FOR over 25 years, Daniele Hicks-Burnett has built a career grounded in discipline, professionalism and service.

A chartered accountant with the prestigious FCCA designation from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Daniele has spent most of her professional life working in finance, accounting and auditing.

Her career has taken her beyond Guyana’s shores, allowing her to work in several countries and territories, including Guyana, St. Maarten, St. Kitts and Hong Kong.

She also spent time in the United Kingdom, where she pursued her ACCA studies, an experience that helped shape her global outlook and professional foundation.

Beyond her professional work in finance and auditing, Daniele has also contributed to business leadership and international exchange initiatives.

She serves on the Board of Directors of the Black Entrepreneurial Association of Guyana, where she supports efforts focused on entrepreneurship, business development and empowerment within the local business community.

She was also selected to participate in the prestigious U.S. International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on Finance and Trade, an opportunity that exposed her to international perspectives on economic development, trade and leadership.

Frances & Co.

But in recent years, she has also embraced another calling: entrepreneurship. Over the past five years, Daniele ventured into business ownership with the establishment of Frances & Co., a prominent store in Guyana known for its focus on linen and cotton fabrics, resort fashion and accessories.

The store caters especially to mature women and women who appreciate modest, elegant dressing.

Frances & Co. also carries male attire, handbags, accessories and locally made pieces, including products created by women in Guyana.

For Daniele, Frances & Co. is more than a retail business; it has evolved into a space for community, empowerment and impact.

The store regularly hosts events centred on health, wellness, personal development and entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for women to connect, grow and be inspired.

Through Frances & Co., Daniele has also supported numerous organisations and initiatives, including Girl Stand Up, The Georgetown International Academy American School, Guyana Golden Lives, cycling clubs, the BDO Annual 5K/10K, bodybuilding competitions, Guyana Teen with Purpose and several other community causes.

Her vision extends beyond fashion, focusing strongly on uplifting people, supporting local talent and contributing meaningfully to the wider community.

“I believe women should feel beautiful, comfortable and confident in what they wear,” she says. “Frances & Co. allows me to serve women who want elegance without losing their sense of modesty and grace,” she said.

Girl Stand Up

Yet, when Daniele speaks about the proudest part of her life, her heart quickly turns to Girl Stand Up, the organisation she co-founded with her high school friend Colette Venture.

Now in its 11th year, Girl Stand Up was created with a clear mission: to help girls, especially those in Linden, build self-esteem, confidence and a strong sense of identity.

Daniele believes that confidence and self-worth are not luxuries; they are essential foundations for success in life.

Over the years, Girl Stand Up has impacted hundreds of girls through workshops, boot camps, online sessions and mentorship opportunities.

The organisation covers topics such as self-esteem, confidence-building, the importance of identity, mental health awareness, physical movement, emotional intelligence, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, vision boarding, leadership, and personal development.

Through Girl Stand Up, Daniele and her team have created safe and inspiring spaces where girls are encouraged to dream bigger, speak boldly and understand their value.

“We started Girl Stand Up because we wanted girls to know that they matter,” Daniele shares. “When a girl understands her worth, she begins to make better decisions, dream differently and carry herself with confidence, thereby changing her circumstances,” she said.

Daniele is also deeply grateful for the many facilitators and volunteers who have contributed to the organisation’s work over the years.

Many of them are professionals from Guyana and overseas who freely give their time, knowledge and encouragement to help develop the next generation of young women.

“Our facilitators and volunteers are a major part of this journey,” she says. “They give from the heart, and because of them, we have been able to reach and inspire so many girls.”

Awhe Guyana

Even with a full professional and entrepreneurial life, Daniele continues to dream and build. Her newest venture is Awhe Guyana, a tiny gift shop and café with a strong focus on Guyanese pride and culture.

The space is being created as a place where people can purchase gifts, souvenirs and locally inspired items, enjoy a good cup of coffee, and have snacks in a warm, welcoming environment.

Awhe Guyana represents Daniele’s love for country, creativity and community. It is another expression of her desire to create spaces that celebrate local talent, support small producers and give people a reason to feel proud of Guyana.

From finance to fashion, from entrepreneurship to youth empowerment, Daniele continues to live a life marked by purpose.

Her journey reflects the power of reinvention, discipline and service. She has built a professional career of substance, created businesses that serve her community and devoted more than a decade to helping young girls grow in confidence.

For Daniele, success is not measured only by titles, businesses, or achievements. It is measured by impact.

“I want my life to show that you can be professional, entrepreneurial and still serve others,” she says. “At the end of the day, what matters most is the difference we make in people’s lives,” she said.

Daniele is originally from Linden, attended McKenzie High School and is married with two children.