In a small, quaint town called DeLand in central Florida, lives a fiercely proud Jamaican-born woman named Lorna Owens who runs the Footprints Foundation, providing support to various African nations in education and resources to prevent maternal mortality.

Owens, a nurse and attorney, is convinced that too many women die of avoidable pregnancy and childbirth complications. Every year she hosts an event called And the Women Gather, bringing together notable women from various industries, backgrounds, cultures, and even countries to spread her message.

The event is the largest fund-raiser that the Footprints Foundation hosts, also serving as a community for women to inspire each other, to give back to their respective communities, and to feel empowered.

Many of the women attendees are members of the Jamaican Diaspora who are passionate about the promotion and advancement of all things Jamaican. One notable attendee at this year’s event, which was held recently, is Gail Jackson, owner of the Negril Treehouse in Westmoreland.

Although Gail was born and raised in the United States, she fell in love with both her now husband and his country over 30 years ago. Together they built her dream resort from the ground up, in a picturesque beachside location in Negril where dolphins can be seen frolicking in the water. The resort continues to flourish today, welcoming locals and foreigners alike.

Jackson expressed her immense sense of pride, not only to have adopted Jamaica as her homeland, but to be one of the few small hotels still in operation and thriving, at a time when larger hotels seem to be dominating the hotel landscape in Jamaica.

Alison Smith, former president of the Broward County Bar Association and current member of the board of governors for the Florida Bar (the entity that regulates the practice of law in the state of Florida), who was also an attendee at the event, expressed her gratitude for people like Jackson and marvelled at what she deemed the enchantment of Jamaica, which pulls people in whether they are a native or transplant.

“It’s amazing to see how Jamaica mesmerises people and creates a sense of patriotism even in those who have adopted our country,” she said, noting that Jackson’s contributions to the hospitality industry and philanthropy have earned her multiple awards, including the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Lifetime Achievement Award; an appreciation award from Kiwanis International for her generosity to the Kiwanis Club of Negril Point, and an Outstanding Community Service Award from the Negril Chamber of Commerce in December 2018.

Beginning next year, 2026, And the Women Gather will be hosted in Ghana, West Africa, a demonstrating the saying, “Wi likkle but tallawah”.

Lorna Owens (right), founder of Footprints Foundation, shares time with Attorney Alison Smith.

Gail Jackson of Negril Treehouse catches up with Jamaican-American attorney Alison Smith.