The ballroom at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston was abuzz with inspiration yesterday for the inaugural Plié for the Arts Women of Vision: Visionary Salon. Industry leaders and aspiring young creatives gathered for a panel discussion — a highlight of Plié’s 10th-anniversary year — that focused on building connections and strengthening cultural leadership in Jamaica.

The milestone was not lost on Plié for the Arts founder and Artistic Director Marisa Benain, who expressed gratitude for the success the organisation has enjoyed and optimism for its future in her opening remarks.

“Today, we celebrate vision. Ten years ago, Plié for the Arts was built on a single but radical belief that excellence is not accidental; it is cultivated, it is trained, it is intentional. From the beginning, our philosophy has been the bringing together of exceptional global artistes and the Caribbean’s finest talent,” Benain said. “Not for spectacle, but for exchange, for transformation. As we mark 10 years, we do so [excited] about our next chapter.”

The occasion also celebrated 12 women whose professional achievements have made a lasting impact across their respective sectors in Jamaica. The cohort of Appleton Estate Master Blender Joy Spence; Supreme Ventures Group Chief Marketing Officer Heather Goldson; Design HQ principal architect and founder Isiaa Madden; Scotia Group Jamaica President and CEO Audrey Tugwell Henry; From Thought to Finish CEO Jacqui Tyson; Justice Simone Wolfe-Reece, Supreme Court of Judicature of Jamaica; public defender Carolyn Reid Cameron, KC; decorated Olympian Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, OJ; vascular surgeon Hilary Ann Brown; Seaboard Freight & Shipping CEO Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester; Arc Manufacturing Deputy Chair Charlotte Horne-Hayles; and Lake Group CEO Lisa Lake Epstein.

Representing the honorees, Tugwell Henry, Madden, Lake Epstein, and Robertson-Sylvester shared their journeys and lessons in an insightful discussion moderated by host Terri-Karelle Johnson. Key insights from the conversation highlighted the discipline required to persevere through adversity, alongside the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive circle that inspires and champions one’s ambitions.

“The discipline is to be able to do what you want to do and show up when you need to show up even when you don’t feel like it. That is not easy, but when you build that discipline you will be able to achieve your goals,” Tugwell Henry advised.

“Be careful of the friends you keep. You want friends that are going to shelter your flames and keep them burning,” added Lake Epstein.

However, it was the guest of honour, acclaimed actress, director, and cultural leader Phylicia Rashad, who took centre stage, engaging in an inspirational dialogue moderated by educator Miles K Davis, PhD. While it is not her first time in Jamaica, Rashad expressed her appreciation for the country’s nature and people before her presentation.

“The most important thing about travelling is the people. On its own, Jamaica is a very beautiful place. The mountains are majestic but not overwhelming. The island breeze is welcoming,” Rashad shared with the
Jamaica Observer. “With all of those wonderful things, the people make it more [special]. The people are warm, welcoming and [earnest].”

In addition to offering reflections on her own storied career, Rashad paid tribute to the Women of Vision honorees, expressing a deep resonance with both their professional achievements and their personal strength.

“What I love most about this panel of Women of Vision is that there is nothing pompous about you. In your work, in what you are doing and the way you do it, you are serving creation and the one who made it. And you are doing it very naturally,” Rashad praised.

Photographer: Napthali Junior

Plié for the Arts founder and Artistic Director Marisa Benain delivered opening remarks. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Design HQ founder Isiaa Madden shared key lessons from her professional journey. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

A section of the audience listening intently to the discussions. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Acclaimed actress, director, and cultural leader Phylicia Rashad shared insights from her career during her conversation moderated by educator Miles K Davis, PhD. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Scotia Group Jamaica President and CEO Audrey Tugwell Henry offered sage advice. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Seaboard Freight & Shipping CEO Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester made several strong points during the panel discussion. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)