MAKAYLA COOKS SELECTED FOR FCCA YOUNG WOMEN’S MENTORSHIP

Sint Maarten’s Makayla Cooks has been selected for the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s 2026 Young Women’s Mentorship Initiative.

Her selection followed a local process led by the Ministry of TEATT. Twenty-five young women applied, 13 were invited to pitch, six presented to the selection committee, and three finalists were forwarded to the FCCA.

Cooks was ultimately selected by the association.

A recent HAVO graduate, she has experience in tourism, event planning and marketing through Government’s BOP Program. She also serves with the Sint Maarten Alpha Leos and Teen Times.

TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten says the opportunity will allow Cooks to learn directly from senior women in the global cruise industry while developing her leadership and professional skills.

The mentorship program includes industry exposure, networking, professional development and insight into careers in tourism and cruising.