BRONX, NY – August 13, 2026 – The Sandy Point Benevolent Society (SPBS) has announced that esteemed educator and community advocate Shermin Stevens will be named the 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Alumna and Community Service Leadership Award. The honor will be presented during the upcoming Dr. Stewart O. Williams Awards Gala, scheduled to take place September 5, 2026 at the Maestros Catering Hall in the Bronx.
With a professional legacy stretching more than 30 years, Stevens has built a reputation as a transformative leader across academia, administration and public service. Her career has been defined by consistent dedication to elevating student success, supporting peer professionals, and strengthening academic institutions, with a track record that has earned widespread acclaim for her integrity, professionalism and relentless commitment to excellence.
Stevens has carved out a particularly distinguished legacy in the niche fields of hospitality education and culinary arts. Her deep expertise spans core academic functions, from developing specialized culinary curricula and designing new training programs to overseeing quality assurance and leading academic administrative teams. Under her strategic direction, culinary education programs have been expanded and refined to equip students with the full range of technical abilities, hands-on practical skills, and professional competencies required to build thriving careers in the competitive global hospitality sector. By balancing rigorous academic standards with hands-on, industry-aligned training, she has consistently driven innovation, institutional accountability, and measurable gains in student achievement throughout her tenure.
Her impact extends far beyond the walls of academic institutions, rooted in a longstanding commitment to community service that has created lasting, positive change for generations of residents. Currently serving as President of SPBS’ St. Kitts Chapter, Stevens has spearheaded a range of targeted educational initiatives and community outreach programs designed to expand access to opportunity for local students. Through accessible mentorship, intentional educational support, and selfless, forward-thinking leadership, she has lifted up the communities she serves across the Caribbean region.
Across her decades of work in education, academic leadership, and community development, Stevens’ accomplishments have created a blueprint for service that continues to inspire emerging leaders. SPBS notes that her selection for the 2026 award is a formal recognition of her decades-long enduring contributions, transformative cross-sector leadership, and unwavering dedication to improving quality of life for others through intentional service.
The annual Dr. Stewart O. Williams Awards Gala brings together a cross-section of community leaders, accomplished educators, and SPBS supporters from across the globe for an evening of celebration, honoring individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to education and community development. Tickets for the 2026 event are available for purchase through SPBS members or via the official event website at www.givebutter.com/spbsinc.
This announcement was distributed as a prepared press release from SPBS, originally published by SKNVibes.com.