IN this combined fourth and fifth batch of the five-part series highlighting the 25 Influential Women Leaders Awardees for 2024, we shine the light on Nuriyyih Gerrard, Onika Gentle, Pamela O’Toole, Rajwatee Pertab-Jainarine, Madam Rhondel Weever, Dr. Shabeena Ramjohn, Sheanetta Henry, Susheela Awad, Teerandai Haripersaud, and Wanneta Wellington. These outstanding women are making an indelible impact on Guyanese society.

They will join 15 other IWLA 2024 winners at a grand dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday, May 18, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
Madam Rhondel Weever’s dedication to empowering children and young people to lead meaningful lives is incredibly inspiring. Serving as a Magistrate in Guyana since 2007, she has been actively involved in the dispensation of justice. Additionally, she established the We Care Learning and Resource Hub under the Heavenly Light World Outreach Fellowship, a holistic initiative offering a wide array of support services for children and families.

Nuriyyih Kamal Gerrard’s unwavering dedication to her profession serves as a true inspiration. Her remarkable media industry contributions and extensive 13-year career working with prominent private sector conglomerates as a Broadcaster, Voice-over Artist, Master of Ceremony, Digital Influencer, Actor, and Consultant reflect her deep passion and steadfast commitment.

Through her relentless efforts and unwavering determination, she has accumulated a wealth of expertise and experience, culminating in establishing her enterprises—NG Communication and Eloquent Guyana Inc.
Onika Gentle exemplifies a remarkable young woman with extraordinary strength and resilience amidst many challenges. Despite experiencing homelessness and being dismissed by others, she maintained unwavering determination to achieve success, a goal she ultimately accomplished.

Presently, she is actively pursuing higher education and making a substantial impact within her community through her roles as Assistant Medical Director at Humanity First Guyana and Project Coordinator at Clear Vision Guyana.
Pamela O’Toole is one of the founding Directors at Nations Incorporated, an educational institution that stands out for its unique approach.

Her overarching goal is to establish a cutting-edge learning environment that equips individuals of varying ages and backgrounds, hailing from Guyana and beyond, with the necessary skills to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead in the future. Through initiatives like ‘On the Wings of Words’ and ‘Youth Can Move the World’, Pamela fosters a creative thinking culture and encourages learners to explore beyond conventional boundaries, promoting innovation and nurturing imagination.

Rajwatee Pertab-Jainarine’s tenure as an educator spanning 26 years shines as a beacon of hope, exuding selflessness, and unwavering dedication. Her tireless efforts have significantly impacted the well-being of numerous children, enhancing their immediate circumstances and moulding their futures. Serving as a teacher and a maternal figure, she has played a pivotal role in fostering their success and accomplishments.

Dr Shabeena Ramjohn, a dental surgeon at the Cheddi Jagan Dental School in Georgetown, is also responsible for managing dental health data, particularly from outreaches in underserved communities. Her dedication to dental health services in these areas is truly inspiring. She coordinates community dental health outreaches, providing essential care and recommendations.

Additionally, Dr Ramjohn is committed to preserving the history of the Pakaraima area and has contributed poetry to the book “Underground Lines” by Pakaraima Writers. She is currently working on a children’s book to promote good oral health practices and the importance of visiting the dentist, exemplifying her commitment to positively influencing children’s lives. She serves as a role model for those who aspire to serve their communities with kindness and care.

Sheantta Henry overcame the profound loss of her mother during her studies to become the first Occupational Therapist in Region 6. Her dedication to service is evident through her numerous leadership roles in her local church and community. As vice president of the Stand With Me Foundation, she has provided comprehensive support and resources for the physical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being of many individuals in her community.

Susheela Awad’s passion for community service is truly inspiring. Despite a successful career in the private financial industry, she has always been driven to give back to her community. She demonstrated her leadership skills early, leading an all-women cricket team at 16. Whether through her cricket leadership or her dedicated involvement in her local mandir, Susheela’s commitment to serving others is a testament to her character.

Teerandai Haripersaud, a certified registered traditional yoga teacher, has profoundly impacted the health and wellness of people in Guyana, including those in rural areas. She began her work during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognising the need for support in managing stress and emotional well-being. Her sessions, both online and in-person, have reached a large audience, helping many manage their mental health for free.

Wanneta Wellington is an inspiring teacher who believes that being exceptional requires a constant desire to learn and grow in education and leadership. As an ardent Christian, she has demonstrated her devotion to serving others through her role as Youth (Pathfinder) Director at her local church, leading projects such as painting pedestrian crossings, cleaning the Senior Citizens’ home, and organising food drives.

These 10 remarkable women, like the other awardees, exemplify the spirit of service and leadership that the IWLA 2024 celebrates. Their contributions to their communities, whether through healthcare, therapy, financial leadership, training, wellness, or education, have left an indelible mark on Guyanese society.
Five years ago, NICO Consulting Inc. and Cerulean Incorporated established the 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards to celebrate female unsung heroes like these women, who contribute to the development of their communities and, ultimately, our country.