Twenty-five influential women leaders receive prestigious award in Guyana

Under the theme: “Changing the Landscape,” The 25 Influential Women Leaders Award team honored 25 women leaders, for their commitment to building lasting legacies, through their achievements, those they inspire to achieve, and their contributions within their families, businesses, and communities.

The evening of excellence was held at the Pegasus Suites Guyana, on June 10.

They are, Alista Bishop, Anastasia N. Sanford-Fredericks, Andrea Benjamin, Ariane Mangar, Ashonda Washington M.D., Ashwini Sarran, Ayanna Blair, Candace Wickham, Cilandell Cassandra Glen, Felicity Persaud Jackson, Kestine Sohiney King-Thomas, Magda Griffith-France, Malkia Idal, Marcey Parker, Meshel Williams Sampson, Nirmala Somwaru-Husain, Orletta John, Ramona Singh, Saska Sertimer M.D., Seeta Dalloo, Shameena Haniff, Shondel Sandy, Taneysha Mckenzie, Tashi Browne and Tricia Fiedtkou.

According to a release from Michelle A. Nicholas, co-creator of the award and founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting, Inc, 400 guests celebrated the leaders for their accomplishments and contributions in their field of endeavor.

She shared that the 25 influential Women Leaders Award was birthed out of a dream to ensure that gender equality becomes not just words but actions. She said “This year’s 25 honorees are inspirational, formidable women leaders committed to changing the landscape through their life and work, and through their leadership they have nurtured individuals, families, communities, businesses, and a country – not just making small differences but huge and critical ones. Speaking to the importance and influence of women’s voices, Ms. Nicholas said, “They have become incredible role models for many within their circles and serve as an inspiration across regions and generations, while we have the privilege to witness some of their different incarnations. It is truly an honor to see the dream become reality.”

New York-based Founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting, Inc, Michelle A. Nicholas, addressing guests and honorees 25 Influential Women Leaders Award at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.Photo courtesy Michelle A. Nicholas

Massy Guyana’s representative Shalini Thakur-Jagdeo Assistant Vice President shared the company’s commitment to the development of women and celebrated the accomplishments of the honorees.

British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller gave praise to the co-creators’ vision and expressed congratulations to the honorees by restating some key pieces of advice, that is to claim their seats, call out and support other women, and get a mentor. She also shared the United Kingdom’s commitment to gender equality and the impact of investment in women across all communities.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch in her remarks celebrated the “remarkable vision of the co-creators for their innovation in developing an annual women-focused award scheme for Guyanese women”, and the celebration of one hundred women leaders being recognized. In expressing congratulations to the honorees, she remarked, “Honorees, I am proud of the work of each of you! Your passion and commitment to not only create an impact in your community, but a desire to create a legacy. A legacy that will be an inspiration for women and young girls across this country and across the globe.”

Representing the 2023 honorees, Shameena Haniff expressed her gratitude for being selected as a 25 influential Women Leader and being recognized among one hundred women leaders, she said.

“This wonderful initiative gave Guyanese women more power, confidence, and appreciation. It serves as a reminder of the difficulties we encounter but can gracefully overcome, as well as the strength we can use to inspire other women to be the best leaders possible, to abolish gender bias.”

Co-Creator of the Award and Managing Director of Cerulean Incorporated Lyndell Danzie-Black recognized the tremendous support for the Awardees demonstrated by the number of persons in attendance and recognized the role of men and women in partnership for development.

Fathers were also encouraged to continue demonstrating to their daughters the standard that they should accept, and she encouraged the continued support for all women. Ms. Danzie-Black charged the Awardees, and all women present to “Dream Big, Be Fearless and always Pay it Forward.”

The Co-creators extended gratitude to students, of the Houston Secondary School and its leadership, and members of Pro-Archers Guyana.

Thanks to the judging panel, host, Desiree Edghill, the coordinating team, and all supporters including table sponsors.

Guests received gifts from sponsors, Gold Sponsors Massy and ExxonMobil Guyana, Exclusive Sponsor GT&T, Media Sponsor TechnipFMC and International Sponsor St. Lucia’s Tourism Authority.

The award seeks to redress the underrepresentation of women and transform how women leaders are viewed in Guyana. Nominations were considered by an esteemed selection committee of leaders who chose this year’s 25 based on professional and community involvement, corporate and nonprofit contributions, and mentoring experience among other categories.