CareerMasters Launches Year 2 with a Focus on Resilience and Real-World Readiness
CareerMasters, the Cayman Islands’ premier pre-career readiness programme for high school students, officially launched its second year of programming on Tuesday, 4 November at the Grand Cayman Marriott. The launch event, titled “Resilience Is Your Superpower: Bouncing Back, Standing Strong, and Building Bold Careers,” brought together students, mentors and educators, as well as public and private sector partners, for an afternoon of inspiration, practical insights, and community connection.
Moderated by Christina Bodden, Founder of CareerMasters and a Partner with the Maples Group , the panel featured Wes Howell, Chief Officer, Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration; Vanessa Williams, Senior Manager of Digital Transformation at PwC; Shomari Scott, Chief Business Officer at Health City Cayman Islands and Chairman of the Cayman Islands Education Council; and Audrey Rankin, Associate in the Funds & Investment Management team at the Maples Group.
The conversation focused on the real-life experience of setbacks, pivots, and perseverance, offering students tangible tools to navigate challenges and shape their own professional paths.
The event also featured reflections from CareerMasters Year 1 Alumni Ambassadors, Nyomi Myles and Herbert Walker, who spoke to event attendees on how the programme shaped their education and career direction.
CareerMasters continues to empower Cayman’s next generation, helping students build confidence, resilience, and workplace-ready skills through immersive learning, mentorship, and work-placement opportunities.
“It’s inspiring to see CareerMasters continue to evolve and deepen its impact on young people across Cayman. It represents the kind of forward-thinking initiative that truly uplifts our community,” said Jonathan Green, Global Managing Partner of the Maples Group. “We are proud to support programmes that champion youth development and educational opportunity. By helping students gain exposure to real-world experiences and build a strong foundation for their future, CareerMasters helps students unlock their potential, learn of the exciting career opportunities available in Cayman and really could help change the course of someone’s life.”
Building on the success of its inaugural year, 2025/2026 will see the roll out of two new initiatives: CareerMasters UK, where strategic partnerships with UK universities will provide tailored guidance and support to students interested in tertiary education in the United Kingdom and CareerMasters Generation Cayman, which will bring both CareerMasters alumni and early-career professionals together for early career learning initiatives.
“We’re proud to continue to support CareerMasters as the programme expands its reach,” said Alaina Danley, Co-Chair of AIMA Cayman. “By strengthening the bridge between education and employment, we’re investing in the sustainable future of Cayman’s workforce.”
Supported by a strong network of corporate stewards, CareerMasters is backed by leading firms including the Maples Group, AIMA Cayman, PwC, Baraud International, Mangrove, Big Panda, KPMG, Harneys, Carey Olsen, Cayman Islands Recruitment Association, Bloom Consulting, MarFire and others who share the programme’s commitment to nurturing Cayman’s emerging talent. The programme is co-chaired by Katrina Watson of the Maples Group and Martin Byers of Ogier, whose leadership continues to guide its strategic growth and community impact.
“PWC is excited to partner with CareerMasters as the programme continues to empower students to take the lead in their futures,” said Carolyn du Toit, Partner at PWC Cayman Islands. “CareerMasters lays a pathway for each student to create careers they can build on one success at a time.”
The launch concluded with a networking mixer where students had the opportunity to connect directly with mentors, sponsors, and past participants.
About CareerMasters
CareerMasters is a Cayman Islands-registered non-profit organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between local high schools, tertiary education, and early careers. Through immersive learning, mentorship, and work-placement experiences, it equips students aged 14–18 with the resilience, skills, and confidence to succeed in the workplace.
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