February 02, 2026
written by CCMag
You’ve heard of historical figures from the past — but Black HERstory is unfolding in real time. Across politics, entertainment, media, fashion, and culture, Caribbean women are not only entering global spaces — they are transforming them.
These women are not symbolic leaders. They are firsts, pioneers, and power-builders, reshaping how the world sees Caribbean excellence.
Here are iconic Caribbean women making HERstory today.
1. Mia Amor Mottley – Prime Minister of Barbados
Firsts:
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First female Prime Minister of Barbados
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First Caribbean leader to receive the TIME100 Impact Award
Mia Amor Mottley made history in 2018 as Barbados’ first woman Prime Minister. Under her leadership, the country transitioned to a republic, officially removing the British monarchy as head of state. Globally, Mottley has become a leading voice for climate justice on behalf of small island nations, challenging world powers to address environmental and economic inequality. Her Bridgetown Initiative reshaped how developing nations access global finance, influencing discussions at the UN, World Bank, and IMF.
Why it matters:
She didn’t just break political barriers — she shifted global power dynamics and proved that Caribbean leadership deserves a seat at the international policy table.
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2. Yvette Noel-Schure – Publicist & Media Strategist
Firsts:
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First Grenadian woman to become a top-tier global entertainment publicist
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First Black woman to lead PR for multiple global megastars simultaneously
Yvette Noel-Schure, of Haitian and Grenadian descent, is Beyoncé’s longtime publicist and one of the most influential figures behind the scenes in entertainment. In an industry historically dominated by white male gatekeepers, Noel-Schure opened doors for Black publicists and helped artists control narrative, privacy, and power.
Why it matters:
She proved that Black women don’t just belong in front of the camera — they can shape the entire narrative behind it.
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3. Shelley Worrell – Founder of I AM CARIBBEING
Firsts:
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First to formally establish and trademark “Little Caribbean”
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First to secure official cultural district recognition for the Caribbean diaspora in NYC
Worrell’s work led to the creation of Little Caribbean in Brooklyn, the world’s first officially recognized Caribbean cultural district. Through I AM CARIBBEING, she preserves Caribbean culture via food, storytelling, archives, festivals, and policy advocacy, ensuring diaspora communities’ identities are protected and celebrated.
Why it matters:
She transformed cultural pride into a recognized, permanent legacy — turning Caribbean identity into an institutionalized presence.
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Additional Read: [Shelley Worrell: The Cultural Pioneer Who Founded the World’s Only ‘Little Caribbean’ Neighborhood]
4. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce – Olympic Sprinter, Jamaica
Firsts:
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Multiple Olympic gold medals, including being the fastest woman in history over 100 meters multiple times
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First Caribbean woman to dominate global sprinting consistently over more than a decade
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has inspired generations with her speed, resilience, and longevity on the track. Known as the “Pocket Rocket,” she has redefined sprinting standards for women globally, elevating Caribbean athletics to the world stage.
Why it matters:
Her achievements demonstrate that Caribbean women can dominate sports globally while inspiring youth and breaking stereotypes about small island nations.
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5. Rihanna – Global Artist, Entrepreneur & National Hero of Barbados
Firsts:
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First Caribbean woman billionaire
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First Black woman to build a billion-dollar beauty brand
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Youngest National Hero of Barbados
Rihanna’s empire spans music, fashion, and beauty. With Fenty Beauty, she revolutionized inclusivity in the cosmetics industry, forcing global brands to rethink representation. She has proven that Caribbean identity is not niche — it’s globally influential.
Why it matters:
She didn’t just enter global culture — she reshaped it, proving that Caribbean women can lead, innovate, and set new standards across industries.
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6. Julien Alfred – Sprinter, Saint Lucia
Firsts:
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First Olympic medalist for Saint Lucia, representing Saint Lucia in sprinting at the Olympics
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Young Caribbean sprinter gaining global recognition for breaking national records
Julien Alfred has made history as Saint Lucia’s first Olympian sprinter, putting her small island nation on the global athletics map. With her speed and determination, she is inspiring a new generation of Caribbean athletes while demonstrating that world-class talent can emerge from any corner of the Caribbean.
Why it matters:
She proves that Caribbean women can compete on the world stage in sports, elevating national pride and inspiring youth to dream bigger.
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Why This Matters:
Black HERstory is not coming. It’s happening—right now.
From politics to sports to culture, Caribbean women are refusing to wait for permission, platforms, or history books. We are leading movements, breaking records, and reshaping narratives in real time.
This is a legacy in motion. Built by our mothers, carried by our sisters, and claimed by the next generation. Loud, visible, and unapologetic.
Caribbean women are not footnotes. Not moments. Not “one days.”
We are the authors. The architects. The history itself.
