Dr. Arliene Penn, Communications Director
Dr Arliene T. Penn is a vibrant public officer, health advocate, artist, songwriter, and 21-year cervical cancer thriver who uses the power of music, storytelling, and faith to inspire hope and meaningful change. Through her signature campaign, Know > Fix > Live > WIN!, she fearlessly breaks the silence surrounding women’s health, challenging stigma and empowering women to take charge of their wellbeing through awareness and early detection.
A devoted public officer for 21 years, Dr Penn has built an outstanding career in communications, leadership, and policy. With over 30 years of experience in the communications field, she served for 12 years as Director of Communications, advising, drafting, and reviewing speeches and key messaging across five administrations. Her work has supported ministers, public service leaders, and statutory agencies, ensuring clarity, connection, and purpose in public communication. She has also served as Executive Private Secretary and Advisor to the Governor of the Virgin Islands, and currently works as the Legal and Regulatory Policy Analyst at the Attorney General’s Chambers.
A former Calypso Queen and first runner-up in the 2003 Leeward Islands Monarch Competition out of 27 regional monarchs, Dr Penn has also served as a respected judge in calypso competitions across the Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands. A passionate steelpan player performing under the name Graceful Steel, she seamlessly weaves her love of music and culture into her purpose-driven advocacy for life, healing, and empowerment.
Her award-winning song “Reclaiming Me” earned top honours in the 2022 WIN Foundation Song of the Year competition (Reclaiming Me category) and now serves as the official anthem for the global Mrs Globe Reclaiming Me programme — a stirring message of survival, resilience, and self-worth.
In 2024, Dr Penn made history as the first Virgin Islands Icon, recognised in the Religion, Spirituality, and Inspiration category for her faith-fuelled advocacy, local, regional and international impact. As a Brand Ambassador for WINBVI and the BVI Cancer Society, she continues to lead life-saving conversations on cervical cancer, HPV, and women’s health across the Caribbean, inspiring others to live with faith, courage, and purpose.
A lifelong reader and gifted writer, Dr Penn believes in the transformative power of words — to educate, uplift, and heal. Whether crafting speeches, writing songs, or mentoring others, she uses her voice to build bridges and inspire change.
Dr Penn is a wife, mother, grandmother and also a proud and active member of the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church, where she serves faithfully as an ordained minister in the areas of teaching, preaching, and leadership. Her ministry reflects her deep commitment to service, faith, and the spiritual wellbeing of others.
A woman of resilience, creativity, and deep conviction, Dr Arliene T. Penn lives to worship, learn, and celebrate life — through every word she writes, every note she plays, and every heart she touches. Her journey stands as a powerful testimony to faith, perseverance, and purpose.
She holds degrees in Marketing, Journalism, Public Communication, Sociology, Leadership, Public Policy, and Public Administration — reflecting her lifelong dedication to education, service, and empowerment.