This episode arrives a little later than usual because we chose to pause, to organise ourselves for relief efforts, and to honour and share the work that communities and organisations across the Caribbean and diaspora are doing to support those affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

In this conversation, recorded on September 16, 2025, we speak with Senator Janelle K. Sarauw of the U.S. Virgin Islands. During our discussion, she reflects on her first term which began after two Category 5 hurricanes devastated the islands. After much consideration, we decided to keep this part of the conversation in as it naturally occurred because it shows the resilience of our people and reminds us of how we continue to rebuild with hope.

Senator Sarauw shares her journey from the classroom to the Legislature, her experiences showing up authentically in leadership spaces, and her work advocating for youth, culture, and the environment. Her story is a reminder that strength and leadership take many forms, and that showing up as yourself can be a powerful act of service.

If you are looking for ways to support Caribbean communities at this time, these are the organisations we are aligning with in our relief efforts: Girls Care JA and White Ribbon UK for Jamaica, and in Haiti - Hope for Haiti and Haiti Air Ambulance, all doing vital work to support those most affected.

If this episode resonates with you, we would love for you to rate, review, and share it with a friend, so others can be inspired by Senator Sarauw’s story of leadership, resilience, and authenticity.

Connect with Senator Janelle K. Sarauw:

Website: www.janelleksarauw.com

Instagram: @jksarauw

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This podcast is produced by Island Girls Chantal Miller & BreAnna Holmes

Edited by Island Girl BreAnna Holmes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this vibrant conversation, Chantal sits down with media powerhouse, storyteller and voice over artist Vanessa James,the dynamic voice behind global brands, beloved Caribbean festivals, and empowering creative spaces. From lending her bilingual voice to campaigns for Netflix and JetBlue, to founding Food, Wine & Fete and Women of Impact, Vanessa shares how she’s used her platform to celebrate culture, amplify others, and stay rooted in her Trinidadian heritage. It’s a joyful, inspiring exchange about purpose, passion, and the power of showing up for your community.

Join us at "Food, Wine & Fete" 2026! Details Here

Connect with Vanessa James:

Website: vanessajamesmedia.com

Instagram: @vanessajamesmedia

Visit our website: islandgirlsrock.com

Connect with us on Instagram: @igr_love

This podcast is produced by Island Girls Chantal Miller & BreAnna Holmes

Edited by Island Girl BreAnna Holmes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by writer Cleyvis Natera, author of Neruda on the Park and The Grand Paloma Resort. Together, we explore her journey as a storyteller shaped by her Dominican roots and her experiences living between two cultures. Cleyvis reflects on belonging, identity, and history (including the complex ties between Haiti and the Dominican Republic), in a conversation filled with warmth, honesty, and insight.

The Grand Paloma Resort is available now at all major bookstores.

Connect with Clevis Natera:

Website: https://cleyvisnatera.com/

Instagram: @cleyvisnatera

Visit our website: islandgirlsrock.com

Connect with us on Instagram: @igr_love

This podcast is produced by Island Girls Chantal Miller & BreAnna Holmes

Edited by Island Girl BreAnna Holmes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the season 2 finale! What better way to end it than to have Chantal sit down with one of her idols. Sherry Ann Dixon is a multi award winning speaker, journalist and lecturer. Repping Guyana, Sherry is an absolute TRAILBLAZER in the world of black hair and beauty. She gets things done.

Original Photography Credit: Beverley Rhoden

(Season 1 Episode 10)

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On this month's episode, Chantal was joined by artist, filmmaker and historian Fiona Compton. It's a great conversation about Black history and fairytales. If you've ever wanted to know how to link the Haitian Revolution to the Wizard of Oz, tune in!

(Season 1 Episode 9)

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On this month's episode, Chantal was joined by brand specialist and founder of Chill Create, Carolyne Hill. It's a great chat about channeling creativity, the frustration of dealing with school career advisors and more.

(Season 1 Episode 8)

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On this month's episode Chantal had the pleasure of speaking to yogini, humanitarian and Universal Empress, Nadine McNeil. The two talked about Nadine's journey from Jamaica to Bali, the importance of self care for those who heal others and so much more.

(Season 1 Episode 7)

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We're back to Barbados for another episode! This time around, Chantal was joined by author of 'Loving the Brothers' Pamela R Haynes.This was a great chat about the importance of documenting our stories, domestic abuse in the Caribbean and more.

(Season 1 Episode 6)

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For this very special episode, Chantal is joined by her cousin Lea Parris-Cambridge.

Lea talks about how her faith helped her through Cancer THREE times, her journey to veganism, and how outstanding treatment via the NHS compelled her to help those with Cancer on her beloved island of Nevis.

(Season 1 Episode 5)

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For this month's episode, Chantal caught up with curator and founder of Black British Art, Lisa Anderson. Lisa talked about her love of art, how her Jamaican roots have influenced her creativity, and her spiritual experience at Jamaica's Calabash Festival. (Season 1 Episode 4)

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