70+ Women Graduate from the Road to Leadership and Road to Finance Programmes, Advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment in Guyana

72  women successfully graduated from the Road to Leadership and Road to Finance programmes on Saturday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown, marking a significant milestone in fostering women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Guyana. The programmes were delivered by ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. in partnership with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and proudly sponsored by the ExxonMobil Foundation.

The graduation ceremony underscored the transformative impact of these initiatives, which equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence, and financial literacy needed to scale their businesses.

The event featured distinguished speakers, including H.E. Jane Miller OBE, British High Commissioner; Ms. Lorena Solorzano-Salazar, IDB Group Country Representative; Ms. Leanne Baker, Senior Programme Manager at the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women; and Ms. Deondra Wishart, Socioeconomic Advisor at ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd. The graduates also heard inspiring testimonials from programme participants, including Ms. Charlyn Miller of Impact Business Solutions and Ms. Tiffany Corletta-John of The Cake Corner, who shared their journeys of growth and resilience.

The Road to Leadership and Road to Finance programmes have provided women entrepreneurs with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the complexities of business ownership and strategic decision-making. By focusing on leadership development and financial literacy, these initiatives have empowered participants to drive sustainable growth within their enterprises and make meaningful contributions to their industries and communities.

The graduates not only gained technical expertise but also developed the confidence to advocate for their businesses, secure investment opportunities, and scale their operations. Many participants entered the programme seeking guidance on financial planning, investment readiness, and strategic leadership, and emerged with actionable strategies to enhance their business resilience and long-term sustainability.

Mrs. Cherie Blair, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, delivered a powerful video message highlighting the vital role women entrepreneurs play in economic development globally. She reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to providing women with the necessary resources, mentorship, and networks to break barriers and achieve financial independence.

The formal graduation ceremony was a moment of celebration and recognition, as participants received their certificates from key stakeholders. The presentation of certificates symbolised not just the completion of the programme but also the beginning of a new chapter where these women would apply their acquired knowledge to expand their businesses and mentor others in their communities.

Following the graduation, the evening transitioned into a dynamic networking session, fostering collaboration and future business partnerships. This space allowed graduates to connect with industry leaders, potential investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, reinforcing a community of support that will continue to drive their success beyond the programme. The atmosphere was one of celebration and optimism, as women shared their aspirations and explored new opportunities to grow their ventures.