Kyra Edwards
Hometown: Dominica
Major: Accounting
Classification: Senior
Kyra Edwards is a proud Dominican and co-founder of WePlanet Inc, a non-profit organization based in Dominica that develops innovative, incentive-based solutions that tackle environmental issues and raise environmental consciousness. While pursuing her associate’s degree, Edwards worked as an intern at the Create Caribbean Research Institute where her interest in communication was fostered. She served as Vice President of UVIABJ in 2022-2023 and currently holds the position of UVIABJ President (2023-2024).
Shugga Deborah Rosenbloom
Residence: Cannes, France
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Classification: Senior
As a student who is an official, unofficial recruiter for UVI, Shugga intentionally promotes UVI wherever she goes. Shugga D’s love for writing and producing content for social media has increased while attending college. Affectionally known throughout the community as “one of the best Mistress of Ceremonies in the territory,” she has graced many stages with her quick comedic commentary, singing, and academic presentations.
Shugga D is one of the pioneers who helped build the WUVI-FM radio station, producing programs and leading a team of on-air personalities. Some students were paid during school breaks, thanks to Shugga’s persistence. She has always been an advocate for students at UVI. That is only one of her many attributes as an influential communicator.
Shugga D. Rosenbloom is a native of Mid-west Illinois, but she calls St. Thomas, USVI home because of its impact on her life and genuine connection for growth, family, and friends.
Maliah LaCour
Major: Communication
Classification: Senior
Maliah is currently a Senior in the classroom and on the basketball court here at University of Virgin Islands(UVI). Maliah started as content producer for the Rambler Media Group at her previous college and has been serving as a journalist and the social media coordinator for UVI. She loves her job and thoroughly enjoys telling stories through video. Maliah hopes to one day work in PR for sports marketing analysis and a media lawyer.
Gimel Pinto
Major: Communication
Classification: Sophomore
Gimel Pinto is an aspiring journalist in her second year of study at the University of the Virgin Islands. She is a member of the UVI Voice 2.0 and the HBCU-African Correspondents Corps. She believes that by pursuing a career as a writer, she will lead an exciting life, spread knowledge, and impact how community members see the most significant people, places, objects, and events.
Nico Thomas
Major: Communications
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Fresno, California
Transfer senior Nico Thomas wants to pursue a career as a sports analyst and sports journalist. Thomas is from Fresno, California, came to the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) in his Junior year to play basketball. Simultaneously, he harbors ambitions of a career as a sports analyst and sports journalist, with a profound desire to disseminate the knowledge and significance of the sports world’s happenings. Thomas is poised to make a lasting impact, both as an athlete and a dedicated voice in the realm of sports journalism, sharing the stories that make the sports universe come alive.
George Francis-Undergraduate Advisor
Hometown: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
UVI Graduate 2022
George Francis is a communication graduate of UVI and a current employee in the university in the Office of Enrollment Management. Born on St. Thomas, George has always had an interest in mass media. His desire to pursue a career in Communications blossomed when he joined his elementary school’s news team. Since then, George has engaged in many leadership roles where he has served as the public relations officer for a number of clubs and organizations and has played a major role in developing a communication strategy for each club/organization. Currently, he serves as secretary for the University of the Virgin Islands Association of Black Journalists (UVIABJ). In his spare time, George enjoys reading, traveling, watching movies, spending time with family, and meeting new people.
Michael C.V. Bell
Hometown: St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
UVI Graduate 2023
Michael C. V. Bell is past president of UVIABJ and a contributing writer to UV VOICE. He was a student representative at the first in-person White House HBCU Journalists Press Briefing, hosted by Keisha Lance Bottoms and Vice President Kamala Harris. He also served as student ambassador for UVI/UVIABJ at the NABJ 2023 Region 3 (Jackson, Mississippi), NABJ 2023 National Conference (Birmingham, Alabama) and NABJ 2022 National Conference (Las Vegas, Nevada). Michael’s favorite quote comes from Jim Kelly: “Make a difference today for someone who is fighting for their tomorrow.”
Felisha Felix
Hometown: St. Croix
Classification: Sophomore