72 women graduate from leadership and finance programmes

Seventy-two women successfully graduated from the Road to Leadership and Road to Finance programmes at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Saturday.
A release stated that the event marked a significant milestone in fostering women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Guyana.
The programmes were delivered by ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. in partnership with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and proudly sponsored by the ExxonMobil Foundation.

The graduation ceremony underscored the transformative impact of these initiatives, which equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence, and financial literacy needed to scale their businesses.
The event featured distinguished speakers, including Jane Miller OBE, British High Commissioner; Lorena Solorzano-Salazar, IDB Group Country Representative; Leanne Baker, Senior Programme Manager at the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women; and Deondra Wishart, Socioeconomic Advisor at ExxonMobil Guyana Limited.
The graduates also heard inspiring testimonials from programme participants, including Charlyn Miller of Impact Business Solutions and Tiffany Corletta-John of The Cake Corner, who shared their journeys of growth and resilience.
The Road to Leadership and Road to Finance programmes have provided women entrepreneurs with a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the complexities of business ownership and strategic decision-making.
By focusing on leadership development and financial literacy, these initiatives have empowered participants to drive sustainable growth within their enterprises and make meaningful contributions to their industries and communities.

The graduates not only gained technical expertise but also developed the confidence to advocate for their businesses, secure investment opportunities, and scale their operations.
Many participants entered the programme seeking guidance on financial planning, investment readiness, and strategic leadership, and they emerged with actionable strategies to enhance their business resilience and long-term sustainability.
Cherie Blair, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, delivered a powerful video message highlighting the vital role women entrepreneurs play in economic development globally. She reinforced the Foundation’s commitment to providing women with the necessary resources, mentorship, and networks to break barriers and achieve financial independence.
The formal graduation ceremony was a moment of celebration and recognition, as participants received their certificates from key stakeholders. The presentation of certificates symbolised not just the completion of the programme but also the beginning of a new chapter, where these women would apply their acquired knowledge to expand their businesses and mentor others in their communities.

Following the graduation, the evening transitioned into a dynamic networking session, fostering collaboration and future business partnerships. This space allowed graduates to connect with industry leaders, potential investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, reinforcing a community of support that will continue to drive their success beyond the programme.
The atmosphere was one of celebration and optimism, as women shared their aspirations and explored new opportunities to grow their ventures.
The Road to Leadership and Road to Finance programmes, developed by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, are transformative initiatives that provide female entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge necessary to strengthen their business acumen and financial confidence.

These programmes go beyond traditional training, offering practical insights, mentorship, and strategic frameworks to help women lead with authority and make informed financial decisions.
Through the support of the ExxonMobil Foundation and ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., the initiatives have played a pivotal role in equipping over 70 women in Guyana with the tools to overcome barriers, optimise business operations, and position themselves for long-term success.
Participants have gained critical competencies in areas such as business planning, investment strategies, risk management, and leadership development—allowing them not only to sustain their enterprises but also to drive economic growth within their communities.