservation of wildlife in Little Cayman, and the unique landscape of the bluff in Cayman Brac cause me to fall more in love with Cayman each time I fly. AMBER HYDES AGE: 30 HOME DISTRICT: West Bay JOB TITLE: First Officer CAL Express TIME AS CAYMAN AIRWAYS PILOT: 8 years What was your career path to this position? Aviation is in my blood, thanks to my ‘Avi-family’. My father, Captain Gary Hydes, flies the B737-8 fleet, and my mother was a flight attendant back in the day. However, I initially underestimated myself as a woman in this male-dominated industry. So, I chose the safe route with a business degree. But destiny had other plans. It was during my college days that I connected with Giselah Ebanks, another one of our female pilots. Witnessing her determination L-r: Crystal Godet and Amber Hydes.Jessica Ebanks. “We have the lives of our passengers in our hands and every decision we make matters.” – Leanni Tibbetts “The view from the flight deck is one that never gets old. I have witnessed some of the most gorgeous sunsets (and sunrises) while at work.” – Crystal GodetAt Ogier, we’re committed to building a flexible workplace that allows all of our people to progress and thrive, regardless of gender. This means giving people the flexibility needed to successfully balance their work and home life. Ivana Cardoza joined Ogier in the Cayman Islands as an operations assistant in 2020 before progressing to a fully trained legal secretary. How has Ogier’s flexible working policy and culture supported your career? With Ogier’s training, and support from mentors on the team, I was promoted to legal secretary in August of this year. The firm has a culture of continuous development and a forward-thinking vision focused on inclusion and equal opportunity, and I know I can look forward to future support. I have two beautiful children and the ability to work from home, if needed, has been vital for supporting a healthy work/life balance. How can women support each other to success as future leaders? By mentoring and uplifting one another. Celebrate each other’s achievements, and create networks for support and empowerment. Together, we can break down barriers and pave the way for more women to succeed. For example, when I started working with Ogier, I was highly motivated and looking to grow. Several female counterparts saw my eagerness and ambition and helped me progress to my new position. How is the environment changing for women in the legal and financial services industry? It’s becoming more inclusive. There’s a greater emphasis on gender equality and increased opportunities for women to thrive. More women are entering the field, holding leadership positions, and advocating for equal representation. At Ogier, woman have a voice and one that matters and makes a difference. Join our team ogier.com/careers Why our workplace works for women Legal. Corporate and Fiduciary. Consulting. Beijing | British Virgin Islands | Cayman Islands | Guernsey | Hong Kong | Ireland | Jersey | London | Luxembourg | Shanghai | Singapore | Tokyo Women In Business 28 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 and drive made me realise that I could do it, too. That switch flipped, and I enrolled in flight school at Professional Flight Training in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In January 2016, I proudly completed my training. What are some of the challenges of the job? Initially, there were doubts and hurdles to overcome. Believing in myself and not being discouraged by difficulties was crucial. I quickly learned to embrace mistakes as valuable lessons, constantly striving for improvement both personally and professionally. Challenges will always present themselves, but they serve as opportunities for growth and development. What do you enjoy most about the job? Each flight brings breathtaking views, and the chance to connect people with their loved ones or their dream vacation spots. It’s a privilege and an honour to be a part of these journeys and create memorable experiences for passengers. What advice would you give young Caymanian women who would like to follow in your footsteps to become a pilot? Believe in yourself, defying any stereotypes or doubts that may arise. Seek support and connect with mentors who can guide you on your path. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and never stop learning. Anything else you would like to add? I’m proud to be a part of Cayman Airways and grateful for the inspiration and support from my ‘Avi-family’, my friends and colleagues. So, buckle up, follow your dreams, and don’t forget to enjoy the turbulence, both in the air and in life, because they make the journey worth it. Keep fighting for your wings, and soon you’ll be soaring among the clouds. “I initially underestimated myself as a woman in this male- dominated industry.” – Amber Hydes View from the flight deck. Amber Hydes.Bedside Manor is proud to be a women-powered local company. Thank you to all the strong female leaders of the Dream Team for making our business such a success! CONTACT DETAILS: Bedside Manor - Market Street, Camana Bay (345) 947 2711 www.bedsidemanor.ky IG: @bedsidemanor FB: @bedsideky Tesla Thomas Kaylyn Bodden & Women In Business 29 FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023 Amber Hydes.Next >