WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • JUNE 2025 45 in transforming the sector. Workshops encouraged women to share their narratives, fostering a supportive community and increasing the visibility of women’s contributions to aquaculture. • Wellness and Holistic Leadership: Activities led by Dr. Olivia Affuso (Council of Black Health) who discussed “Overcoming Fear” while building a leadership portfolio, and Sharon Feanny and Donny Bunting (Longville Park Farm, Jamaica) covered integrated self-care with professional development. Mentorship and Youth Engagement Rosalind Baitel (Panasea, Panama) and Himena Shaw, graduate student, discussed seacucumber research and entering science communication, and the importance for young scientists to learn how to communicate their research. Mia Avril, Interim Chair of WiCA and aquaponics researcher, shared her journey in aquaculture, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community support for women in the industry. In a powerful conclusion to the summit, Dr. Russo convened a live panel in Kingston, Jamaica with three early-career women scientists, Leanne Bennett and Krystal Facey (National Fisheries Authority, Jamaica) and Bethany Dean (Alligator Head Foundation, Jamaica) to explore the role of mentorship and visibility in shaping future leaders. Their reflections reaffirmed the importance of supportive networks for sustaining women’s presence and influence in the field, as the summit emphasized the importance of mentorship and creating networks to support women and youth in the aquaculture sector. Testimonies and Takeaways Participants lauded the summit’s blend of technical knowledge, business skills, and personal growth. Dr. Carolyn Henri from Belize summarized the impact best: “This summit addressed the whole person — fear, ambition, and purpose. It reminded us that even when we are afraid, we must do it anyway.” A Blueprint for the Future The Women in Caribbean Aquaculture (WiCA) Leadership Summit served as a transformative event that advanced the role of women in aquaculture as essential contributors to sustainable development. More than just addressing gender inequality, the summit positioned women’s empowerment as a strategic priority for strengthening the aquaculture sector across the Caribbean. By creating a space for dialogue, learning, and mentorship, WiCA facilitated the growth of leadership skills among women who are often underrepresented in aquaculture industries. The summit brought together participants from across the Caribbean region, offering them access to expert panels, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities that enhanced their technical, entrepreneurial, and advocacy capacities. These efforts collectively aimed to foster a generation of female leaders equipped not only with knowledge but also the confidence to shape the direction of aquaculture in their communities and beyond. Key themes of the summit included leadership development, policy engagement, innovation in aquaculture practices, and regional collaboration. Participants explored how to overcome structural barriers, scale sustainable aquaculture ventures, and influence policy that supports gender equity and blue economy growth. The event emphasized that inclusive leadership leads to more resilient food systems and healthier coastal economies. Importantly, the summit also laid the foundation for continued collaboration through the WiCA network, providing an enduring platform for women to share experiences, amplify their voices, and collectively address shared challenges. By investing in women’s potential and ensuring their seat at the table, the WiCA Summit has set a precedent for inclusive growth in the Caribbean aquaculture industry. It envisions a future where women are not only active participants but also decision-makers and innovators who drive sustainability, community development, and long-term regional prosperity. Acknowledgement CAEIH extends its gratitude to the World Aquaculture Society Latin American and Caribbean Chapter, BioMar, MoSoLucians, Digital with Grace, Number Nine Marketing and Nexus Distributions InC. for their sponsorship and support in advancing gender equity within the Caribbean aquaculture industry. For replays of the Women’s Leadership Summit visit www.caribbeanaquaculturehub.com Notes Juli-Anne Russo PhD*, Caribbean Aquaculture Education and Innovation Hub, Allumiere, Italy. * Corresponding author: jroyesrusso@gmail.com Honorary Guest Speaker Patricia Francis discussed the intersection of trade, gender equity and sustainable development. Participants lauded the summit’s blend of technical knowledge, business skills, and personal growth. Dr. Carolyn Henri from Belize summarized the impact best: “This summit addressed the whole person — fear, ambition, and purpose. It reminded us that even when we are afraid, we must do it anyway.”
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