US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, along British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, joining with the 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards’ recipients
Returning for its fourth year, the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25IWLA) on Saturday honoured another group of inspirational women across Guyana, with the addition of this cohort lending to the recognition of an overall total of 100 women.
Conceptualised by The NICO Consulting Inc. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Michelle Nicholas and Cerulean Inc Managing Director Lyndell Danzie-Black, the 25IWLA provides a platform for persons to nominate women across the country whom they believe are making valuable contributions to society and deserve to be honoured for their work.
Nominations were considered by a selection committee of leaders, who chose this year’s 25 based on their professional and community involvement, corporate and nonprofit contributions, and mentoring experience, among other categories.
This year’s awardees are: Alista Bishop; Anastasia Sanford-Fredericks; Andrea Benjamin, Ariane Mangar; Ashonda Washington, M.D; Ashwini Sarran; Ayanna Blair; Candace Wickham; Cilandell Cassandra Glen; Felicity Persaud Jackson; Kestine Sohiney King-Thomas; Magda Griffith-France; Malkia Idal; Marcey Parker; Meshel Williams Sampson; Nirmala Somwaru-Husain; Orletta John; Ramona Singh; Saska Sertimer, M.D; Seeta Dalloo; Shameena Haniff; Shondel Sandy; Taneysha McKenzie, Tashi Browne and Tricia Fiedtkou.
Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) General Manager Shameena Haniff expressed her gratitude at being selected as an Influential Woman Leader and being recognized among 100 women leaders.
“This wonderful initiative gave Guyanese women more power, confidence and appreciation. It serves as a reminder of the difficulties we encounter but can gracefully overcome, as well as the strength we can use to inspire other women to be the best leaders possible in an effort to abolish gender bias,” Haniff said, according to a 25IWLA press release.
Asserting the need to continue the advancement of women, honorees will receive the exclusive opportunity to apply for the highly competitive Women’s Leadership Program (WLP), also created by Nicholas and Danzie-Black.
This free 10-month-programme gives participants new ideas, skills, confidence and fresh perspectives to add more value to themselves, access to networks, leadership and social equity, executive presence and more, all aimed at building new and strengthened relationships internally and externally.
British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, commended the co-creators’ vision and encouraged the awardees to claim their seats, support other women, and seek a mentor.
She also shared the United Kingdom’s commitment to gender equality and the impact of investment in women across all communities.
Meanwhile, outgoing United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, congratulated the co-creators on honouring 100 women since the award programme’s launch in 2019.
“Honorees, I am proud of the work of each of you! Your passion and commitment to not only create an impact in your community, but a desire to create a legacy — a legacy that will be an inspiration for women and young girls across this country and across the globe,” Lynch said.
In addition to public recognition and a chance to partake in WIP, the winners also received a trophy and a gift from the sponsors, with this year’s sponsors including Massy Group of Companies and Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co. (GTT).
