GUYANESE fashion designer, author and entrepreneur Sonia Noel’s 30th anniversary celebration reached Washington, D.C., where the Guyana Embassy hosted an event highlighting her three decades of work in fashion, entrepreneurship and the promotion of Guyanese and Caribbean culture.
The September 18 event, held under the theme “Vision, Style & Purpose: 30 Years of Style, Purpose & Impact,” featured a book signing and presentation of pieces from Noel’s latest collection.
The celebration brought together Guyanese and Caribbean representatives, fashion and creative-industry figures, entrepreneurs and other invited guests, including Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith; Dr Tauheed S. Burke, a founder of the DMV Community Awards & Fashion Show Gala, and fashion personality, Ron Cooke.
Gina Ruper of the Bowser Office was also among the guests.
Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, Samuel A.A. Hinds, O.E., recognised Noel’s contribution to the country’s creative industries, noting her role in promoting Guyanese and Caribbean identity through her work.
“For thirty years, Sonia has dedicated herself to embodying her perspectives and style in her art and craft whilst at the same time championing Guyanese and Caribbean culture, identity and creativity,” Hinds said.
He said Noel’s work had made an impact in Guyana, the wider Caribbean and internationally, with the anniversary celebration taking on added significance as Guyana observes its 60th Independence Anniversary.
Dr Desirée DeFlorimonte served as master of ceremonies for the Washington event.
Noel’s Washington visit formed part of a wider 30th anniversary journey that has taken her to a series of events involving fashion, culture, entrepreneurship and leadership.
During her time in the US capital, she was featured at the Culture Beyond Borders reception at Sapodilla, hosted by Samantha Abrams during events surrounding the Congressional Black Caucus.
She participated in a special discussion and showcased pieces from her collection. Noel also attended several Congressional Black Caucus events and engagements involving political and community leaders, including CBC Chair Yvette Clarke and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Her anniversary activities subsequently continued in Atlanta at Vision in Style, held in collaboration with Grace and Tables Experience.
At that event, Georgia State Representative, Angela Moore, who represents House District 91, presented Noel with a resolution recognising her accomplishments and contributions to the creative industries over the past 30 years.
WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP
In New York, Noel attended the UNGA81 Powerlist Honours Reception, held under the patronage of former Mauritian President, Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.
The gathering brought together former presidents, first ladies and women leaders from various parts of the world, including former Malawi President, Dr Joyce Hilda Banda; Dr Rosalía Arteaga Serrano, former President and Vice-President of Ecuador; former Kosovo President, Atifete Jahjaga; Malta’s President, Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca; First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio; and global leader Princess Ocansey.
Discussions at the event included fashion, cultural influences, leadership and service, as well as the importance of women pursuing opportunities and challenging barriers.
Noel also expressed appreciation to Dr Justina Mutale, founder and president of the Justina Mutale Foundation, for providing a platform for purpose-driven women to connect and explore opportunities for collaboration.
She said the anniversary journey had provided opportunities to interact with people from different backgrounds, including emerging creatives and entrepreneurs, diplomats, members of Congress, former presidents and women leaders from around the world.
Noel’s 30th anniversary programme will continue in Guyana with Expo 30, a special anniversary edition of the Women in Business Expo, scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2026.
Entrepreneurship has remained a central element of Noel’s career, and the special edition of the expo will feature 30 entrepreneurs who will have an opportunity to showcase their products, raise their visibility and pursue new avenues for business growth.
The expo will form part of the broader anniversary programme marking Noel’s three decades in the creative and entrepreneurial sectors.