Captains of Industry Gala 2025: A Night of Unity, Culture, and Caribbean Pride

The 7th Annual Captains of Industry Gala, hosted by the Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation (CACAF), was nothing short of spectacular — a two-part cultural experience that combined education, empowerment, and elegance in unforgettable fashion.

From dynamic panel sessions during the day to the dazzling Gala celebration that night, this event gave attendees the opportunity to connect, learn, and engage with leaders across multiple industries. The energy was vibrant — we laughed, we danced, we learned, and together, we celebrated each other.

Educational Sessions: Knowledge, Power & Impact

The day’s programming was designed to spark dialogue, provide resources, and highlight opportunities for growth within the Caribbean and international community. Each session brought together brilliant minds, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and empowerment:

• Welcome Remarks – Rob Riley & Michael Thomas set the tone with vision and purpose.

• Doing Business Internationally – Sharon Banwell & Sonia Noel explored pathways for Caribbean entrepreneurs to expand globally.

• Women Driving International Business – Dr. Nicole Grimes , Jodi Lewis and Anisa Palmer uplifted and spotlighted female leadership in global commerce.

• Business in Latin America – Hernando Galindo, GianCarlo Leon, Alana Lemocco Busto, and Veronica Cuellar offered insights into cross-regional opportunities.

• Global Technology Revolution – Rob Riley, Xiao Zeng, Earl Stewart, and Eddy Benoit tackled the future of tech and its role in economic development.

• Doing business with the government - Eddy Benoit and Major George

• Contracting & Development – Shakiri Murrain, Patrick Dierberger and Kim Mitchell and others broke down strategies for scaling businesses.

• The Green Evolution: Climate Meets Commerce – Darwin Newton, McAlee Lemme, George Gamble, and Galen George discussed sustainability as an economic driver.

• Lights, Camera & Action! – Jay Carter, Shakira DeMesier, Julian Horton, Okema T Moore and Jacqueline King-Howell bridged entertainment, storytelling, and commerce.

• Funding & Investment CEO Roundtable – Kyle Griffith, Elijah King, Howell Kean, Tamory McCoy, and David Mullings unpacked financial strategies for entrepreneurs.

Each session sparked lively conversation, empowering attendees to think globally while acting locally — reinforcing the theme of 1People.

Saturday Evening: The Captains of Industry Gala

The night brought the grand celebration — the Captains of Industry Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta. It was a breathtaking evening of elegance, culture, and unity, highlighting the contributions of outstanding leaders, innovators, and cultural icons across industries.

Adding to the excitement and pride was the presence of the Virgin Islands’ very own Grammy-winning producer Dr. Theron Thomas and his brother Timothy Thomas — internationally known as Rock City — who took the stage to present an award to honoree Benny Demus. Their attendance was a moment of inspiration for all, underscoring the global influence of Virgin Islands talent and serving as living proof of Caribbean excellence on the world stage.

The Power of 1People

The Gala highlighted the true meaning of unity. The room was full of talented Caribbean and international leaders — artists, musicians, doctors, dignitaries, journalists, entrepreneurs, and innovators across STEM, natural resources, finance, and cultural arts.

These weren’t just professionals; they were visionaries who brought their upbringing and cultural values to the forefront of their work, creating safe spaces for the youth and community to thrive.

As a proud Caribbean woman from the U.S. Virgin Islands, my spirit was lifted standing in that majestic room with my peers. Covering this event for BossXL Magazine, a publication deeply rooted in Caribbean heritage, was not just a privilege — it was a homecoming.

2025 Captains of Industry Honorees

This year’s Gala honored outstanding leaders, innovators, and cultural icons who continue to make global impact across industries and communities:

• Samantha Samuels

• Lisa Cupid

• Dr. Nicole Grimes

• TK Petersen

• Benny Demus

• Judge Ana Maria Martinez

• Pressure Buss Pipe

• Sheryl Lee-Ralph

• David Mullings

• Consul General Oliver Mair

• Xiao Zeng

• Bussin Jerk ATL

• Craig & Monica Philips

Checkout pictures from the Red Carpet courtesy of Shemariah Pradia

Leadership & Advisory

The event is powered by the dedication of the CACAF Board & Advisory Members, whose leadership ensures the vision of cultural empowerment and unity continues to flourish:

• Michael Thomas – Founder & Chairman

• Yvette Thomas-Henry – Vice President, Executive Director

• Indira Saunders – Chief Financial Officer

• Bonny Fripp – Special Events

Executive & Advisory Board Members:

Melissa Noel, Rob Riley, Saurel Quettan, Ivan Shammas, Alrene Richards-Barr O.D., IAP, David Anderson, Loretta Green Williams, Maria Jacobs, Dr. David Panton, Darwin Alison Thomas, Sherry Bellille, Dr. Danielle Greene, and Dr. Alisha Horsford.

Building Legacy Through Service

Since its inception in 2016, CACAF has impacted lives through:

• Youth Arts & STEAM Initiatives – nurturing creativity and emotional intelligence.

• Disaster Relief Efforts – especially after hurricanes Irma and Maria.

• The Cultural Connect Program – launched in 2020, bridging gaps through education, mental health, and senior services, serving 200+ individuals.

• Climate Resilience Programs – ensuring Caribbean communities are prepared for the future.

With programs reaching people ages 5 to 95, CACAF builds not just events but legacies.

A Night to Remember

The 2025 Captains of Industry Gala was not simply an event; it was a movement of culture, empowerment, and unity. From the morning panels to the evening’s star-studded celebration, every moment was filled with laughter, pride, and inspiration.

The event would not have been possible without the contributions of Althea Winifred, Project Manager and Executive Director of The Brand Development Group – Public Relations, whose expertise helped ensure the success and visibility of this incredible gathering.

And with cultural icons like Dr. Theron Thomas and Rock City present alongside this year’s honorees, the message was clear: Caribbean excellence is global, and its heartbeat begins at home.

One truth echoed loudly: The Caribbean is not just part of the global story — we are leading it. And the world is listening.

For more information, visit: www.caribbeanculturalarts.org

Public Relations: www.thebranddevgroup.com