IN celebration of her 50th birth anniversary, philanthropist, writer and fashion guru, Sonia Noel, is hosting a virtual “fireside chat” for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs, today.
Opened to persons ages 16 to 35 years, the event will feature a panel of experts and intellectuals in the field of business and finance.

Additionally, at the end of the event, eight participants will be selected for mentorship, while four of the eight will receive financial assistance for their businesses.
Among the presenters today is Jamilia Alexander, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uppoint Inc and an innovator who has always believed in finding a “better way.”

Graduating from the Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design (CAFD) with a Diploma in Fashion Management, Alexander has 10 years of experience as a full-time Fashion Manager.
Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Alexander spent her formative years on the eastern side of the island with her family. She moved full time into fashion in 2009, when she enrolled at CAFD.

During her time at the academy, Alexander was always seeking opportunities to expand her experience in various areas within the fashion industry. She worked as a fashion writer, buyer, design assistant, merchandiser, stylist and make-up artist.

Joining Alexander is well-known Businessman and philanthropist, Stanley Ming, who will be sharing his knowledge with the participants.

Ming is the CEO of Ming’s Products and Services and has been a member of many boards. He began racing at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri in 1971 and went on to compete internationally in GP motorcycles racing in Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba, England, and Daytona – U.S.A and was the Caribbean Motorcycle Champion for four years.

He is also the founder and CEO of Isika Construction & Engineering Inc. (ICE), which is involved in land development, construction, among other things.
Another member of the panel is the President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana Inc. and the Corporate Secretary for Queens Atlantic Investment Inc, Zulfikar Ally.

Ally previously served as an Executive Director on behalf of the Caribbean on the Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC). At this level, he played a major role in promoting development for the people of Latin America and the Caribbean.

He has also represented Guyana on the Board of Directors of the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF). Added to those credentials, he has over eight years of experience as a development specialist, working with the Government of Guyana, where he served as the Head of the Multilateral Financial and Institutions Department within the Ministry of Finance.

Noel will also be sharing her experience, while Fashion Impresario and Creative Industry Specialist, Richard Young, will be the moderator of the fireside chat.

“The content from this panel will add so much value to the participants and persons on the livestream…it is an honour to celebrate this special part of my journey with people around [the] world. My 50th celebration must create invaluable experiences for others also,” Noel said.

The event is scheduled to begin at 18:00hrs. Persons interested in this event could contact Noel via email beyondtherunway1@gmail.com or call 684-8129.