Twelve ladies on Nov. 3, were honored with graduating certificates from the Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) that welcomed the participants into its fraternity of assertive and innovative women leaders, during a ceremony hosted at the Cara Lodge Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana.
Described by participants as an immersive experience that imparted self-awareness, the WLP also pushed the participants to utilize their voices while becoming more aware of who they are as individuals.
The graduates are Anju Vivekanandaraj, Beverly Brathwaite-Chan, Bonita Ann Hunter, Caulette Candacy Vanderstoop, Deondra Wishart-Hope, Omattie Madray, Oviah Setra O’Selmo, Sancha La-toya Halley, Shamane Headley, Valini Una Leitch, Vanessa Glasgow and Vassilia Indra Ramcharran.
In a statement to Caribbean Life, New York-based co-founder of the WLP and Founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting Inc., Michelle A. Nicholas said the graduation ceremony ushered the 2022 cohort into their new roles as mentors and change-makers, setting the stage for them to use the skills gained over the past months to positively influence others as they join a growing sisterhood of Guyanese leaders.
She went on to say that the ladies are determined to leverage their training and abilities to enable the growth and development of their businesses, communities, and country as they continue their leadership journey.
Co-founder of the WLP and Managing Director of Cerulean Inc. Lyndell Danzie-Black in opening remarks noted, “As the first cohort of Leaders completed their 10-month tenure of the Women Leadership Program, we have observed growth, confidence, and intentional leadership in each participant.”
“I am inspired by the independence of thoughts and actions and the boldness of each participant as they embrace a collaborative spirit in achieving their goals. We the founders have been charged to continue our quest for molding today and tomorrow’s leaders.”
Nicholas added, “Every curated session which Lyndell and I co-facilitated, gave participants the opportunity to be authentic, explore deep self-awareness, abide in commitment, advance their outstanding interpersonal skills, and build on their exceptional ability to influence others positively.”
“Participants had the opportunity to engage in one-to-one, group-focused conversations with leaders locally and internationally, at their homes, businesses and more. These conversations bred inspiration, led to new self-awareness and strategies toward effective leadership.”
British High Commissioner Jane Miller addressed the graduating class of 2022 and shared her experiences with the WLP participants during the training. She encouraged the graduates to “Get your seat at the table. So that’s my first piece of advice, it’s been useful advice to me throughout my whole career journey. Remember that as you go on. You are valid, you are a woman, you are a woman of power, and you are a leader. Claim your seat!,” said the statement.
US Ambassador Her Excellency Sarah-Ann Lynch who also shared her experience during a fireside chat, offered encouraging words, challenging the graduates to “continue learning, sharing, growing and do what you can as the high commissioner said to help.”
