In celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, Winsome Earle-Sears.
Winsome Earle-Sears was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1964. At the age of six, she immigrated to the United States with her family, settling in the Bronx, New York City.
Before attending college, Earle-Sears joined the United States Marine Corps, where she served as an electrician from 1983 to 1986. During her time in the military, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen. She later earned degrees in English and economics from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Regent University, graduating in 2003.
Earle-Sears first served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2001 to 2003 after her defeat of 20-year incumbent Billy Robinson. The historic victory made her the first Jamaican American female Republican, first female veteran, and first naturalized citizen to serve in the political body.
Following an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. House of Representatives, she opened a plumbing, electrical, and home appliance business, in which she still serves as president today.
In 2011, Earle-Sears was appointed to the Virginia State Board of Education, marking her return to public service. In subsequent years, she advanced through the leadership ranks, eventually becoming vice president, and began campaigning for improvements in education, criminal justice, and veterans’ affairs within her community.
After several electoral campaigns, Earle-Sears won the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in May of 2021. She was inaugurated in 2022 and continues to hold the office today as the state’s first female lieutenant governor and the first Jamaican American female statewide officeholder. This past September, she announced her gubernatorial candidacy for 2025.
Check back throughout the duration of June for more features celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month.