GoodHeart | Dr Christine Fray to receive Grace Allen Young Award
Published:Saturday | January 31, 2026 | 12:09 AM
The Kingston Club of Soroptimist International Jamaica (SIJK) has named Dr Christine Fray, associate professor at the College of Health Sciences, University of Technology, Jamaica, as the 2025 recipient of the Grace Allen Young Award. The award recognises a woman health professional who demonstrates integrity and excellence in her practice. Dr Fray will be formally honoured at SIJK’s annual Charter Anniversary Luncheon and Stella Gregory Awards Ceremony on February 28 at The Jamaica Pegasus.
Commenting on the award, Dr Fray said, “I am truly honoured to receive this award. I accept it with gratitude and humility, and I share it with everyone who believed in my potential and pushed me to grow. This recognition motivates me to continue working with purpose and integrity. My mantra is ‘Every moment. Researchable’. This recognition reinforces my commitment to service, excellence, and advancing the profession of nutrition.”
Dr. Fray is a founding member of the Jamaica Association for Professionals in Dietetics and Nutrition and is widely recognised for her commitment to addressing critical health challenges in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Her research covers obesity, chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), sports nutrition, gender-based violence (GBV), and the economic factors linked to these issues.
She has co-authored studies on the impact of child abuse on mental health, the prevalence of domestic violence in Jamaica, and the economic burden of chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Her work also examines the connection between nutrition and performance among Jamaican athletes while addressing the country’s ongoing challenges with NCDs.
In addition to her scholarly research, Dr Fray has contributed to innovative educational initiatives, including the development of ‘Gabby’, a video game designed to raise awareness about child sexual abuse. She has also led and supported research efforts that inform policy development and help shape national health standards.
Her advice to young professionals is simple, yet profound.
“Remain curious, seek mentorship, and do not wait to feel fully ready before stepping forward. Build your skills with purpose, serve with integrity, and remember that consistent effort and strong values are the foundation of lasting impact,” she said.
Established in 2017, the Grace Allen Young Award honours the legacy of SIJK’s late president, Dr. E. Grace Allen Young, a distinguished public servant whose career embodied Soroptimist values and a commitment to professional integrity.