SPOTLIGHT- YVETTE SUTPHIN

Yvette's father was always volunteering  his services to their community and as a result she always had a desire to serve.  In 1989, she was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune disease that weakens the muscles.  In 1990, while she was seeking rehabilitation at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, she became a member of the Big Brother/Big Sister program and began her road to service.

As a Big Sister, she volunteered to assist those in the paraplegic state and became resident monitor of the dormitory.  Yvetter obtained a certificate in computer programming, and graduated the program as a recipient of the President Woodrow Wilson Award.  This award recognized individuals who showed exceptional leadership, enormous personal integrity, and personal tenacity in setting and striving to achieve goals for themselves and others.  Later, she attended Old Dominion University to pursue her Bachelor's degree.  It was here she met her significant other, a native of St. Thomas and decided to relocate to the Virgin Islands.  Yvette serves on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army and is always seeking ways to extend her assistance to her community.

She is the mother of two beautiful children Jimez Jr., 13 and Jivette, 9 who attend All Saints Cathedral School.  She continues to encourage them to give back to their community as well.  Her son is currently a member of Interact and volunteers with the United Way.  Her daughter is always seeking ways to assist abandoned animals.  When her daughter comes of age, she has secured a spot in working with Dr. Williamson.  Aside from her children, Yvette enjoys reading, basketball, and the company of others.