Workshop Description

Explore the powerful connection between nutrition and health in this engaging workshop. Begin with an insightful presentation on the principles of using food as a tool for wellness, understanding how ingredients impact your body and support healing. Then, take a guided walk through a grocery store to learn how to identify nutrient-rich foods, decode labels, and make informed choices for a balanced diet. Empower yourself to take control of your health, one meal at a time.

Workshop Description

• Understanding the healing power of food
• How to prevent chronic disease through nutrition
• Increase awareness of ingredients in processed foods
• Finding pleasure in cooking wholesome foods
• Demonstration of making almond milk and hummus from scratch!

Facilitator Bio

Dr. Parisima Kazemi is a medical doctor with over 25 years of experience in chronic disease prevention through healthy lifestyle and nutrition and has worked globally in West Africa, Afghanistan, and the USA. She has designed and implemented health and nutrition education programs for diverse groups, including public health workers, medical practitioners, and refugee communities. Currently based in the U.S., she offers workshops on lifestyle disease prevention and the transformative role of food in health, combining her expertise in medical care, health education, and cultural sensitivity to empower individuals and communities to make informed, health-conscious choices.

Workshop Description

This workshop is a women’s circle where we’ll release the pain of heartbreak, learn practical tools to heal and grow, and learn to reconnect with the confident and empowered woman within. Heartbreak does not define us but it can be the catalyst we need to heal, grow and become the best version of ourselves.

Workshop Description

• The importance of self-compassion.
• Recognizing the opportunity for growth after heartbreak.
• Rebuilding confidence and setting boundaries.
• How to be better not bitter after an affair.
• Rediscovering the woman you are meant to be.

Facilitator Bio

Riselle is a travel and transformation coach passionate about helping women over 40 rediscover themselves and create the fearless lives they deserve. After navigating her own life crisis, Riselle rebuilt her confidence step by step, combining her love for travel with personal growth to go on a new path. Her journey began as a well-known content creator promoting Caribbean travel through social media, travel writing, and her YouTube channel, which still attracts thousands of viewers today. However, a turning point in her life shifted her focus. Now, she helps women overcome fear, move past heartbreak, and step boldly into their next chapter. Through her coaching programs, empowering retreats, live events, podcast, YouTube channel, and membership community, she inspires women to embrace change and thrive. Her mission is simple: to make personal transformation accessible and relatable, using travel as a tool for growth and healing.

Workshop Description

This workshop empowers participants to identify the signs of harassment and abuse and take effective action to support individuals and promote safety in our community. Through interactive discussions and scenarios of lived-experience from your community, you’ll learn how to recognize red flags, respond with compassion, and connect those in need with appropriate resources.

Workshop Description

• Learn how to recognize red flags
• Understand the appropriate resources available within our community
• Know the limitations of our local system in order to effectively advocate for more resources for persons who are victimized

Facilitator Bio

Cassandra Richardson is the Director of the Victim Support Services.

Workshop Description

This workshop aims to provide participants with an in depth understanding of the roles, responsibilities and significance of NGOs, and NPOs in driving social change.

Workshop Description

• Clear understanding of NGO and NPOs
• Insight into organizational structure
• Navigating board room etiquette

Facilitator Bio

Born on the island of St Maarten, Gerard Richardson attended the Sister Regina primary school and went on the Milton Peter’s College where he completed the MAVO and HAVO. He left the island in 1999 to further his studies in the Netherlands and graduated from the Amsterdam University of Applied Science with his degree in public law. In 2006 he returned to island and worked as a tax assistant until 2008. Mr. Richardson went on to work for the department of Legal Affairs and Legislation as a policy advisor from 2009-2011. In 2011 he joined the SER. With 14 years of experience as the Secretary-General of the SER, he has a demonstrated history of working in the public policy industry. Mr. Richardson is skilled in the advisory role to the Government of Sint Maarten, Unions, NGO’s and Nonprofit Organizations. He has strong skills in public policy, coaching, government organizational structure, and is proficient in the languages of Dutch, English and Spanish.

