AARP VI and VI DHS Welcomes Financial Professionals for the Second Elder Justice Summit, Focusing on Elder Financial Exploitation

Elder financial exploitation is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the Virgin Islands, robbing older adults of their savings, independence, and dignity. Financial professionals are on the front lines of this crisis, uniquely positioned to detect, prevent, and respond to fraud before it devastates lives.

On August 21, 2025, AARP Virgin Islands and the VI Department of Human Services will host Part 2 of the Elder Justice Summit 2025, a gathering designed specifically for financial professionals and our partners in law enforcement, legal services, and government. This summit is more than a discussion—it is a coordinated effort to build strategies that will protect our most vulnerable residents.

The key speaker will be Zoimé Álvarez Rubio, Esq., President & Chief Executive Officer of the Puerto Rico Bankers Association (ABPR). Álvarez Rubio is widely recognized as a leading voice in Puerto Rico’s banking industry, actively participating in various local and national forums. Her commitment is reflected in her involvement on the boards and advisory councils of key organizations, including the Puerto Rico Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC), the Advisory Council of the Puerto Rico Housing and Human Development Trust (FIDEVI), and the Board of Directors of the Affordable Housing Fund of Puerto Rico (AFHPR). She also serves on the Advisory Council of the School of Business at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón and was appointed Regional Representative to the American Bankers Association’s Executive Alliance Committee.

Dedicated to combating financial fraud and advancing female leadership in the industry, Álvarez Rubio leverages her experience to educate the public on critical financial topics. She has been a featured speaker at numerous events and has shared her insights through articles and interviews in specialized media, including the ABA Banking Journal. Her contributions have also been recognized by the Puerto Rico Mortgage Bankers Association.

Álvarez Rubio will be joined by fellow presenters: Commissioner Averil George, VI Department of Human Services; Pamela Toussaint, Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach for AARP Virgin Islands; and Heather Richardson-Henry, Acting District Manager of Adult Protective Services, DHS. The event will also include a panel discussion and community dialogue moderated by Attorney Paul Greenwood, featuring G. Diane Francis, Regional Risk Manager of First Bank Virgin Islands; Keisha Richards, Chief Executive Officer, St. Thomas Credit Union; Troy A. de Chabert-Schuster, State Director of AARP Virgin Islands; and Beth Russo, Esq., AARP Government Affairs Director.