Women’s History Month: USVI Tourism’s Leaders

USVI – As the national conversation transitions from Black History Month into Women’s History Month, the U.S. Virgin Islands offers a powerful story of legacy, resilience, and modern leadership – one led by women who carry forward a tradition of strength rooted deep in the Territory’s history. 

The spirit of women’s leadership in the Virgin Islands dates back to the legendary Three Queens – Mary, Agnes, and Mathilda, who courageously led the 1878 Fireburn labor uprising on St. Croix, forever shaping the Territory’s legacy of courage, advocacy, and progress. Today, that same strength and determination continue to define the women leading one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic tourism destinations. 

At the forefront is Virgin Islands Department of Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, a St. Croix native, whose strategic leadership is guiding the U.S. Virgin Islands’ continued record-breaking growth, expanded global visibility, and industry recognition. She is joined by a powerhouse executive team that reflects both experience and innovation:

•  Assistant Commissioner Alani Henneman is a St. Thomas native with over 20 years of marketing and communications experience in the tourism industry.
• Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth Hansen Watley, a St. Croix native who brings years of marketing and governmental experience, also serving as the Chair of the Board for the Virgin Islands Taxi Commission.
• Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, a St. Vincent and the Grenadines native, who has called the USVI home for more than 25 years, with experience in mental health, hospitality, and inter-Caribbean relations.

Together, this all-women leadership team is advancing a tourism strategy grounded in authenticity, sustainability, and economic opportunity, while elevating the culture, people, and experience that make the U.S. Virgin Islands distinct. 

As Women History Month begins, the story of these leaders represents more than professional achievement, it reflects a continuum of resilience, purpose, and excellence that has defined Virgin Islands women for generations. 

Yellow Cedar Media salutes the U.S. Department of Tourism and the brilliant women who are working hard and smart to advance one of the USVI’s most important products – Tourism.