Cheryle Raphael, described as ‘a hands-on charity supporter and, notwithstanding her own personal struggles, a selfless and supportive friend to many’, pipped fellow finalists Nicola Santos Costa and Joana Cerqueria to this year’s award at a ceremony marking International Women’s Day held at the Royal Yacht.
The judging panel, led by Women’s Refuge chairman Ben Robins and also comprising Eileen Fitzgerald, chief operating officer at Barclays, last year’s winner Ana Goncalves and Catherine Kirby, president of Soroptimist International Jersey, reduced the 14 nominees to a three-woman shortlist before arriving at its final decision.
‘It was both inspiring to read through so many nominations for amazing women and an incredibly challenging task to identify a winner when they are all so deserving,’ Mr Robins said. ‘Cheryle’s dedication to support others despite her own personal difficult circumstances demonstrates great resilience and generosity of spirit. She is truly inspirational.’
Mrs Raphael, who also inspires young dancers through her work at Essential Dance, narrowly beat NSPCC Jersey chairwoman and youth court panel member Nicola Santos Costa, and #EachforEqual champion Joana Cerqueira who set out to promote positive body image of motherhood including benefits of breastfeeding.
Mrs Raphael received her award from Catherine Kirby who explained that the Jersey branch of Soroptimists had established the award in 1998 as the Women in the Community Award.
‘It was [also] Soroptimists who were the driver behind the establishment of the Women’s Refuge over 30 years ago. Club members are delighted at how both these initiatives have grown and thrived, as president I am honoured to have been one of the judges this year and privileged to be announcing the winner,’ she told her audience.
