first forum to be held in November

AT the virtual Annual Meeting of the Women in Energy (WiE) Guyana held last month, the organisation’s members elected and re-elected officers and directors to its board of directors.

According to a press release from the organisation, WiE’s commitment to the advancement of more women in the energy sector saw the election of several directors.

Among those re-elected were Abbigale Loncke-Watson, President and CEO of Loncke Group, as Chairperson; Dr. Melissa Varswyk, CEO of Georgetown American University, as Vice-Chairperson and Michelle A. Nicholas, Founder and CEO of The NICO Consulting Inc., as Director of External Affairs. Newly elected directors include Trovana Azeez, Senior Philanthropy Officer at the University of Guyana, as Fundraising Director; Alista Bishop, Chief Financial Officer at The CAGE Companies, as Treasurer; Camille Boyle, Business Consultant at Executive Business Solutions, as Secretary, and Ulex Smith, Co-Founder of Signature Move Agency, as Membership Director.

Following the election, Chairperson Loncke-Watson expressed her gratitude to the members and
congratulated the board.

According to the release, she emphasized the organisation’s commitment to promoting women’s capabilities, professional development, and energy policies that benefit women. Speaking to the barriers faced by women in the energy sector, Mrs. Loncke-Watson remarked on the need to close the gender gaps through the strengthening of women’s autonomy in decision-making and enhancing their participation in the planning and design of energy policies.

Mrs. Loncke-Watson is quoted : “The energy sector stands at the forefront of innovation and progress; however, despite its potential, the industry grapples with a glaring gender disparity that impedes its growth. The WiE community is filled with national and international expertise in STEM, Diversity Equity Inclusion Access and Belonging, strategy, business, finance, and more. We have the expertise and will continue to engage in meaningful, actionable discussions that benefit women, benefitting us all.”

The first annual Women in Energy Guyana Forum was announced during the meeting and is scheduled for Saturday, November 4, 2023, in Guyana,” the release further revealed.

The forum will provide an opportunity for women and men in the energy industry to learn and engage in thoughtful, relevant discussions, and will feature several unique and engaging speakers from the industry, along with opportunities for networking.

Mrs. Loncke-Watson expressed gratitude to many corporations and organisations that have already expressed their interest in supporting the forum.

WiE is a member-centred nonprofit organisation that provides many benefits to its members, including gaining a comprehensive overview of the emerging energy sector in Guyana and basic skills needed for personal and professional development. Membership also allows women to be empowered by women colleagues in energy by providing career resources, creating networking and mentoring opportunities, promoting educational courses, and developing strategies to minimize obstacles women may face in the industry. WiE is energizing and connecting women to open doors and make a difference.