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AARP Virgin Islands Announces New Volunteer State President, Yvonne P. Watson Francis

AARP Virgin Islands is proud to announce the appointment of Yvonne P. Watson Francis as its new Volunteer State President, the highest volunteer leadership position serving the more than 20,000 AARP members across the territory.

Rebecca Hughson,

AARP Virgin Islands

Published March 12, 2026

AARP Virgin Islands is proud to announce the appointment of Yvonne P. Watson Francis as its new Volunteer State President, the highest volunteer leadership position serving the more than 20,000 AARP members across the territory.

AARP

Ms. Watson Francis brings more than three decades of leadership in education, advocacy, and community service to her new role, along with a longstanding commitment to empowering older adults and strengthening Virgin Islands communities.

A Distinguished Leader Rooted in Service

Born in Roseau, Dominica, and raised in St. Thomas from childhood, Ms. Watson Francis has built a life and career grounded in service, lifelong learning, and advocacy. A retired certified educator with 32 years of service, she has taught and led in educational institutions in both New Orleans and the Virgin Islands—including Ulla F. Muller Elementary School, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, and Bertha C. Boschulte Junior High School, where she served until her retirement in 2018.

She holds:

B.A. in Education, Dillard University (1986)
Certificate in Administration, University of New Orleans (1987)
M.A. in Education, University of the Virgin Islands (1996)

A Champion for Advocacy and Community Engagement

Since 2000, Ms. Watson Francis has been a devoted volunteer advocate for individuals with disabilities and has coordinated numerous community programs, including the Work Able Project STAR in St. Thomas. She is also the founder of Advance Connections Educational Consulting and Tutorial Services, supporting students, families, and adult learners throughout the territory.

Her extensive service includes leadership and involvement with:

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Project H.O.P.E. at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation
Weed and Seed GED Program
Learn It Systems Summer Program
Caribbean Center for Boys and Girls of the Virgin Islands
AARP Virgin Islands Advisory Council

Her work has earned her multiple recognitions, including honors from the Virgin Islands Public School System, the Lutheran Church of the Reformation Volunteer Award, and Who’s Who in American Educators.

Ms. Watson Francis has also held leadership roles as both Vice President and President of the Annasville Condominiums Homeowners Association. She is a proud charter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Sigma Theta Omega Chapter, and a published freelance poet who shares her work at charity events.

AARP Virgin Islands Leadership Welcomes Ms. Watson Francis

“AARP Virgin Islands is thrilled to welcome Yvonne to this key leadership role,” said Troy De Chabert-Schuster, AARP Virgin Islands State Director. “Her lifelong dedication to education, advocacy, and community empowerment makes her uniquely qualified to lead AARP’s efforts in advancing health security, financial resilience, and social connection for the 50+ community across our islands.”

A Legacy of Commitment

Ms. Watson Francis succeeds the outgoing volunteer state president, Ms. Jacqueline Heyliger, and takes on a role crucial to advancing AARP’s mission in the territory. She will work closely with volunteers, community partners, territorial leadership, and national AARP initiatives to ensure that older adults in the Virgin Islands are informed, supported, and empowered.