Leading with Purpose, Growing with Intention
In the vibrant halls of Sir John A. Cumber Primary School, Principal Jovanna Wright leads with a vision that blends passion, purpose, and continuous growth.
With an 18-year career in the Cayman Islands Civil Service, Jovanna’s journey has evolved from classroom teacher to school leader - shaped by her unwavering commitment to education, professional development, and the power of leadership.
“I began my career in 2006 as a Year 5 Teacher at Prospect Primary School,” she shares. “In 2019, I transitioned to Sir John A. Cumber Primary School, where I currently serve as Principal”.
Jovanna’s time in the Civil Service has shaped more than just her career – it has empowered her to uplift others and strengthen the community she serves.
Empowered Through Education
In 2022, Jovanna enrolled in the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) Level 3 course at the Civil Service College. Motivated by a desire for personal and professional growth, she embraced the opportunity as a meaningful investment in her future.
In addition to developing essential leadership skills and building confidence, the course supported her ongoing professional development. It opened the door to career advancement opportunities, while also allowing her to expand her network and build valuable professional connections.
That first step soon led to another. In 2023, she completed the ILM Level 5, further strengthening her strategic leadership capabilities. Both programmes aligned closely with the Civil Service’s core competencies and leadership framework, and equipped Jovanna with the tools to lead not just confidently, but effectively.
Real Impact, Real Growth
The benefits of her ILM courses were tangible and immediate.
“Completing ILM 3 and ILM 5 significantly enhanced my leadership effectiveness as a school principal,” says Jovanna. “I’ve gained strategic leadership tools, learned how to set achievable targets, and strengthened my ability to lead diverse teams”.
This growth hasn’t been Jovanna’s alone.
Inspired by her experience, five members of Jovanna’s Senior Management Team also completed the ILM 3. Since then, they’ve used their experience to build stronger systems for performance management, introduced more constructive conflict resolution practices, and improved their ability to influence and communicate effectively.
“Together, we’ve used these skills to advocate for school resources, implement new programmes, and lead with greater transparency,” Jovanna says.
Her experience exemplifies how leadership development at the Civil Service College isn’t limited to individual benefit - it can activate growth across entire departments, creating ripple effects that extend into communities and beyond.
A Blueprint for the Future
Jovanna believes deeply in the strategic importance of the Civil Service College and the ILM courses. “They promote leadership that can inspire, engage, and deliver,” she explains, stating that these courses are crucial, “because they align directly with the Civil Service’s core competencies and leadership framework”.
The ILM courses offer more than technical knowledge — they support leadership development rooted in ethical accountability, strategic thinking, and practical decision-making. They help build leadership capacity, strengthen communication and collaboration, and reinforce the professional standards and values that define the Civil Service.
Ultimately, these programmes help drive better public service delivery by equipping civil servants with the tools they need to manage resources, support staff, and meet public expectations effectively.
A Leader Who Lifts Others
With nearly two decades of public service, Jovanna Wright continues to model what it means to lead with heart, clarity, and conviction. Her story reflects the best of the Cayman Islands Civil Service: individuals who invest in themselves in order to better serve others.
The results speak for themselves. Under her guidance, Sir John A. Cumber Primary School earned a “Good School” rating overall and an “Excellent” rating for Leadership following the May 2025 Office of Education Standards inspection—an achievement that reflects Jovanna’s dedication to empowering her team and enhancing educational outcomes.
As she mentors staff, supports students, and implements strategic improvements across her school, she remains grounded in the values of excellence, growth, and integrity. In doing so, she inspires a new generation of educators and leaders - proving that when we commit to continuous development, the entire Civil Service grows stronger.
