By: Garfield L. Angus
May 12, 2026
For Jamaican-born nurse and diabetes specialist, Everet E. Owens, a lifetime of service rooted in compassion, resilience and unwavering commitment to community has culminated in yet another major recognition.
At a recent banquet held at Terrace on the Park in New York, Mrs. Owens was presented with a prestigious Trailblazer Award by the Pollyanna Project, an honour that celebrates decades of humanitarian work, professional excellence and dedication to improving lives both in the United States (us), and Jamaica.
The moment was deeply meaningful, not just for Mrs. Owens, but for her entire family. Describing the recognition as a “family award,” she reflects on the collective spirit that has defined her journey. “We are very honoured to be recognised in this fashion,” she says. “This award is not just for me, it represents my family, because we have all been part of giving back.”
Her story is one that intertwines personal sacrifice, professional achievement and a shared commitment to service. Mrs. Owens’ journey began in the quiet rural district of Grange Hill in Westmoreland, where she spent what she describes as a “very happy” childhood. Though her family was not wealthy, they placed a high value on education and discipline. She attended Upper Rock Spring School, before moving on to Grange Hill Primary, and later a preparatory school in Kingston.
Those early experiences, she says, shaped her understanding of community, agriculture and the importance of hard work. “You get to learn about the land and where food comes from,” she recalls, noting that her father’s work and community involvement instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility toward others.
Before migrating to the United States in 1970, Mrs. Owens worked as a bookkeeping clerk at the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. However, her ambitions stretched beyond the island’s shores. Upon arriving in the United States, she restarted her academic journey, determined to build a career in healthcare. She earned an Associate Degree in Nursing, followed by a Bachelor’s and later a Master’s degree in Health Service Administration, graduating with honours at each stage. Her path, though challenging, was guided by a clear purpose, to make a difference in people’s lives.
That purpose would define her 33-year career at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital, formerly known as Sound Shore Medical Center. Over the years, Mrs. Owens rose through the ranks, serving in multiple roles including Nursing Assistant, Registered Nurse, Manager of the Inpatient Diabetes Unit and Director of the Diabetes Programme. Her leadership helped to establish and maintain the hospital’s reputation as a regional centre of excellence in diabetes, education and care.
As a diabetes educator, Mrs. Owens became known for her holistic, patient-centred approach. She not only treated patients but empowered them with knowledge. “You have to be compassionate,” she emphasises. “Sometimes you are the only one the patient will confide in. You have to be their advocate.” Her work involved guiding families, particularly those with newly diagnosed children, through what is often a life-altering diagnosis. She provided education on nutrition, medication and lifestyle adjustments, helping countless individuals manage their condition and avoid serious complications.
Her approach was also culturally sensitive, particularly when working with Caribbean patients. She understood the deep connection Jamaicans have to traditional foods and worked to adapt dietary recommendations without stripping away cultural identity. “I was able to guide them on how to eat the foods they love in a healthier way,” she explaines. “Controlling diabetes is really about lifestyle, portion control, exercise, consistency and understanding your body.”
Beyond the hospital walls, Mrs. Owens’ impact extended into the wider community. She coordinated hundreds of outreach initiatives, led support groups and delivered lectures locally and nationally, including at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). She also mentored numerous nurses and healthcare professionals, many of whom have gone on to advanced practice roles. Her influence as an educator, she notes, fulfilled a childhood dream. “I always wanted to be a teacher,” she shares. “And as a nurse, you are always teaching patients, families, even doctors.”
Despite building a distinguished career overseas, Mrs. Owens never lost her connection to Jamaica. She regularly supported medical missions by donating essential supplies such as glucose monitors and insulin. During visits home, she hosted small community sessions in Grange Hill, educating residents on diabetes prevention and management. “It does my heart good to give back,” she shares. “Even small efforts can make a big difference.”
Her humanitarian spirit is deeply rooted in her upbringing. She credits her parents—particularly her father, who advocated for children’s education, and her mother, known for her generosity as her greatest influences. “They didn’t have much, but they always gave,” she recalled. “That is where we got our spirit of helping others.”
This ethos aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Pollyanna Project, a charitable organisation founded in 1994 to support underserved communities, particularly children in Jamaica. Mrs. Owens has been involved with the organisation for many years, encouraging family members to join and contribute. The project has since grown into an international initiative, assisting over 15,000 children across Jamaica and extending its reach to parts of Africa.
Executive Director Donna Moore-Stewart praises Mrs. Owens and her family for their longstanding support. She notes that their contributions have been instrumental in the organisation’s growth and impact over the past three decades. “They have been there from the very beginning,” she says. “Their commitment to community service and education has touched countless lives, making them truly deserving of this Trailblazer Award.”
The award ceremony itself was a grand affair, featuring cultural performances, fine dining and tributes to over 18 honourees. However, for Mrs. Owens, the recognition was both a celebration and a moment of reflection. She spoke candidly about personal loss, including the passing of her son last year, and the strength she has drawn from her family and community. “My family was there with me,” she says. “Their support means everything.”
Throughout her life, Mrs. Owens has received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Nurse of the Year Award and the Excellence in Nursing Award. Yet, she remains humble, viewing her achievements as a by-product of service rather than a goal. “I have been blessed so that I can bless others,” she often says, echoing a guiding principle that has shaped her life’s work.
Now retired, Mrs. Owens continues to advocate for community engagement and philanthropy. She encourages individuals to contribute in whatever way they can, emphasising that meaningful change does not require great wealth, only a willing heart. “You don’t have to have a lot,” she says. “Just have love. One hand helping another, that is what makes the difference.”
Her story stands as a powerful testament to the impact of dedication, compassion and cultural pride. From a small district in Westmoreland to the halls of a leading medical institution in New York, Everet E. Owens has carved out a legacy that transcends borders. Her Trailblazer Award is not merely a recognition of past achievements, but a celebration of a life devoted to uplifting others, a life that continues to inspire generations at home and abroad.