The Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation, Inc. on July 13 honored the best and brightest in the community at its Second Annual Awards Gala, celebrating the stellar accomplishments of 13 women in aviation, medicine, arts and entertainment, law enforcement, judiciary, and in education.
The are: Rhonda O’Reilly Bovell, NYPD commanding inspector, Ebonee Noel, actress — “FBI” TV Series; Mala Panday, high school principal, Veronica Jackson-Wiltshire, MD, pediatrician / child abuse activist; Leah Persaud, researcher, cellular and molecular biologist; Taij Kumarie Moteelall, artist / social activist; Ingrid Joseph, justice, brooklyn supreme court; Dr. Candace Cummings, internist / clinical assistant professor; Sar Gohan, real estate entrepreneur; Denise Grant, partner – project development and finance.
Guyana Consul General to NY, Barbara Atherly, in her message to the gathering, at Antun’s Banquet Hall in Queens Village, extended congratulations to the Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation, Inc. and commended the members on hosting the Second Annual Honors and Awards Luncheon.
“Guyanese Girls Rock, has recognized the specific goal of helping to unlock the leadership capabilities in young women, to accomplish its mission by encouraging excellence and empowering them to realize their full potential through access to enrichment programs, scholarships and exposure to exceptional female role models,” said Atherly.
The diplomat, added, “The forum that this foundation provides to unite and celebrate us as Guyanese women is pivotal to empowering each other. As empowered individuals, we are better able to inspire the younger generation to strive for greatness.”
“I salute the ‘Women of Influence’ honorees for excelling in their fields and for their contributions to society,” said Atherly, adding that the recognition is well-deserved and she hopes that every girl that is witness “to your accomplishments will be encouraged to create their own success.”
“We all have a role to play in overcoming the remaining challenges, barriers of women empowerment,” she added
The consul general urged the accomplished women to be strong and surround themselves with other women who empower them and bring them up. I’m sure we have all heard the saying, and I quote: “Here’s to strong women: may we know them. May we be them – May we raise them.”
The awards luncheon, hosted by Founder of Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation, (GGRF), Cloyette Harris-Stoute, and committee, recognized, the accomplishment of the women, presented with the GGRF statuettes.
The honorees were also honored with citations from Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman, Senator, Leroy Comrie, Sen. James Sanders Jr. and New York city Councilmember, I Daneek Miller.
The lavish ceremony was punctuated by musical performances, presentations and gift giveaways, complements of sponsors.
Guyanese Girls Rock Foundation Inc. is dedicated to empowering young women to create their own paths to success.
The organization believes in cultivating an environment where girls feel encouraged and supported to make a positive contribution in the world. It provides participants with leadership training, scholarships and exposure to exceptional female role models. Its mission is to harness the power of leadership to ignite inspiration among young women and girls. Through its programs the organization is inspiring the next generation of female leaders by encouraging excellence and empowering girls to unlock their untapped potential.
