The renowned 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25ILWA) has announced the selection of 25 outstanding Guyanese women who will be honoured at the highly anticipated Sixth Anniversary and Leadership Awards on Saturday, 17 May 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.
Commemorating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, the 2025 theme, “Women’s Rights. Strongest Alliance. Most Influential Women“, underscores the global movement towards gender equity and the power of collective leadership. This year’s honourees have been recognised 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.
Michelle A. Nicholas, Founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting and Co-founder of the award, lauded the awardees and shared, “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 recognized 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.”
Lyndell Danzie-Black, Managing Director of Cerulean Inc. and Co-founder of the Award expressed her enthusiasm stating “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour the incredible contributions of women to society, culture, and history. Women have been integral in shaping economies, advancing innovation, and nurturing communities, all while breaking down barriers in every sector.
“Yet, true progress remains elusive, as too many women still face systemic challenges such as gender-based violence, inequality, and limited opportunities. In this spirit, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Awardees of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award. Your dedication to leadership, excellence, and making a meaningful impact on your communities is inspiring.
“You are the role models who guide the way for future generations of women, mindful always that gender justice is a collective responsibility—it requires the collaboration of governments, businesses, and communities to ensure women’s safety, dignity, and empowerment.”
Beyond an award, 25IWLA serves as a platform to champion inclusivity, empowerment, and progress—values that are instrumental in shaping Guyana’s future. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has garnered significant recognition, with increasing nominations each year.
The selection process remains rigorous and transparent, with an independent panel of esteemed judges from both Guyana and the diaspora carefully evaluating the impact and influence of 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, designed to further develop their leadership capabilities and amplify their impact.
The Sixth Anniversary gala event will be a night of inspiration, unity, and recognition, bringing together key industry leaders, government officials, and corporate stakeholders to celebrate women who are shaping Guyana’s future.
Organisations committed to gender equity and leadership development are invited to secure sponsorship opportunities. This is an unparalleled chance for recognised and corporate entities to demonstrate their dedication to advancing women’s leadership and fostering a more inclusive future.
Tickets are available online at Eventbrite: https://shorturl.at/mzVTg; via MMG+ 647-8100 (save your receipt); or at the following locations: RNS Insurance Brokers & Consultants, 208-209 Camp Street, North Cummingsburg; Lexann’s Nail Creations, 57 Hadfield Street, Newburg; World Access Top Up Shop, Mackenzie Market, Linden.To learn more, please contact 25influentialwomen@gmail.com or call 592-623-1189.
