Bold in Pink
Loading article...
-
Robertson-Sylvester on stage at Plie’s Women of Vision Salon.
-
Plie for the Arts Jamaica’s founder Marisa Benain (front right) and actor Phylicia Rashad with some of the Women of Vision honourees at Plie’s Women of Vision Salon.
-
Robertson-Sylvester receives her award from Marisa Benain, founder of Plie for the Arts Jamaica.
-
Plie for the Arts Jamaica’s founder Marisa Benain (front left) and actor Phylicia Rashad with this year’s Women of Vision Honourees at Plie’s Women of Vision Dinner and Award.
-
Robertson-Sylvester and some members of the managing committee (MC) and management from the Shipping Association of Jamaica: From left – Dionne Mason-Gordon, member services manager; Akeela Marin, senior manager, Business Development; Trevor Riley, consultant and former CEO; Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, president; Charles Johnston, past president and honorary MC member; Andre Rochester, vice president; Roger Hinds, past president and MC member; Denise Lyn Fatt, past president and MC member; Anna Hamilton, MC member.
When Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester walks into a room, she does not shrink to fit it.
“I show up, I wear bright pink, because I’m not trying to fit in. I am here and I’m here boldly.”
That declaration – confident, unfiltered and unmistakably her – perfectly captures why the President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) was among 12 outstanding leaders honoured last Friday at the 10th Anniversary Women of Vision Awards hosted by Plie for the Arts Jamaica.
But long before the awards gala and the celebratory spotlight, there was a young woman who once dreamed of becoming a teacher, however life had other plans for her. A personal heartbreak shifted her course, and she began her professional journey as a sales representative at a shipping company. What could have been a detour became destiny.
Today, Robertson-Sylvester serves as chief executive officer of Seaboard Freight & Shipping Jamaica Ltd and president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica – one of the most influential voices in the country’s maritime sector.
Earlier on Friday, during the Women of Vision Salon, she spoke candidly about perseverance. She shared how she was once advised to “stand back” when a regional leadership opportunity arose at the Caribbean Shipping Association but instead, chose to step forward. That decision would ultimately see her become the first – and still only – woman to serve as president of the Association in its 55-year history.
Her message to young leaders was simple but powerful: discipline matters, priorities must be clear, and honesty is non-negotiable. Opportunities, she stressed, must be seized – not studied from a distance.
For the maritime community, her award was more than a personal achievement. It was a moment of collective pride.
“Corah Ann’s leadership represents the very best of Jamaican maritime excellence,” said SAJ General Manager Terrence Brooks. “She is visionary, principled and fearless in advancing our industry. This award is not only well-deserved, but it also reflects the transformative impact she continues to have locally and across the Caribbean. The Shipping Association of Jamaica celebrates her wholeheartedly and stands proud of her achievements.”
Robertson-Sylvester stands out as a leader who has not merely occupied space in a traditionally male-dominated industry but reshaped it. She is intentional about making room for other women in maritime, determined to shift perceptions and open doors wider than she found them.
And beyond the titles and accolades, she remains grounded – moving from boardroom meetings to the football field as a devoted mother cheering on her children.
Visionary. Trailblazer. Soccer mom. Industry reformer.
Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester embodies them all – boldly, unapologetically, and sometimes, in bright pink.