Meet Teri Helenese!
As the Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, Teri Helenese plays a pivotal role in policy development and advocacy. She skillfully champions Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s priorities, leveraging her deep understanding of policy formulation, powerful advocacy, and wide-reaching collaborations to drive meaningful change. From securing significant funding to pioneering initiatives for student support, affordable housing and economic development, her work spans a wide array of critical areas, contributing to the prosperity of the Virgin Islands.
Professional Achievements
Make a Glance!
Thought Leadership
Recent Projects
USVI & CARICOM
Elevating the USVI’s Voice in CARICOM
Teri is dedicated to developing policies for the Virgin Islands as a Functional Cooperation Member of CARICOM.
Judicial Equity
Advocating for Judicial Equity with H.R. 282 and Term Extensions
Teri has teamed up with Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to push for key legislative reforms, aiming to institutionalize Term Extensions for judges.
Visa Waiver
Visa Waiver
Teri is spearheading collaborative efforts with key stakeholders to implement an innovative Program.
Good Dad Act
The Good Dad Act
Teri is actively advocating for equal rights for fathers and legal parity for parents to effect positive change.
Health Equity
Empowering Health Equity
Teri is actively collaborating to improve health outcomes for Medicaid recipients in the Virgin Islands, notably targeting sickle cell disease and addressing regional health disparities.
Second Chances
Championing Second Chances
Teri champions the Second Chances Initiative working with federal partners in Washington, D.C., advocating for clemency and positive re-entry opportunities for former offenders in the Virgin Islands.
USVI & CARICOM
Judicial Equity
Visa Waiver
Good Dad Act
Health Equity
Second Chances
Recent Events
Teri Helenese, a St. Croix native now living in Virginia, was sworn in Sept. 19 along with 15 other community leaders from Virginia
Virgin Islander Teri Helenese has been appointed by Gov. Ralph Northam to Virginia’s African American Advisory Board
Government of the Virgin Islands Teams with Google To Deliver Accurate Local Information about COVID-19
Teri Helenese became involved in her profession because, for as long as she could remember, she had been much attuned to civil rights
Testimonials
Newsroom
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Let's Connect
Teri would love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out and contribute to the conversation on public policy, community concerns, and local initiatives.