Latest update April 11th, 2026 12:35 AM
Jun 26, 2022 News
Kaieteur News – Embracing the theme for 2022, “Leading Change”, the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25IWLA) team recently honoured and celebrated the contributions of the 2022 cadre of awardees for their outstanding contributions to their communities, sectors and country.
Organised by Co-Creators of the Award Michelle A. Nicholas, Founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting, Inc. and Managing Director of Cerulean Incorporated Lyndell Danzie-Black to recognise the successes of women leaders across Guyana, the award redresses the underrepresentation of women and transform how women leaders are viewed in Guyana.
In fact, a release from the organisers noted that the 25IWA is Guyana’s most prestigious accolade, and attracted over 200 nominations for consideration by the judges to recognise the contributions of female leaders in any sector of the country.
Hosted at the Georgetown, Guyana Marriott, the event’s Venue Partner, on June 18, 2022, the event saw a capacity crowd share in the celebration of female leadership talent that honours the laudable accomplishments of each woman in her field of endeavour. The class of 2022 joins a growing network of change-makers who are part of an association of the most dynamic, enterprising and resourceful leaders in Guyana.
The 2022 awardees are: Althea Daniels-Stuart, Ann Greene, Areefa Alladin-Karan, Cristal Robinson, Ertenisa Hamilton, Francine Wintz, Geeta Chandan Edmond, Heather Wilson, Joylyn Anita Conway, Kalawattie Datt-Singh, Latoya Gooding, Lavonia Springer, Marissa Foster, Mischka White Griffith, Narda Mohamed Mangra, Natasha France, Nikoya Alleyne, Reshma Persaud, Sarah Daniels, Shabakie Fernandes, Sharon Allison Alexander, Shinelle Bayrd, Susannah Isaacs, Tandika Harry and Wemyss de Florimonte. Beyond the recognition of the day, the 25IWLA honouree will receive the exclusive opportunity to apply for the highly competitive Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP). This programme explores critical areas that include access to networks, leadership and social equity, executive presence and more, all aimed at building new and strengthened relationships internally and externally. In highlighting the genesis of the prestigious Awards, Co-Creator Danzie-Black shared that the nominations are reviewed and ultimately selected by a panel of judges who are international as well as Guyanese leaders locally and across the diaspora. The Co-creators are not included on the judging panel and this is deliberate to ensure its transparency.

Co-creators Lyndell Danzie-Black and Michelle A. Nicholas flank High Commissioner Fernando Ponz Canto at the awards ceremony
Her remarks preceded an entertaining programme that included an inspiring original spoken word piece, dedicated to the 25 awardees, performed by Jelissa Isabella Hillaire. Volunteers from the Queen’s College also assisted in the execution of the event.
Attendees at the Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony all received gifts from the sponsors of this year’s activity, which included VIP Sponsor ExxonMobil Guyana, Gold Sponsor SBM Offshore, Bronze Sponsor GT&T, Beverage Sponsor TechnipFMC and Media Sponsor interCaribbean Airways. The sponsors have all embraced diversity and empowerment of women as they create positive change in themselves and the world, with GT&T and interCaribbean Airways providing tangible support to the event, and SBM Offshore’s representative, Trainee Programme Coordinator Nevellean Dundas, voicing the company’s support for and recognition of the contributions of women leaders in all fields.
ExxonMobil Guyana’s representative Rochelle Maxius-Benn also shared the company’s commitment to the development of women and celebrated the accomplishments of the honourees. High Commissioner of the European Union Delegation to Guyana His Excellency Fernando Ponz Canto reiterated the EU’s continued support for the awards and women’s development, adding his praise for the achievements of the awardees and to the Co-creators.
In her closing remarks, Co-Creator Nicholas said, “Amazing women leaders, supporters, allies, we’ve engaged, learned, shared and grew just over these few hours together this evening. Not for financial gain but because our very presence shows how much we are leading by example.” She concluded the charge by saying to the awardees and guests gathered “So tonight, in this room and as you go about your days, I encourage you to not only lead through your volunteerism, contributions, support and titles, but do so willingly to bring someone along with you. Be an example. Lead by example.”
The 2022 Awardees are forging new paths for the next generation of women leaders along with the 50 other women leaders who have received this award since the inaugural event in 2019. The entire process, extending their involvement in personal growth sessions over the course of the next year, will see the awardees benefitting from various tailored programming geared to further their empowerment, intellectual advancement, social growth and leadership, as well as advance their commitment to community service.
For more information about the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award, email 25influentialwomen@gmail.com or visit to join the conversation on Facebook @25Influentialwomenleadersaward.
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