Monina Thompson's path in community service has been exceptionally rewarding, driven by her commitment to create a positive impact in the Cayman Islands. Her personal experience dealing with mental health challenges has fueled her compassion for others and her pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Carleton University.
Over the years, Monina has actively participated in various initiatives that reflect her dedication to community betterment. One of her most notable accomplishments was representing Cayman at the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) World Assembly in South Africa in June 2019. During this transformative experience, she worked at Huis Tekna, a children's home providing support to those who have faced abuse. Her collaborative efforts with the Alex Panton Foundation to de-criminalise suicide in December 2020, through a proposal submitted to the Law Reform Commission, demonstrates her unwavering commitment to enhancing support for youth facing mental health challenges.
Monina's journey as a Youth Ambassador Leader has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her community involvement. By fostering unity and empowerment within the community, she has witnessed the power of youth when given guidance and leadership opportunities. Monina's contributions extend to her role as a motivational speaker, participation in beach clean-ups, prior Vice Presidency of JGHS Key Club, service as the 2017 Tourism Ambassador, involvement in Junior Achievement, membership in the 2020 Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) Women's National Team, and representation of Cayman through steel pan competitions in Canada and swimming at the 2014 CARIFTA Games in Aruba.
As a Proud of Them Honouree, Monina aims to leverage her platform to inspire and empower her peers.
Her vision includes expanding mental health education, dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health, and creating safe spaces for open discussions. Through sharing her experiences, Monina aspires to motivate others to contribute towards the improvement of our Cayman Islands.