Guyanese receives 2026 Illuminating Impact Award in New York

Guyanese-born Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Brand YOUth Global (BYG) Selwyn Collins, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Illuminating Impact Award, presented during the Global Youth Summit’s annual “Be the Light” Gala in New York. The Illuminating Impact Award recognises individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment have made a meaningful difference in the lives of others and the communities they serve. This year’s ceremony honoured eleven recipients from diverse backgrounds whose work reflects a shared commitment to service, leadership, and strengthening the communities they call home. Collins is the Founder and CEO of Brand YOUth Global, a relationship-centred ecosystem connecting people, ideas, skills and opportunities across Guyana and the diaspora. Over the past several years, BYG has grown from a vision into a broad community built on relationships, conversations, collaboration and opportunity. Through bonding retreats, the Women’s Forum Series, participation in the SelectUSA Tech Competition, and the continued development of the BYG ecosystem, Collins works to strengthen relationships, foster collaboration and create pathways for meaningful contribution, leadership and impact.

Collins extended congratulations and thanks to Kenise Etwaru, Minister of Music and a Board Member at Global Christian Ministries, who nominated him for the award, and acknowledged her own leadership and service as an example worth following. Reflecting on the recognition, Collins noted that Guyana stands at a remarkable moment in its history, with new opportunities emerging, new partnerships forming, and new pathways opening. He reaffirmed his commitment to bringing people together, strengthening relationships, creating opportunities for collaboration and helping build an ecosystem where individuals, organisations and communities can thrive. “This award bears my name, but the work has never been about me,” Collins said. “It belongs to the many people who have walked alongside me over the years. Those who believed, contributed, encouraged, challenged, and helped turn ideas into action. I accept this honour with gratitude and with the understanding that there is still much to do.”