Workshop Description

In this insightful workshop, led by Debbie Richardson, parents (and expectant parents) of children ages 0-6, will learn about Attachment Theory for the sake of building secure and healthy attachments with, and in, their children. Through practical strategies and expert guidance, you’ll learn how to foster emotional connections, support your child’s developmental needs, and create a nurturing environment that promotes trust and resilience. Whether you’re a new parent or looking to strengthen your bond with your child, this workshop will equip you with the tools to cultivate a secure attachment that supports lifelong well-being.

Workshop Description

• Fostering emotional connections with your child
• Supporting your child’s developmental needs
• Creating a nurturing environment that promotes family trust and resilience

Facilitator Bio

Coach Debbie M. A. Richardson is a certified life coach and EMDR certified. REBT certified. As a graduate of the Academy for Coaching and Counselling of the Netherlands, I have created Real Insight Counseling and Coaching as a safe space for my clients to explore possibilities. My talent for helping create cohesive communities inspired me to look at the dynamics of attachment theory as a resource to bring empathy and collaboration to the wellness industry. I approach each session with this as the basis of my coaching. Included in my approach is bringing awareness to how outcomes are affected by temperament, health, poverty and racism, sexism, and peer pressure – and not just your parents. Insight into how you affect your world is the key to self-empowerment—identifying behaviors and strategies that sabotage vital relationships. As your coach, I will journey with you to this place of self-awareness and personal growth.

Learning Circle Description

This Learning Circle is dedicated to helping men build a life grounded in purpose, resilience, and self-mastery. Participants will explore the pillars associated with living a meaningful life—physical health, mental and emotional well-being, relationships, and personal growth—and learn how to develop daily habits that strengthen these areas. Through guided self-reflection, practical goal-setting, and discussions on character development, attendees will clarify their values and embrace the journey of becoming a man who contributes positively to family, community, and society.

Learning Takeaways

• Building character and self-awareness
• Contributing more meaningfully to your family and community
• Creating your own roadmap to navigate personal growth and masculinity

Facilitator Bio

Dwight Williams is a seasoned financial consultant and CFO with over 20 years of experience in finance, corporate management, and accounting. He also consults for the NRPB, supporting small businesses on the island. A fitness coach for over a decade, Dwight is passionate about holistic well-being, blending financial expertise with wellness coaching. As a devoted husband and father of 20+ years, he finds purpose in family, leadership, and service to his community. Dwight is committed to empowering others, inspiring men to lead lives of purpose and impact.

Learning Circle Description

Albatross is an opportunity to learn by observation and experience. In this simulation, you are confronted with the power structures and differences that shape societies. There are two parts to the exercise. The first part consists of performing a ceremonial greeting between members of an imaginary culture called Albatross and foreigners. No onlookers. The second part consists of an extended discussion to analyze the ceremony in detail, what everyone observed and experienced.

Learning Takeaways

• Using observation and dialogue as a tool for deeper insight
• Building empathy through immersion in a new ‘culture’
• Understanding how societal norms influence our biases

Facilitator Bio

Jean-Oneli Blaise is an advocate for youth empowerment with a double master’s in Business Administration & Team Management from the European Business School of Barcelona. His research on educators as environmental ambassadors has been published by Emerald Publishing. He authored Kushobi Origins, a graphic novel featured in local institutions and international anthologies. As a former Project Manager for the St. Maarten Youth Brigade, he worked to uplift at-risk youth and proposed youth-focused policies to the European Parliament. Jean-Oneli continues to create opportunities for empowerment through education, writing, and advocacy.

Learning Circle Description

It’s an evening dedicated to expressing gratitude, celebrating growth, and appreciating life’s experiences through their most expressive and creative outlets.

Learning Takeaways

• Cultivate intentional gratitude for life’s moments
• Embrace mindfulness and reflection
• Set meaningful intentions for the future
• Foster connections and strengthen community bonds
• Share experiences and remain open to personal and collective growth

Facilitator Bio

Shanica is a dynamic leader with a passion for tackling taboo topics and a commitment to addressing social issues through creative platforms. She is driven by curiosity and an enduring dedication to community empowerment. Her extensive involvement in community projects has fueled her mission to advocate for underrepresented voices and create inclusive spaces.