Beyond the Runway: INSPIRE YOU 2026 – Empowerment through Purposeful Giving

Mar 15, 2026 Features / Columnists, News

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By Sonia Noel

(Kaieteur News) – As we continue celebrating Women’s History Month, I am reminded that progress has always been shaped by the courage of women who dare to step forward, share their stories, and use their influence to uplift others.

For many years, my brand, ‘Inspire You,’ has served as a platform where voices from across disciplines, industries, and cultures come together to share lessons on leadership, resilience, faith, and purpose both in person and virtually. These conversations go far beyond inspiration. They challenge us to reflect on how we show up in the world and how we use our gifts to make a meaningful impact.

This year, INSPIRE YOU 2026 – Empowerment Through Purposeful Giving returns as a global virtual experience taking place on March 21 and March 22. Produced by the Sonia Noel Foundation in collaboration with Women Across Borders, the event continues its mission of bringing together powerful voices who are shaping communities, industries, and lives.

The INSPIRE YOU 2026 featured speakers include Vidushi Persaud McKinnon from Guyana, Dr. Andrew Boyle from Guyana, Leah Smith from Guyana, Dr. Safeeya Mohammed from Trinidad and Tobago, Aretha Auguste from Saint Lucia, Samantha M. Holder from Barbados, Saurel Quettan from Haiti and Georgia in the United States, Valentina Molina Velez from Colombia, Kea Modise-Moloto from South Africa, Dr. Tonya Bailey from the United States, Shafaque Ali from India, and Edward Lee from Suriname.

Guiding the conversations are moderators Richard Young of Trinidad and Tobago, who has moderated Inspire You panels for several years, and communications consultant Jewel Ford of Barbados, who will facilitate the panel on March 21.

This week we highlight six of the speakers who will appear on the March 21 panel, and next week we will feature the remaining voices who will join the conversation on March 22. Though their journeys span continents and industries, they share one common thread: each is committed to building systems, opportunities, and communities that empower others to thrive.

Dr. Andrew Boyle – Guyana

Few stories capture the spirit of vision and perseverance like that of Dr. Andrew Boyle. Born in the hinterland village of Kimbia along the Berbice River, Dr. Boyle rose from humble beginnings to become one of Guyana’s most respected innovators in healthcare and entrepreneurship.

As the founder of Eureka Medical Laboratories, he established Guyana’s first ISO-accredited medical laboratory, placing the country among an elite group of medical institutions in the Caribbean meeting international quality standards. With more than three decades of service in the medical field, Dr. Boyle has played a transformative role in advancing laboratory science and healthcare delivery in Guyana.

His leadership has been widely recognized. Among his many accolades are the Golden Arrow of Achievement, one of Guyana’s highest national honors, and the ANSA Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Yet beyond the awards and achievements, Dr. Boyle continues to inspire others through his story of determination and vision, captured in his book Aspire: Dare to Dream, a reminder that extraordinary journeys often begin with the courage to believe in possibility.

Dr. Tonya C. Bailey – United States     

Leadership takes many forms, and Dr. Tonya C. Bailey exemplifies what it means to lead across multiple spheres of influence.

With more than twenty five years of experience in higher education, corporate leadership, and ministry, Dr. Bailey currently serves as Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Community Engagement at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. Her work focuses on creating inclusive environments where individuals and institutions can thrive.

Beyond academia, she is the founder of TCB Consulting, a firm dedicated to executive coaching, corporate strategy, and professional development. Through leadership programs and mentoring initiatives, Dr. Bailey empowers individuals to unlock their leadership potential and pursue excellence.

Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: true leadership is measured not by personal success alone but by the ability to help others rise.

Samantha M. Holder – Barbados

For Samantha M. Holder, leadership is rooted in connection and service. With more than twenty years of professional experience spanning human resources and events coordination, she has dedicated her career to supporting people and creating environments where individuals feel valued and empowered.

Known for her generosity of spirit, Samantha has volunteered in numerous professional and community initiatives, consistently offering mentorship, encouragement, and guidance to those around her.

Her passion lies in helping others grow, whether through coaching, listening, or simply creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. Her work reflects a deep commitment to building meaningful relationships and uplifting communities.

Shafaque Ali – India

At the intersection of fashion, culture, and global policy stands Shafaque Ali, a designer and entrepreneur redefining how traditional craftsmanship can thrive in modern global markets.

As the founder of SHAFAQUE, she collaborates directly with artisan communities across India, translating centuries old craftsmanship into contemporary designs that reach international audiences. Her work celebrates cultural heritage while building sustainable economic models that empower artisan communities.

Educated at Polimoda in Florence and with experience at Hugo Boss in New York, Shafaque brings both artistic vision and global business expertise to the fashion industry. She also serves as Youth Spokesperson for India to the United Nations and the World Intellectual Property Organization, advocating for inclusive systems that protect cultural knowledge while fostering economic opportunity.

Kea Modise-Moloto – South Africa

Entrepreneur, publisher, and community builder Kea Modise-Moloto has dedicated her work to empowering women to lead boldly while remaining anchored in their values.

As founder of the Christian Women Business Network, she has created a growing ecosystem where women in business and professional careers connect, collaborate, and lead without compromising their faith.

Through Arise Magazine, Kea amplifies purpose driven brands and women led enterprises, helping them gain visibility in a world where being seen often shapes opportunity. Her commitment to empowerment extends beyond business through Bontlebame NPO, where she supports women and teenage girls in rural communities.

Leah Smith – Guyana

Aviation and logistics executive Leah Smith brings a powerful perspective to leadership rooted in accountability, precision, and strategic execution.

Working in a highly regulated industry environment, she has built a reputation for managing complex operations while driving organizational growth and operational excellence.

Beyond her professional achievements, Leah is deeply passionate about empowering women and young people. She advocates for creating spaces where emerging leaders can grow with confidence, discipline, and purpose.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Inspire You is that participation goes beyond simply attending a virtual event.There is no monetary registration fee.

Instead, participants secure their seat by performing an intentional act of kindness for another woman or girl. That act of kindness becomes the entrance fee.When registering, participants share the act of kindness they have committed to, ensuring that the ripple of impact begins even before the event starts.

A Global Virtual Experience

This year’s event will reach audiences across the Caribbean and beyond through multiple media platforms. INSPIRE YOU 2026 will be streamed on Facebook, OMG Media, Caribbean Broadcasting Network, and Ignite TV, allowing viewers across different regions to join the conversations.

The event takes place virtually on March 21 and March 22, bringing together voices from around the world to share perspectives on leadership, empowerment, resilience, and purposeful living.

Those who wish to participate can register at:https://forms.gle/VbZmcGCCVLUqtfvcA   For more information, contact 684 8129.
Admission is free.

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• Dr. Andrew Boyle, empowerment, Purposeful Giving, Sonia Noel

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