25 outstanding Guyanese women to receive leadership award

…25ILWA announces this year’s selection

The 25 Influential Leadership Women Award (25ILWA) has proudly announced the selection of 25 outstanding Guyanese women who will be honoured at the highly anticipated Sixth Anniversary and Leadership Awards on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Seawall Road, Georgetown.

The 25ILWA remains Guyana’s premier accolade, recognising visionary leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors who are driving transformative growth and setting new benchmarks of excellence.
In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (IWD), the 2025 theme, “Women’s Rights. Strongest Alliance. Most Influential Women” highlights the global movement for gender equity and the power of collective leadership.

Selected for their exceptional contributions to their industries, organisations, and communities, the 2025 awardees are: Abbigale Loncke-Watson, Avia Maria Lindie, Ayodele Roache, Carla Cassiano, Colleen Prince, Devica Kamini Uditram, Francina Lanferman-Duncan, Hebron Edwards, Jasmaine Payne, Mahadevi Doobay-Girdhary, Martina McDonald-Johnson, Melissa Dow-Richardson, Mendy Angele Nicholson, Naudya Hoosein, Nazima Raghubir, Reisa Roberts, Romela Sahadeo, Sadhana Samtani-Sultan, Safina Lutchman, Savina Sukhnandan, Sophia Dolphin, Tamana Safraj, Tessa Fernandes, Vanessa Elizabeth Williams-Rodriguez, and Vidya Ketwaroo.
Founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting and Co-founder of the award, Michelle A. Nicholas, praised the recipients, stating, “True leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about empowering others to find their own voice and champion their unique potential. The 25ILWA is a testament to the power of collective strength, where these incredible women are not only recognised for their impact but celebrated as leaders shaping the future of Guyana. Through this shared commitment, we are igniting inspiration, fostering change, and setting new standards of excellence that resonate far beyond today.”

More than just an award, 25ILWA serves as a platform for championing inclusivity, empowerment and progress—values that are crucial in shaping Guyana’s future. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has grown in prominence, with increasing nominations each year. The rigorous selection process is conducted by an independent panel of esteemed judges from both Guyana and the diaspora, who evaluate the impact and influence of the nominees.
To date, 125 pioneering women have been inducted into the 25ILWA network, a community dedicated to empowering women leaders across various sectors. This year’s honourees will also have the exclusive opportunity to apply for the Women’s Leadership Programme, aimed at further developing their leadership capabilities and amplifying their impact.
The Sixth Anniversary gala event promises to be a night of inspiration, unity, and recognition, bringing together key industry leaders, Government officials, and corporate stakeholders to celebrate the women who are shaping Guyana’s future.