Monday February 16, 2026
The Valencia Room at the S Hotel in New Kingston, Thursday last, provided an elegant backdrop for the launch of
Heels, Hustle, Heart: Claiming Your Seat Without Losing Yourself. The memoir, authored by communications consultant Gail Abrahams, drew a by-invitation-only crowd of family, colleagues, and leaders from Jamaica’s business community for an evening of curated conversation and perspectives. The book, an intimate dialogue on mentorship and professional navigation, is enriched by the wealth of experience Abrahams has garnered throughout her career and personal journey.
Hosted by Sancia Thompson, Barita Investments vice-president of premium wealth and corporate solutions, guests were enthralled by excerpts, delivered by a selection of readers, including Minister of Education Dr Dana Morris Dixon.
Abrahams spoke movingly about her inspiration, noting that she wrote the book to encourage women to find strength in their vulnerability on the path to success.
“Too often, women are told to choose. Be strong but not soft, be ambitious but not emotional. Be visible but not too visible. I wrote this book to say clearly that you do not have to abdicate parts of yourself to succeed. Success without self is expensive,” Abrahams shared.
Page 2 presents highlights.
Investing In Knowledge First Global Bank director Minna Israel (right) secured six copies of Heels, Hustle, Heart from author Gail Abrahams.Karl Mclarty
Celebrating One Of Our Own Sharing in the milestone of Gail Abrahams’ (centre) book were members of the Barita Investments team (from left) Vice-President, Sales and Services Dave Dixon; Manager, Product Development and Special Projects Maydean Rhodes; Senior Vice-President, Investment Banking Terise Kettle; Interim CEO, Jamaica National Fund Managers Richardo Williams; Barita Foundation Executive Director Tanketa Chance-Wilson; and Group Marketing Manager Sanya McHugh.Karl Mclarty
All In The Family Showing their support, Gail Abrahams’s husband, obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Michael Abrahams and daughter Aliyah were in attendance for the launch. Karl Mclarty
In One Accord Family was front and centre as Gail Abrahams (centre) shared the frame with mum Daphne Sommerville (left) and sister Donette Sommerville-Mills. Karl Mclarty
Milestone Moment Congratulating Gail Abrahams (left) on the launch of her book was Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon. Karl Mclarty
Recognising Hustle And Heart Communications consultant Fae Ellington (left) and author Sandra Cooper were among those marking the success of Heels, Hustle, Heart. Karl Mclarty
Karl Mclarty