A NEWLY-ESTABLISHED distinction, in honour of women who have made an impact in their companies and communities, has been created to honour women trailblazers in Guyana’s public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Recipients of the inaugural award, designed to recognise 25 influential women leaders, will be announced on Thursday, May 16, at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown, Guyana.

The distinction is the first of its kind in Guyana to focus on women from a variety of sectors, rather than in a single industry, making the award a unique and important milestone in the recognition of women as leaders.

Applicants will range from CEOs to small business entrepreneurs to non-profit social advocates who are moving their companies and communities forward. The award, which is administered by The Nico Consulting, Inc. (TNC) and Cerulean Incorporated, was created to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of Guyanese women who have achieved success in a wide range of fields.

Women have been doing amazing things for a very long time right here in Guyana, said Michelle Nicholas, Founder and CEO of The Nico Consulting, Inc.

“These women are working hard to get ahead. In many cases, they are trying to balance a career while at the same time giving back to their community. By honouring them as Influential Women Leaders (IWL), the award aims to transform how women leaders are viewed in Guyana by recognising their value, achievements, and contributions,” she said.
Award administrators seek applicants with a proven track record, high integrity, and commitment to their community. Women from any field or background can apply and the recipients will be chosen for their professional accomplishments and contributions to their community and beyond.

Honorees will have the unique opportunity to connect with other women leaders on a national and international level, gather for quarterly lunch-and-learn events, as well as participate in leadership programs annually.

Lyndell Danzie-Black, Managing Director of Cerulean Incorporated, pointed to the leadership role of women in the lives of others as being especially worthy of recognition.
“The contribution of women to local and regional leadership occurs daily, right before our eyes. We recognise our leaders, youth and children in their various accomplishments; the reality is that the backbone for these achievements is almost always a woman. I anticipate a night of celebration, highlighting the achievement of women leaders in Guyana,” Danzie-Black said.?

The nomination period is open to all women from various sectors, including corporate, non-profit and government. Entries and nominations will come from across the county, so the honours will be a definitive nationwide guide to the top professionals in every sector. Winners are judged by an independent panel and announced at the prestigious award ceremony. Nominations can be submitted via Http://bit.do/IWL. 2

The organisers of the event are urging corporate Guyana to purchase group tickets for their female employees so that they could be part of this celebration of women. For more information about nomination eligibility, process and event sponsorship, visit www.facebook.com/25Influentialwomenleadersaward/ or call 592-226-4650 or 800-230-4695, or email 25influentialwomen@gmail.com.