A remarkable journey of ten months filled with personal growth and transformative development activities culminated in the graduation of a distinguished cohort of ten women leaders from the Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP). The graduation ceremony took place on Friday, October 20, 2023, at the Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown.
These accomplished graduates, some of whom were recipients of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award and nominees, represent a diverse range of sectors including the private, public, and nonprofit domains across Guyana. WLP is renowned for its immersive experience that fosters self-awareness and authentic connections. Kicking off the graduation event.
Ms. Michelle A. Nicholas, co-founder and co-facilitator of the Women’s Leadership Programme, highlighted their unwavering commitment to cultivating leaders who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their own lives and the lives of others. “You are sending the messages we need to hear in Guyana and across the world that women leaders are powerful, remarkable agents of change and are improving the lives and inspiring a better future for all,” Ms. Nicholas stated. She emphasized that the Women’s Leadership Programme is a unique initiative. It not only focuses on nurturing passionate women to assume leadership roles but also provides opportunities to those who have historically been overlooked. She added, “It is very heartening to witness firsthand the transformation of the programme participants as they hone their effective leadership skills and gain the clarity needed to define and achieve their personal and professional goals in life.”
Ms. Lyndell Danzie-Black, co-founder and co-facilitator of the Women’s Leadership Programme shared insights on the programme’s curriculum that was methodically curated and targeted for leaders on their executive journey. Ms. Black spoke of the transformative journey of the current cohort and thanked them for pouring into each other and the WLP’s team. She charged them to continue growing and sharing the nuggets received within their circles professionally and personally.
The 2023 graduating cohort had the distinct honor of being addressed by British High Commissioner Jane Miller, who underscored the UK’s commitment to gender equity and its support for endeavors that empower women and extended her heartfelt congratulations to the co-founders and the participants, and offered inspiring words of encouragement. She encouraged the women leaders to maintain strong connections with one another, highlighted the significance of continued collaboration and finding a mentor. H.E. Jane Miller also expressed her continued support for initiatives like the Women’s Leadership Programme.
The WLP’s team extended their gratitude to key programme representatives and supporters, including Jane Miller, High Commissioner of the UK to Guyana and Suriname, Judy Omasan Kpogho, Deputy High Commissioner of the UK to Guyana and Suriname; Aretha Majeed, Public Engagement Specialist,
US Embassy in Guyana; Carleen Langford, Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Officer, High Commission of Canada to Guyana and Suriname; and Lesa Gilgeous, Head of Department, Guyana National Public Library. Additional key programme partners include European Union Ambassador Rene van Nes, Ambassador of Suriname to Guyana Liselle Blankendal, Ms. Kerchelle Jn Charles, Chief Commercial Manager – GT&T, and Mr. Pearson Burch-Smith – CEO, Maggie’s Catering Service.
Lavonia Springer – HSSE Manager, Centre for Local Business Development was selected by her peers to speak on their behalf about their WLP experience, shared her personal and collective journey, and offered heartfelt advice to her fellow graduates. She stated, “This Women’s Leadership Programme takes women at varying stages along their leadership quest and provides them with a safe space to find themselves, learn from each other, and be accountable for their individual and collective actions. Ladies, I urge you to continue to learn, teach, transcend, and demolish barriers and glass ceilings. You are enough! You are treasured!”
Congratulations to the 10 Women’s Leadership Programme 2023 graduates:
Sarah De Peana – Ministry of Health; Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, Ministry of Health: Shameena Haniff – Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG); Narda Mohamed-Mangra – ProArchers Guyana Inc.; Shellon Massiah – AGM Underground Mining; Priya Kowlessar – Blue Water Shipping; Cristal Robinson, – Purple Heart Production; Lavonia Springer – Centre for Local Business Development; Mischka White-Griffith – Nations Incorporated/ School of the Nations; Joyce Whyte-Chin – National Public Health Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health
Grateful for the invaluable leadership journey they had embarked upon, the graduates took the opportunity to express their deep appreciation and admiration. In a touching and heartfelt moment, they surprised Ms. Nicholas and Mrs. Danzie-Black with their own well-deserved plaques of recognition. This gesture was a testament to the profound impact these two exceptional women have had on their lives and the programme’s success.
Designed and facilitated by the co-creators of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25IWLA), Michelle A. Nicholas – Founder and CEO of The NICO Consulting, Inc., and Lyndell Danzie-Black – Managing Director of Cerulean Incorporated, the Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP) is a ten-month initiative focused on redefining leadership. It provides a safe space for mentorship, training, and networking, creating a community of women leaders from diverse backgrounds.
A call for applications to the 2024 cohort is now open for interested 25IWLA awardees and nominees. The deadline for applications is November 17, 2023. For more information about the Women’s Leadership Programme, including the application form, please visit the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award Facebook page @25Influentialwomenleadersaward, or email 25influentialwomen@gmail.com.
