Candace Warner Shoy Becomes First UVI Executive MBA Graduate from St. Kitts.

Candace Warner Shoy, General Manager of the Marriott St. Kitts Beach Club, has etched her name into Caribbean history as a member of the inaugural graduating class of the University of the Virgin Islands’ (UVI) Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program. This accomplishment solidifies her position as a pioneering force in the region’s hospitality sector and a beacon of leadership excellence. The groundbreaking program, launched in 2023, represents a significant advancement in Caribbean executive education, designed to equip seasoned professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern global economy. Warner Shoy’s participation and subsequent graduation underscore her commitment to continuous growth and her dedication to elevating Caribbean leadership to new heights.

The UVI EMBA program, a one-year intensive course, focuses on developing crucial leadership competencies such as ethical decision-making, strategic planning, understanding emerging market trends, and practical problem-solving in real-world business scenarios. This rigorous curriculum, led by Dr. Kendra Harris and Dr. Eustace Esdaille, attracted a select group of high-achieving professionals, including Warner Shoy, who brought a wealth of experience and a thirst for knowledge to the program. The cohort-based model facilitated a dynamic learning environment, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants from diverse professional backgrounds. This unique blend of expertise created a synergistic learning experience, further enriching the program’s impact.

Warner Shoy’s selection for this prestigious program reflects her outstanding 15-year tenure at the Marriott St. Kitts Beach Club, where she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and resilience. Her commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with the EMBA program’s focus on cultivating transformative leaders. The program not only provided her with advanced business acumen but also reinforced her dedication to uplifting her team, the local community, and the broader Caribbean region. Her journey exemplifies the program’s objective of developing leaders who possess both strategic business skills and a strong sense of social responsibility.

The success of the inaugural EMBA cohort, as highlighted by Dr. Peggy Daniels Lee, Interim Director of the EMBA Program, showcases the transformative potential of the program. The diverse professional backgrounds of the graduates, ranging from government policy and logistics to healthcare and entrepreneurship, created a rich tapestry of experience within the classroom, transforming it into a dynamic hub of collaboration and shared learning. Each graduate brought unique perspectives and insights, contributing to a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment. This collaborative spirit, fostered by the cohort model, enhanced the learning experience for all participants.

Within this exceptional group, Candace Warner Shoy stood out as a representative of not only St. Kitts but also the best of Caribbean leadership in the hospitality industry. Her graduation is a significant milestone, not just for her personal and professional development, but also as a symbol of inspiration for aspiring professionals across the Eastern Caribbean. Her achievement demonstrates the power of continued education and the potential for individuals to make a profound impact on their industries and communities. Her success story is a testament to the transformative power of education and a powerful motivator for others to pursue their own leadership aspirations.

As UVI prepares to welcome its next EMBA cohort, Warner Shoy’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the program’s ability to nurture and develop future leaders in the Caribbean. Her story embodies the program’s commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also driven by a strong sense of purpose and a desire to contribute to the region’s growth and prosperity. Her success is a compelling narrative of ambition, dedication, and the transformative power of education, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in their chosen fields. Her achievement underscores the importance of investing in leadership development and the potential for individuals to make a lasting impact on their communities and the wider world.