Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett will host a select group of national female lawmakers in the U.S. Virgin Islands this weekend for a wellness-focused retreat centered on empowerment, networking, and community engagement.
Set for June 28–29 in St. Thomas, the event — themed “Relax, Relate, Release” — will bring together legislators and local residents for a series of interactive sessions addressing policy and wellness. According to Ms. Plaskett, the retreat is designed to create space for “authentic conversations that deepen our understanding and guide our legislative priorities.”
Plaskett, who serves on the U.S. House Ways and Means, Intelligence, and Budget Committees, has invited a slate of influential peers including Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Emilia Sykes (D-OH), and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX). The attendees are known for their advocacy on issues such as civil rights, economic equity, gun control, and healthcare access.
The event aims to connect national policymakers with Virgin Islanders and facilitate dialogue on how federal policies affect local communities. Saturday and Sunday’s programming includes wellness sessions like yoga and meditation, as well as practical workshops on financial literacy, estate planning, investment strategies, communication, and healthy living. A Sunday brunch will provide an additional opportunity for informal dialogue between legislators and community members.
Emmanuella Perez Cassius, a local community leader, highlighted the importance of the event, noting that “opportunities like this are rare but crucial.” Renee Petersen, former St. Croix Democratic Party District Chairwoman, added that such interactions can help policymakers “see firsthand how their policies affect real people,” potentially leading to more grounded legislation.
Attendance at the retreat is intentionally limited to foster substantive conversation and direct engagement. Organizers and local advocates hope the initiative will lead to tangible policy outcomes that reflect the community’s lived experiences and concerns.
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