The Caribbean and African Women of Impact (CAWI) Honors will return to the DMV on Sunday, March 22, 2026, bringing together an extraordinary gathering of women whose leadership, creativity, and service continue to shape communities locally and globally. The second annual celebration will take place in Silver Spring, Maryland, during Women’s History Month, reinforcing the importance of honoring women of African and Caribbean descent while their impact is actively unfolding.
Hosted by SEA The Difference by Hopeless RHOmantic LLC, CAWI Honors was created as an intentional space to recognize women whose influence often stretches across industries, generations, and borders. While many honorees are already respected within their professional fields, the platform brings their stories together in a shared moment of reflection, appreciation, and cultural pride.
Following a sold-out inaugural event in 2025, the 2026 edition returns with expanded partnerships and a renewed commitment to uplifting excellence within the African and Caribbean diaspora.
Bloom and Flourish: Honoring Legacy in Real Time
This year’s theme, “Bloom and Flourish,” captures the heart of CAWI Honors’ mission: giving flowers in real time while celebrating legacies that continue to grow. The theme reflects the journey of women who are building lasting impact across business, entertainment, advocacy, media, fashion, wellness, and public service.
Past honorees include Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy, Joy Thomas Moore, Elizabeth Montano, Maureen Umeh, and Fiona Compton, representing leadership across diverse sectors while reinforcing the cultural richness of the DMV and beyond.
A Powerful and Diverse 2026 Honoree Class
The 2026 CAWI Honors class reflects a dynamic blend of global and local excellence. Honorees include CEOs and industry innovators, award-winning creatives, cultural ambassadors, human rights advocates, Olympic champions, entertainers, mental health professionals, fashion designers, educators, and community leaders.
Among those being recognized are Claudette Peters-Joseph, international soca artiste and Antigua and Barbuda ambassador; Danielle Pinnock, actor and writer known for her role on Ghosts; Grammy-nominated singer Wayna; Olympic champion and cultural ambassador Thea LaFond; and internationally acclaimed human rights activist Waris Dirie, founder of the Desert Flower Foundation.
The honoree list also includes DMV-based changemakers, entrepreneurs, media professionals, wellness advocates, creatives, and cultural organizers whose work continues to uplift and empower communities across the region and the diaspora.
Media Launch and Community Engagement
Media professionals are invited to attend the CAWI Honors Press and Media Launch on January 29, 2026, in Greenbelt, Maryland. The event will introduce the vision for CAWI Honors 2026, along with sponsors, partners, and select honorees, while providing opportunities for interviews and press coverage.
Sponsors for the 2026 celebration include Narcisso Wine Cellar, Fetelist, and Chemi Chemi, supporting the event’s mission of cultural recognition and community elevation.
Celebrating Women, Culture, and Impact
As Women’s History Month approaches, CAWI Honors continues to stand as a powerful reminder that African and Caribbean women are shaping history every day — through leadership, service, creativity, and resilience. The 2026 celebration promises not only an evening of recognition, but a deeper affirmation of cultural pride and collective progress within the DMV and beyond.
For updates, honoree highlights, and event information, follow the official CAWI Honors platforms and hashtags #CAWIHonors and #CAWIHonors2026.