𝟐𝟓 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬

As Women’s History Month unfolds and International Women’s  Day approaches, the highly anticipated 5th edition of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award  (25IWLA) takes center stage. Renowned as Guyana’s foremost accolade celebrating women across all  sectors, this year’s event proudly unveils the recipients for its 5th Anniversary and Leadership Awards. 

Under the inspiring banner of “Leaders lighting the way forward,” this year’s roster showcases twenty-five  diverse and outstanding women who are poised to join a network of pioneering leaders, each demonstrating  unwavering dedication and purpose in advancing their respective organisations, agencies, and communities.  The eagerly awaited Award Ceremony, expected to sell out as in previous years, will take place on  Saturday, May 18th, 2024, at Marriott Hotel, Seawall Road, Georgetown, Guyana. 

The 25IWLA aims to identify, acknowledge, and honour women leaders from the public, private, and non profit sectors who embody a unique vision of excellence, extraordinary achievement, and dynamic  leadership. Since its inception in 2019, the award has garnered significant recognition and receiving almost  1000 nominations. Every year, with a fresh judging panel, the esteemed judges undertake the challenging  task of selecting only twenty-five recipients. Notably, these judges comprise distinguished professionals  residing both in Guyana and the diaspora, ensuring a comprehensive and fair evaluation process. 

The 2024 Awardees are: Adasia Vanessa Gilead, Andrea King, Dr. Arnelle Sparman-Shelto, Ashmeeta  Rawof, Ashwannie Harripersaud, Bibi Saeedah Akhtar Hassan, Camille Cummings, Carolyn Caesar Murray, Gwyneth George, Hansmattie Shiwpal-Alli, Dr. Lachmie Devi Lall, Lexann McPhoy, Lisa Mae Agard, Maple Singh, Maria Anita Jeffers, Nuriyyih Kamal Gerrard, Onika Gentle, Pamela  O’Toole, Rajwatee Pertab-Jainarine, Madam. Rhondel Weever, Dr. Shabeena Ramjohn, Sheantta  Henry, Susheela Awad, Teerandai Haripersaud, and Wanneta Wellington. These women continue the  legacy of those who have paved the way, driving societal progress and nurturing future leaders. 

Lyndell Danzie-Black, Managing Director of Cerulean Inc. and co-creator of the Award, reflects “The  UNWomen estimates that 342 million women and girls will be living below the poverty line by 2030,  making immediate action by us all crucial. I see every action taken towards the elevation of women and girls  as a contribution to the development, empowerment and poverty alleviation of women and girls. It is in this  vein that we at 25 Influential Women Leaders Award are proud and excited to celebrate five years of  uplifting and celebrating women. I want to congratulate each and every woman nominated as this is a vast  achievement that you should be proud of. To the Awardees I say well done, congratulations! We welcome  you to journey with us; as together we are optimistic that we can change the narrative on inclusivity and  diversity and disrupt the status quo regarding gender, as we empower women within our homes, our work  environment, our communities and Guyana ultimately.”

Michelle A. Nicholas, Founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting Inc., and co-creator of the award, expressed,  “We’re deeply honoured to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of these extraordinary women in  Guyana, as we celebrate the indomitable spirit of women this month. The 25IWLA stands as a testament to  the boundless potential of women leaders, illuminating their achievements for the world to admire. As we  mark the 5th anniversary of this award and continue our commitment to advocating for equity, diversity, and  inclusion, we reflect on the transformative impact these trailblazers have wielded. Through this reflection,  we accelerate progress and reaffirm our steadfast dedication to empowering and investing in women.” She  added, “Congratulations to these amazing women leaders! It is truly a privilege to spotlight their exceptional  contributions and incredible achievements. As we continue to empower and uplift women, especially during  Women’s History Month and in anticipation of International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to  fostering a culture of inspiration, empowerment, and leadership.” 

As preparations for the gala event gain momentum, organizers urge corporations and individuals to secure  their sponsorship and tickets, underscoring their commitment to gender equality and the support of women  across Guyana 

For sponsorship opportunities and ticket purchases, please visit the official Eventbrite page,  https://rb.gy/4nr2nf, or by MMG+ 647-8100 (save your receipt). In-person ticket sales are available at  designated locations in Georgetown, Eccles, Linden, and Pouderoyen. Those locations are: Frances & Co.,  77 Light Street, Alberttown; The Urban Shoe Company, Ground floor of the Giftland Mall; Cerulean  Incorporated, 104 Flamboyant Avenue, Eccles; and World Access Top Up Shop, Mackenzie Market, Linden. To learn more, please contact 25influentialwomen@gmail.com or call 592-652-7752. 

Committed to fostering the growth and development of talented women leaders, the 2024 honourees will  have the exclusive opportunity to apply for the coveted Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) later in the  year.