The 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25IWLA) has announced the distinguished honourees for its 7th Annual Leadership Awards, continuing its mission of recognising exceptional women who are shaping Guyana’s future across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. With the announcement of the 2026 class, the initiative will have recognised 175 women leaders across Guyana since its establishment in 2019.
Widely regarded as Guyana’s premier platform celebrating women’s leadership and achievement, the award recognises women whose vision, dedication, and impact have strengthened organisations, advanced industries and uplifted communities across the country.
The 2026 Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, 9 May 2026, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, where the twenty-five honourees will join a growing and influential network of women leaders committed to national development and progress.
This year, nearly 100 nominations were received from across Guyana, reflecting the increasing recognition of women who are making significant contributions to economic growth, community advancement, and institutional leadership. Nominees were evaluated through a rigorous selection process by a distinguished panel of judges based in Guyana and the diaspora.
The 2026 Honourees are: Dr. Aartie Devi Somwaru-Jhagru, Bonita Lowenfield McDonald, Chandrowtie Sarran, Christell Chesney, Christine Samwaroo, Dellon Patricia Adams, Doneeta Ramlakhan, Jacqueline Cummings Johnson, Jessica Nathalia Callender, Dr. Kamela Bemaul-Sukhu, Kimbely Yearwood, Lenise Morgan, Madonna Ghanie, Marisa Morgan-Bonie, Munirah Reedon, Dr. Nandishaw Ramsingh, Dr. Pamela Rose, Dr. Renuka Tewari, Rhonda Maxius-Lansiquot, Salome Marina Ann Henry, Savitri Tularam-Kaulesar, Sonja Sampson, Dr. Theresa Sarju, Upasna Mudlier and Younica Sanchara.
With the induction of this year’s class, the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award continues to expand its growing network of influential women leaders, further strengthening its mission of Creating an Empire of Women Leaders.
Lyndell Danzie-Black, Managing Director of Cerulean Inc. and Co-Founder of the Award, highlighted the significance of the initiative, “As we ‘Give to Gain’ in recognizing women globally, it is so fitting to honour the work and voices of 25 women leaders in Guyana. Their impact on themselves, their families, teams, organizations, communities and by extension Guyana are unsurpassed. We honour and congratulate each and every Awardee and invite you to join us on May 9, to demonstrate our gratitude together for their contributions”.
and Michelle A. Nicholas Co-founder & CEO of The NICO Consulting
Michelle A. Nicholas, Founder and CEO of The NICO Consulting and Co-Founder of the Award, added, “The strength of any nation lies in the leadership and contributions of its people, and these women exemplify
what is possible when vision, commitment and service come together. Through the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award, we continue to shine a light on women whose leadership is shaping organisations, strengthening communities and creating pathways for future generations. Their impact reminds us why this initiative exists: to continue Creating an Empire of Women Leaders.”
The organisers extend sincere appreciation to the partners and sponsors whose continued investment supports the advancement of women leaders and the continued success of the initiative.
With another sold-out event anticipated, organisations and individuals are encouraged to secure sponsorship opportunities and tickets early.
Tickets are available online via Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/3IAPJ8Z. Payments can also be made via MMG+ to +592-743-1144.
In-person ticket purchases (Cash or MMG+) are available at: Cerulean Inc., Hallmark Store, Kupkakeinator Bakery & Café Inc. (Georgetown), Xi & Xy’s Enterprise (Charity, Essequibo Coast), and World Access Top Shop (Linden).
For sponsorship enquiries, call 592-743-1144 or email 25influentialwomen@gmail.com.
Committed to advancing and developing talented women leaders, the 2026 honourees will also have the opportunity to apply for the Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP) later this year.
For more information about the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award, visit www.25iwla.com or follow @25InfluentialWomenLeaders on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
