ON Women’s History Month, the prestigious 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25ILWA) is gearing up to honour an exceptional group of 25 outstanding Guyanese women at its Sixth Anniversary and Leadership Awards. Set to take place on May 17, 2025, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Seawall Road, Georgetown, this year’s gala promises to be a momentous celebration of women who have not only broken barriers but have become the pillars of their communities, industries, and much more.

The 25ILWA has become a hallmark of recognition for visionary leadership and continues to shine as Guyana’s premier award, recognising extraordinary individuals from the public, private, and non-profit sectors. This year, the spotlight will fall on women whose transformative work has ignited change and elevated standards of excellence in their respective fields. The honorees represent a diverse spectrum of industries, ranging from healthcare and business to education and civil society. In a world that is still grappling with gender inequality, the theme for 2025, “Women’s Rights. Strongest Alliance. Most Influential Women,” captures the essence of the global movement toward gender equity.

The 25 honorees of this year have been recognised for their unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to their industries, organisations, and communities. The trailblazers who will be honoured are:
Abbigale Loncke-Watson, Avia Maria Lindie, Ayodele Roache, Carla Cassiano, Colleen Prince, Devica Kamini Uditram, Francina Lanferman-Duncan, Hebron Edwards, Jasmaine Payne, Mahadevi Doobay-Girdhary, Martina McDonald-Johnson, Melissa Dow-Richardson, Mendy Angele Nicholson, Naudya Hoosein, Nazima Raghubir, Reisa Roberts, Romela Sahadeo, Sadhana Samtani-Sultan, Safina Lutchman, Savina Sukhnandan, Sophia Dolphin, Tamana Safraj, Tessa Fernandes, Vanessa Elizabeth Williams-Rodriguez, and Vidya Ketwaroo.

Michelle A. Nicholas, the Founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting and Co-founder of the award, emphasised the core mission of the 25ILWA in her statement:
“True leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about empowering others to find their own voice and champion their unique potential.”

She further stated that:
“The 25ILWA is a testament to the power of collective strength, where these incredible women are not only recognised for their impact but celebrated as leaders shaping the future of Guyana. Through this shared commitment, we are igniting inspiration, fostering change, and setting new standards of excellence that resonate far beyond today.”

Lyndell Danzie-Black, Managing Director of Cerulean Inc. and Co-founder of the Award, reflected on the significance of celebrating women during International Women’s Day, stating that:
“Women have been integral in shaping economies, advancing innovation, and nurturing communities, all while breaking down barriers in every sector. Yet, true progress remains elusive, as too many women still face systemic challenges such as gender-based violence, inequality, and limited opportunities.”

She further added that:
“In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Awardees. Your dedication to leadership, excellence, and making a meaningful impact is inspiring. You are the role models who guide the way for future generations.”

The 25ILWA is not just an award—it is a movement that advocates for inclusivity, empowerment, and progress. Since its inception in 2019, the award has become an essential platform for highlighting women’s achievements and addressing the challenges they continue to face. Each year, the initiative has garnered significant recognition, with more nominations received, reflecting a growing momentum toward gender equity.

To date, 125 women have been inducted into the 25ILWA network, an invaluable community that continues to support and empower women leaders across diverse sectors. This year’s honorees will join this esteemed network and will be eligible to apply for the Women’s Leadership Programme, which offers further opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing them to amplify their impact in Guyana.

The 25ILWA’s anniversary gala promises to be a night of inspiration, celebration, and recognition. It will bring together key industry leaders, government officials, and corporate stakeholders in a collective effort to highlight the immense contributions of women in shaping Guyana’s future.

Organisations and businesses committed to gender equity are invited to join in supporting the 25ILWA through sponsorship opportunities. This provides an excellent chance for corporate entities to demonstrate their dedication to advancing women’s leadership and fostering an inclusive future.

Tickets for the gala are available online via Eventbrite, and at various locations across Georgetown and Linden. For further details or to learn more about the 25ILWA, visit the official website or reach out via email.

In a joint statement to Pepperpot Magazine, Co-Creators of the 25ILWA, Michelle and Lyndell, shared that:
“The 25 Influential Women Leaders Award is more than a recognition—it is a powerful catalyst for progress, unity, and lasting impact. Each year, we witness the unwavering dedication, resilience, and influence of women who are not only shaping industries but also strengthening communities and inspiring future generations.

This year’s honorees are expressing excitement in joining a movement of women leaders, and we observe that they embody the essence of leadership and collaboration, driving meaningful change that extends far beyond today.

As we celebrate their achievements, we remain committed to fostering a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead, thrive, and create a legacy of excellence.”
The 25 Influential Women Leaders Award continues to build momentum and recognition for the women shaping the present and future of Guyana. As we continue to celebrate these honorees, their collective journey serves as a reminder of the power of women’s leadership and the critical need for collaborative action to ensure equality, safety, and empowerment for women—not just in Guyana, but everywhere.