Looking at how two women are giving back to Guyana and holding onto their roots

For the last eight years, an incredible initiative has gone unrecognised. Tomorrow Leaders is a programme aimed at empowering underprivileged children across Guyana, especially those in orphanages. Founded by US-based Guyanese businesswoman Diane Innis, Tomorrow Leaders is doing vital work to develop a sense of pride—something Diane says she has never lost, even decades after leaving Guyana.

Diane Innis, co-founder of Candy Express and the inspirational Initiative Tomorrow Leaders, along with her sister Roxanne, has spent decades intertwining her entrepreneurial spirit with a vibrant commitment to giving back to the community. For Diane, Christmas holds a special place—it is a season that not only brings her family together but also reignites her dedication to the children of Guyana, particularly those in orphanages and underprivileged communities.

“I’ve always believed in giving back. It is something my family instilled in me growing up in Albouystown, even when I didn’t realise it was considered a ghetto. We might not have had much, but what we did have, we shared,” she said.
Born and raised in Albouystown—a neighbourhood often labelled as rough—Diane still recalls it as home. “I had no idea I grew up in the ghetto until someone told me,” she said. Recounting her childhood, she shared, “We had a housekeeper, we used knives and forks at meals, and we were taught to present ourselves with pride and dignity.” These values, nurtured by her family, formed the foundation of Diane’s identity and later fuelled her desire to empower others.

Diane moved to the United States as a child, and while the transition wasn’t without challenges, her Guyanese roots remained firmly planted. “Everything I needed to know, I learned in Guyana,” she said. “How to eat properly, dress well, and carry myself with confidence. When I got to America, I realised just how much my upbringing prepared me for the world.”
In the diaspora, Diane did not simply maintain her cultural traditions—she proudly celebrates them. Christmas became an annual event blending the vibrant spirit of Guyanese festivities with a touch of American flair. Traditional dishes like pepperpot and garlic pork sat alongside turkey and stuffing. But for Diane, the holiday season was more than just food and family—it was a time to reflect on her blessings and extend them to others.

Determined to make a real impact, Diane founded Tomorrow Leaders, an initiative focused on the youth of Guyana.
“The children are the future of Guyana. If we don’t invest in them, who will?” she said.
The cornerstone of Tomorrow Leaders is its annual dinner, a grand event where underprivileged children from orphanages are treated like royalty. This is no ordinary affair—it’s a formal gathering complete with fine china and live music, designed to motivate the young participants.

Diane is meticulous in her planning, importing everything from tableware to food from the United States.
“I want them to experience something different. We don’t just serve curry and roti; we introduce them to dishes like Italian lasagne or American-style meatloaf. It’s about broadening their horizons, showing them that there’s a world beyond what they know,” she said.

The event is not just about the meal—it’s an opportunity to instil confidence and self-worth in the children. Diane often tells them, “If you don’t believe you’re beautiful, why should anyone else? You have to see your value first.”
Despite the growing financial strain—events cost significant sums, much of which comes out of Diane’s own pocket—she remains committed. Plans are already underway for the 10th anniversary of Tomorrow Leaders, which promises to be a red-carpet affair.

“I want to give these kids an experience they’ll never forget,” she said.
Diane’s passion for giving is deeply rooted in her childhood memories of Guyana. She recalls her family’s close-knit nature, where everyone pitched in to support one another.
“We struggled, like any family, but we always came together,” she said.

One story she shared was particularly poignant.
“When I was about 19, a friend told me Albouystown was the ghetto,” she said. “I had no idea! To me, it was just home—a place where we dressed well, used knives and forks at meals, and valued education and etiquette.”

These lessons have shaped Diane’s approach to life and her work with Tomorrow Leaders.
“I want these kids to know they’re capable of achieving anything. Just because you come from humble beginnings doesn’t mean you’re going to stay there,” she said.
For Diane, Christmas in the diaspora is a blend of tradition and innovation. She ensures her family stays connected to their Guyanese roots, cooking traditional dishes and listening to parang music.

But she also uses the season to teach her children and grandchildren the importance of giving.
“We’ll bake cookies together, but we’ll also pack care packages for the less fortunate,” she said. “It’s important for them to see that Christmas isn’t just about receiving—it’s about giving back.”
This philosophy is at the heart of everything Diane does, from her business ventures to her charitable work. Through Tomorrow Leaders, she hopes to spark hope, showing the children of Guyana that they are valued and capable of greatness.

As Tomorrow Leaders approaches its 10th anniversary, Diane’s vision remains clear.
“I want to expand, to reach more children, and to inspire others to join me in this mission,” she said.
For Diane, Christmas is more than just a holiday—it’s a time to reflect on her journey, celebrate her blessings, and recommit to her purpose.
“It’s about love, generosity, and faith,” she said. “And that’s something we can all share, no matter where we are.”