THE Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP), a flagship initiative of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards (25IWLA), proudly celebrated the graduation of its 2024 cohort during a ceremony on Thursday, October 17.
This event highlighted the remarkable achievements and transformative journeys of this year’s graduates.

The WLP is a ten-month programme designed to redefine leadership within a supportive and inclusive environment. It offers mentorship, specialised training, and opportunities for women leaders from diverse backgrounds to connect and grow. Each year, the programme admits up to 25 women, ensuring personalised attention and fostering a strong sense of community.

In her welcoming remarks, Lyndell Danzie-Black, Co-Creator of the WLP, emphasised the importance of creating an interactive and experiential space for women to flourish as leaders. “Through the Women’s Leadership Programme, we are not only cultivating leaders; we are fostering a transformative community where women support one another, share experiences, and are empowered to drive meaningful change in their lives and communities,” she stated.

Jean-Jacques Forté, Chargé d’Affaires and Head of the French Diplomatic Bureau, hosted the event and shared insights on the global impact of women in leadership roles, reaffirming the Bureau’s commitment to promoting gender equity.
Michelle A. Nicholas, Co-Creator of the WLP, reflected on the programme’s mission to equip women with the skills necessary to make impactful contributions to their communities.

“We are creating leaders who not only possess exceptional interpersonal skills but also have the capacity to influence positive change in their communities and beyond. Embrace your voices and visions. Lead with empathy and resilience. Continue to be a force for equity,” she urged.
The graduates from the Class of 2024 include: S. Allison Alexander, Director, Industrial Development, Ministry of Tourism and Business; Tashi Brown, Founder, Strategy Pro; Malkia Idal, Principal Assistant Secretary (Finance), Budgeting & Finance Department, Ministry of Health; Felicity Persaud Jackson, Accountant, Youth Challenge Guyana and Merundoi Incorporated; Isha Tia Mamood, Manager, T.C.T SPARES; and Ashwini Sarran, Education Officer I, Ministry of Education, and TV Presenter, NCN

Alumni representatives also addressed the graduates, including Bonita Hunter, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities from the Class of 2022; Sarah De Peana, Senior Medex from the Class of 2023; and Felicity Persaud Jackson from the Class of 2024.
Felicity remarked, “This programme has taught us the power of self-belief and the importance of staying grounded in our personal values. I stand before you today with a stronger sense of self, knowing that I can, I will, I have, and I am capable. Together, we’ve created a powerful sisterhood of leaders, united by our resilience and purpose, ready to build empires and shape the future.”

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates, recognising the hard work and dedication of the participants over the past ten months. Co-designed and facilitated by Michelle A. Nicholas and Lyndell Danzie-Black, the programme aims to amplify the voices and impact of women across Guyana and the Caribbean.

The WLP is generously supported by The NICO Consulting and Cerulean Inc. Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open, exclusively for 25IWLA honourees and nominees. To register for the 2025 cohort, visit https://t.ly/Z1a6y or connect via the 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards’ social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. For inquiries, please contact the team directly at 25influentialwomen@gmail.com.