Stories of Boldness, Business, and Belief from 2025’s IWLA

IN every corner of Guyana, women are quietly building. They’re building businesses, bridges to opportunity, educational paths, and support systems. The second group of honourees from the 2025 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25IWLA) may not have all appeared in the spotlight at first glance, but their contributions form powerful frameworks for progress. These are women who saw voids and filled them, not for accolades, but for impact. And in doing so, they’ve laid foundations for others to stand on.

Dr. Carla Cassiano sees change through clear eyes. An optometrist and entrepreneur, she travels to vulnerable and remote communities to provide essential eye care. But her vision goes beyond medicine. She trains and uplifts young professionals in the field, proving that better health and better futures often start with one act of kindness and one pair of glasses.

Sophia Dolphin wields the digital space like a toolkit. As CEO of Glo-See Marketing and PR, Sophia uses her platform to raise awareness and spark conversations on key social issues. She believes that influence isn’t about being viral—it’s about being valuable. Her online presence builds bridges between information and action.

Melissa Dow-Richardson turned athletic passion into policy. Melissa, the first woman to serve as Assistant Director of Sports in Guyana, is rewriting the rules—literally. She’s worked to draft national sports policies that promote gender equity and access. As a former athlete herself, she knows how sport builds confidence. Now, she builds the systems that ensure more girls get the chance to play and win.

Hebron Edwards brings structure to service. With a background in finance, Hebron has led projects that directly impact families, like her award-winning Back-to-School Drive in five underserved communities. Her work merges community care with economic strategy, showing that building better futures often means budgeting for hope.

Tessa Fernandes is the blueprint for education. After overcoming limited access to learning herself, she returned to Mabaruma and created Backstreet Kiddies’ Classes, a grassroots education movement that has helped hundreds of students rebuild confidence and academic potential. Tessa’s story is a reminder that classrooms can happen anywhere, as long as someone is willing to teach.

Naudya Hoosein fights for the environment with quiet conviction. As Second Vice President of Recover Guyana, she works to inspire youth to adopt sustainable practices and protect natural resources. Her mission is clear: preserve what we have so others can build on it. In a world increasingly threatened by environmental degradation, Naudya’s advocacy is a form of defence and of design.

Avia Lindie also leads through mentorship; as the CEO of Evolve Business Solutions Inc., she pours her energy into building sustainable businesses and sustainable leaders. Avia mentors women through the Centre for Local Business Development, showing that integrity and vision are not just personal values—they are essential tools for community transformation.

Abbigale Loncke-Watson believes in the power of preparation. As the founder of the Loncke Group and We Lead Caribbean, Abbigale has mentored over 500 women across the country. Her work centres on preparing others to walk boldly into boardrooms and brainstorms, funding pitches and farming plots. She understands that success isn’t just about being the first—it’s about opening the gate and holding it for those behind you.

Safina Lutchman charted a course through uncharted waters. Serving as Third Officer at Matpal Marine Institute, she was the only woman in her maritime scholarship programme. Her journey through a male-dominated industry didn’t just make waves—it created space. Safina now stands as a lighthouse for other young women considering careers at sea.

Nazima Raghubir brings the press closer to progress. As the first woman to lead the Guyana Press Association, she has dedicated her life to protecting journalists and women in media. Her leadership opens doors for more inclusive coverage and better representation. With every story she champions, she changes the narrative—not just in newsrooms, but in national consciousness.

Ayodele Roache breaks more than just ground. As the head of a fully female-led construction and logistics company, she defies industry norms daily. But it doesn’t stop at the job site. Ayodele has taken her expertise and turned it into education and advocacy for sustainability and food security in her community. Her work speaks to something greater than business—it speaks to survival and self-sufficiency.

Romela Sahadeo knows that financial freedom is a form of empowerment. As the founder of Veena’s Linen and Hotel Supplies, Romela balances entrepreneurship with community-building. Her volunteer training programmes help women launch businesses of their own. For her, business is more than profit—it’s purpose.

Savina Sukhnandan blends business and activism seamlessly. The founder of Lily’s Organic Skin Care, she doesn’t just promote natural beauty; she promotes healing. Through initiatives focused on gender-based violence and women’s entrepreneurship, Savina demonstrates that compassion and commerce are not mutually exclusive—they’re mutually reinforcing.

What these women have in common is a belief in possibility. In small starts that lead to seismic shifts. Students, staff and strangers can see it, they may never meet, but whose lives they work to improve nonetheless. When the 25IWLA ceremony takes place on May 17, there may be applause, speeches, and cameras. But the real celebration is in the stories these women have already written through sweat, sacrifice, spreadsheets, and sometimes even silence.