AS International Women’s Day 2024 approaches, the prestigious 5th edition of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25IWLA) reveals the honorees for its 5th Anniversary and Leadership Awards ceremony, scheduled for May 18, 2024 at the Marriot Hotel on Seawall Road in Georgetown.

The purpose of this captivating Award Ceremony is to recognise, appreciate, and celebrate women in positions of leadership across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, who embody a distinct vision of excellence, remarkable accomplishments, and dynamic leadership.

In an official press statement, the Awards organisation unveiled this year’s list of exceptional women. These 25 individuals, selected under the inspiring banner of ‘Leaders lighting the way forward,’ represent diverse backgrounds and are poised to join a network of pioneering leaders. Each of them has demonstrated unwavering dedication and purpose in driving progress within their organisations, agencies, and communities.

Since it began in 2019, the award has garnered considerable acclaim. Every year, a new group of judges takes on the difficult responsibility of choosing 25 exceptional recipients for the award.

This year’s awardees are: Adasia Vanessa Gilead, Andrea King, Dr. Arnelle Sparman-Shelto, Ashmeeta Rawof, Ashwannie Harripersaud, Bibi Seedah Akhatar Hassan, Camille Cummings, Carolyn Caesar-Murray, Gwyneth George, Hansmattie Shiwpal-Alli, Dr. Lachmie Devi Lall, Lexann McPhoy, Lisa Mae Agard, Maple Singh, Maria Anita Jeffers, Nurriyyih Kamal Gerrard, Onika Gentle, Pamela O’Toole, Rajwatee Pertab-Jainarine, Madam. Rhondel Weever, Dr. Shabeena Ramjohn, Sheantta Henry, Susheela Awad, Teerandai Haripersaud, and Wanneta Wellington.

Lyndell Danzie-Black, the co-creator of the Award and Managing Director of Cerulean Inc, emphasised the urgency of taking immediate action as the United Nations Women predicts that 342 million women and girls will live below the poverty line by 2030.

She said, “I see every action taken towards the elevation of women and girls as a contribution to the development, empowerment and poverty alleviation of women and girls.”

Furthermore, keeping this in consideration, the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award is proud and enthusiastic to commemorate five years of empowering and honouring women. Each woman who was nominated received congratulations from her, with her expressing that it is a remarkable accomplishment that they should take pride in.

She said, “Together we are optimistic that we can change the narrative on inclusivity and diversity and disrupt the status quo regarding gender, as we empower women within our homes, our work environment, our communities and Guyana ultimately.”

These women are dedicated to carrying on the work of those who have laid the foundation, advancing society and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Michelle A. Nicholas, the Founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting Inc. and co-creator of the award, expressed her deep honour in highlighting the remarkable achievements of these outstanding women in Guyana.

“The 25IWLA stands as a testament to the boundless potential of women leaders, illuminating their achievements for the world to admire. As we mark the 5th anniversary of this award and continue our commitment to advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion, we reflect on the transformative impact these trailblazers have wielded. Through this reflection, we accelerate progress and reaffirm our steadfast dedication to empowering and investing in women,” she said.

As the preparations for the gala event progress rapidly, the organisers are encouraging companies and individuals to secure their sponsorship and tickets. They are emphasising their dedication to gender equality and supporting women throughout Guyana.

To explore sponsorship opportunities and buy tickets, individuals can visit the official Eventbrite page at https://rb.gy/4nr2nf or contact MMG+ at 647-8100 (keep your receipt). In-person ticket sales are available at designated locations in Georgetown, Eccles, Linden, and Pouderoyn: Frances & Co., 77 Light Street, Alberttown; The Urban Shoe Company, Ground floor of the Giftland Mall; Cerulean Incorporated, 104 Flamboyant Avenue, Eccles; and World Access Top Up Shop, Mackenzie Market, Linden.

For further information, individuals may contact 25influentialwomen@gmail.com or dial 592-652-7752. Additionally, individuals have the option to access the Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram pages through the handle 25InfluentialWomenLeaders.

The 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards was established by The NICO Consulting Inc. and Cerulean Incorporated in order to acknowledge the achievements of women leaders on a national and regional level. The purpose of the award is to highlight the achievements of women, specifically 25 outstanding awardees, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to enhancing the business sector, their communities, and society as a whole.