The Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP), a signature initiative of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards (25IWLA), held a graduation ceremony on Thursday, 17th October for its 2024 cohort. The ceremony celebrated the remarkable achievements and transformative journeys of this year’s graduates.
The graduates from the Class of 2024 are:
- Allison Alexander, Director, Industrial Development, Ministry of Tourism and Business
- Tashi Brown, Founder, Strategy Pro
- Malkia Idal, Principal Assistant Secretary (Finance), Budgeting & Finance Department, Ministry of Health
- Felicity Persaud Jackson, Accountant, Youth Challenge Guyana and Merundoi Incorporated
- Isha Tia Mamood, Manager, T.C.T SPARES
- Ashwini Sarran, Education Officer I, Ministry of Education, and TV Presenter, NCN
The WLP is a ten-month programme dedicated to redefining leadership in a supportive and inclusive environment. It offers mentorship, specialised training, and opportunities for women leaders from diverse backgrounds to connect and grow. The programme admits up to 25 women annually, ensuring each participant receives personalised attention. The robust selective approach fosters a strong sense of community, enabling meaningful mentorship, networking opportunities, and leadership development. Participants meet the stringent entry requirements, demonstrate that they are ready for the next step towards executive presence and leadership.
In her welcome remarks, Lyndell Danzie-Black, Co-Creator of the WLP, highlighted the importance of creating an interactive and experiential space for women to flourish as leaders. She said, “Through the Women’s Leadership Programme, we are not only cultivating leaders; we are fostering a transformative community where women support one another, share experiences, and are empowered to drive
meaningful change in their lives and communities.”
Jean-Jacques Forté, Chargé d’Affaires and Head of the French Diplomatic Bureau, who hosted the event, shared insights into the global impact of women in leadership roles and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to promoting gender equity.
Michelle A. Nicholas, Co-Creator of the WLP, reflected on the programme’s mission to equip women with the skills necessary to make impactful contributions to their communities. “We are creating leaders who not only possess exceptional interpersonal skills but also have the capacity to influence positive change in their communities and beyond. Embrace your voices and visions. Lead with empathy and resilience. Continue to be a force for equity,” she urged.
Alumni representatives also addressed the graduates, including Bonita Hunter, Assistant Dean, Faculty of Education and Humanities, from the Class of 2022; Sarah De Peana, Senior Medex, Regional Health Services, Ministry of Health, from the Class of 2023; and Felicity Persaud Jackson from the Class of 2024. In her address, Felicity remarked, “This programme has taught us the power of self-belief and the importance of staying grounded in our personal values. I stand before you today with a stronger sense of self, knowing that I can, I will, I have, and I am capable. Together, we’ve created a powerful sisterhood of leaders, united by our resilience and purpose, ready to build empires and shape the future.”
The ceremony culminated in the presentation of certificates, recognising the hard work and dedication of the participants over the last ten months. The programme is co-designed and facilitated by Michelle A. Nicholas and Lyndell Danzie-Black, both of whom are devoted to amplifying the voices and impact of women across Guyana and the Caribbean.
The WLP in a statement said it is generously supported by The NICO Consulting and Cerulean Inc. Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open, exclusively for 25IWLA honourees and nominees. To register for the 2025 cohort, visit https://t.ly/Z1a6y or connect via the 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards’ social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. For inquiries, please contact the team directly at 25influentialwomen@gmail.com.
