I AM LOVING this month even more because the celebration of women’s achievements continue.

I felt honoured to be part of a fashion cabaret in Barbados last weekend to celebrate the amazing work of the Barbadian legend Betty West. I did my first major show in Barbados over 15 years ago and she was instrumental in the first production of a fashion Cabaret in: SIMPLE IRRESITABLE.
This creative genius has certainly curved her way in the history in her homeland and I salute her.
Across the miles and back to my homeland. It was a privilege to be on the national panel for International Women’s Day hosted by the Ministry of Social Protection.
When we examine the massive impact women are having all over the world, we are getting even bolder for change. The UN declared 50/50 by 2030 and even if we don’t get there, we will be close.
As women we need to learn to be comfortable with our discomforts because that is when growth is taking place. Some we have to go where there are no pathway so we can leave a trail.
Leading well is not about enriching yourself but empowering others.
It is important to take others with you when you are doing something you need to pass on.
We have made great progress, but it is not enough. Because we can do more.
Life is about giving, and that’s something we can do whatever our situation may be. As much as we have done, as much as we have given, you always have more to give.
Indeed, it is giving to life that sustains you. Giving, doing, making a difference benefits your world, and benefits you.
The purpose of achievement is not to sit idly on top of it, smug and self-satisfied. Instead, build on that achievement and expand it to have a positive impact on more lives.
There is always more to be done, more substance we can offer to life. Take every opportunity to let unique, meaningful purpose flow through us, energizing our very soul.
Life is made for giving, and it is made good by giving, so keep going, keep giving. All the goodness we give is also your own.
I was invited to have an interactive session with the kids from North Georgetown Multilateral School and I left there so energetic and in high spirit.
Most of them learnt that day of my humble beginning in Bartica and my struggles as a single mom.
The kids were so receptive and eager to learn and some even shared their stories.
No matter how successful we are, no matter how important of accomplished, we do need people.
Every day is full of opportunities for improvement. By making use of those opportunities, I know that I will be closer to my goals by this time tomorrow.

I enjoy interacting with people of all walks of life every day and hear their stories.
Recently I met a women from West Bank who was sharing her story with me and I become so emotional.
She prepared and sold salted fish for decades to educate her three kids who are now grown and did well with their lives. Her stories reminded me of my mom’s commitment to us and the difficult journey she had. The registration was closed but after hearing her story I decided if it was my booth. She had to be one of the women who will be exhibiting her products at Women in Business Expo 2017.
I am thrilled to be part of a dynamic team to give small women businesses a chance to expend and grow.
Also looking forward to INSPIRE YOU with some phenomenal women from local and overseas to share with us. Dr Anna McCoy from Texas is a certified executive coach and master trainer in the area of entrepreneurship, leadership and personal development.
Dr. Linda Wallace, is a resident of California and lives in Aruba. She is an Empowerment Specialist, Global Solutionist and an Advocate for Women Rights…a revolutionary thinker and social activist.
Guyanese Kerensa Gravesande who is Country Manager at El Dorado Offshore (Guyana) Inc, since March 2016. Kerri comes from a HR background with extensive experience in Crew Management, Training / Competence Development and Logistics in the Oil Industry. She has worked in Trinidad and Colombia for the last four years in the Oil and Gas Sector.
Sherry Dixon is a London-based Guyanese who is an award-winning motivational speaker and media personality. She has travelled the world and shared the stage with world-renowned personalities.
St Lucian Pamela Michelle Robinson is a transformational/motivational/inspiring speaker….and she’s on a mission to ensure that all women recognize how phenomenal they are.
Hilda Bourne, has been a successful entrepreneur for more than 15 years. She is the founder and C.E.O of Dreams 360. She travels to multiple locations, encouraging women who have been exposed to some form of trauma to DREAM.

I know they are thousands of stories and no matter where you are from or what size you have or race we all have the following in common:

WOMEN ARE DYNAMIC
WOMEN ARE CREATIVE
WOMEN ARE VERSATILE
WOMEN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

WOMEN ARE UNIQUE
WOMEN ARE INNOVATIVE
WOMEN AE RESILIENT
WOMEN CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

WOMEN ARE ENTERPRISING
WOMEN ARE RISK-TAKING
WOMEN ARE EVOLVING
WOMEN CAN CHART THEIR OWN DESTINIES

WOMEN ARE BELIEVERS
WOMEN ARE HEALERS
WOMEN ARE LOVERS
WOMEN CAN SAVE OUR HUMANITY

WOMEN ARE MOTIVATORS
WOMEN ARE MENTORS
WOMEN ARE MOTHERS
WOMEN CAN RISE TO THE OCCASION

Let’s continue to Celebrate, Commit and Contribute to each other’s well- being.
Send your comments to beyondtherunwayway1@gmail.com and visit our FB Page BEYOND THE RUNWAY as we continue this beautiful journey called Life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.