-at Women’s Chamber’s 4th Annual Founders’ Dinner

THE Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG) hosted its highly anticipated 4th Annual Founders’ Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, bringing together distinguished industry leaders, professionals, and trendsetter practitioners for an evening of celebration and networking.

The theme of this year’s event, “Empowering women in leadership; shattering
boundaries and charting new horizons,” set the tone for an inspiring evening
dedicated to recognising and celebrating the achievements of women in business, a press release from the organisation said.

President of the WCCIG, Rowena Elliot, in delivering the opening and welcome remarks stated, “At WCCIG, we are committed to advocating for gender equality in the business world and supporting women entrepreneurs. Tonight’s theme
embodies the spirit of our organisation, and we are thrilled to honour
outstanding women who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.”

The guest speaker, Deputy Secretary-General of CARICOM, Dr. Armstrong Alexis, in his address said: “In the journey of women’s empowerment, determination to shatter boundaries and chart new horizons is not a destination but a continuous pursuit. Choose to give it your very best, for in doing so, you pave the way for progress…”

According to the press release, Dr. Alexis also charged the Chamber to be their sisters’ keeper.

“As we collectively navigate this path, let us remember the importance of being our sisters’ keeper. Nothing is more empowering than the reinforcement from those
who understand the challenges and aspire for progress along the paths we
tread,” he was quoted as saying.

The keynote speaker, US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, delivered a
powerful address during which she emphasised the importance of breaking barriers.

She said: “Empowering women is not just a goal; it’s a necessity for the progress of
any society. Tonight’s awardees exemplify the resilience and capability of
women in leadership roles, and their stories inspire us to continue shattering glass ceilings.

Ambassador Theriot also commended the Women’s Chamber for its achievements, since its birth in 2019 and encouraged the executives and general membership to continue to be champions of change and an empowerment body for women owned businesses in Guyana, the release added.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the awardees: Upasna Mudlier of Denmor Garments (Manufacturers) Inc., who received the Woman in Business Award; Shamela John of RESYSCO by SJ, who received the Business Excellence Award and Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran of Gurchuran Investments Inc., who got the nod for the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award.

“The Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s awards selection process, guided by a committee of board members, ensures a fair and transparent recognition of outstanding individuals and businesses,” the organisation explained in its press release.

In addition to the awards, the event saw the official installation of the new WCCIG Board of Executives for the year 2023-2024, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to excellence and diversity.

The re-elected President Rowena Elliot expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am
honoured to continue leading this incredible organisation. Together, with
our newly elected board members, we will strive to create a business
environment where women can thrive and succeed.”

The newly elected board members include Vice-President Aysha Khan, Senior Director for Public Relations Martina Johnson, Senior Director of Business Diversity Shevion Sears, Secretary Josephine Tapp, Treasurer Shamela John, and Director of Outreach, Events, and Fundraising, Lisa Mohamed.

The 4th Annual Founders’ Dinner was not only a celebration of achievements but also a testament to the WCCIG’s dedication to empowering women in leadership roles and fostering a supportive business community, the release added.

The event was held at the Marriott Hotel.