Tanya Marie Samuels

Tanya Marie Samuels is committed to the development of the people of the Cayman Islands. Since arriving in Grand Cayman in 2007, Ms. Samuels has been involved in numerous community services projects, volunteering her time to Habitat for Humanity, the HM Prison Reading Program, and the Cancer Society.

Before moving to the Cayman Islands, Ms. Samuels spent many years teaching at both the primary school and university levels in the United States. She has also spent many years educating children in Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Honduras.

Ms. Samuels received her BA from Howard University, her MA from George Washington University, and she is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Georgia, specializing in literacy education.  In addition, Ms. Samuels currently serves as the acting Head of Professional Development for the Cayman Islands Department of Education Services. Her passion for community service and her expertise in the field of education converge to offer keen insight into the planning and decision-making processes involved with administering this dynamic award.