Michelle Nicholas: ‘When women unite, they change the world’

The 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25IWLA) recognised 25 outstanding women leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors at its Sixth Annual Awards Ceremony, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on Saturday.
This year’s theme, “Women’s Rights. Strongest Alliance. Most Influential Women,” served both as a tribute and a rallying call. A powerful affirmation that when women unite, they become a transformative force for equity and progress.

This year’s honourees included Abbigale Loncke-Watson, Avia Maria Lindie, Ayodele Roache, Dr Carla Cassiano, Colleen Prince, Devica Kamini Uditram, Francina Lanferman-Duncan, Hebron Edwards, Jasmaine Payne, Mahadevi Doobay-Girdhary, Martina McDonald-Johnson, Melissa Dow-Richardson, Mendy Angele Nicholson, Naudya Hoosein, Nazima Raghubir, Reisa Roberts, Romela Sahadeo, Dr Samtani-Sultan, Safina Lutchman, Savina Sukhnandan, Sophia Dolphin, Tamana Safraj, Tessa Fernandes, Vanessa Williams, and Vidya Ketwaroo.
These pioneering women were celebrated for their innovation, advocacy, leadership, and dedication to community upliftment throughout Guyana.

Nazima Raghubir was named the 2025 Woman of Excellence, a special recognition presented in collaboration with SBM Offshore Guyana, the event’s Presenting Sponsor.
Though she was unable to attend the ceremony, her contributions to media and community advocacy continue to exemplify transformative leadership in Guyana.
Welcoming nearly 400 guests, Michelle A. Nicholas, Co-founder of the Award and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The NICO Consulting, captured the evening’s essence.
“When women unite, we don’t just change the conversation, we change the world,” she noted.

“Tonight, we celebrate 25 remarkable women who lead not from a position of authority but from a place of authentic service.”
Nicholas made the call for a moment of silence to honour women and girls whose voices have been silenced too soon by violence, illness, and systemic injustice.
She reminded the audience that their absence does not diminish their impact, and that we must continue this work in their memory and in solidarity with those still surviving.
Underscoring the mission, Lyndell Danzie-Black, Co-Founder of the Award and Managing Director of Cerulean Inc., offered a powerful charge to the awardees, encouraging them to be authentic, continue building inclusive spaces, and uplifting others through purpose-driven leadership.

Retired Judge Lyndon D. Williams of Mount Vernon, New York, delivered a stirring keynote address emphasising the critical role of women in leadership.
“Tonight’s honourees are torchbearers for the future. Each represents the story of perseverance and dreams that refused to be deferred. The world desperately needs more women leaders, not merely for balance, but because women bring perspectives vital to solving the complex challenges of our time.”
ExxonMobil Guyana, Exclusive Sponsor for the sixth year, reaffirmed its commitment to the initiative through remarks by Natalia Brasse, Acquisitions Supervisor.
“By investing in sustainable skills for women, we help unlock potential across business, science, the arts, and community enhancement. Tonight celebrates not only individual achievements but also the incredible power of support and solidarity among women,” she said.

Ivan Gaviria, Chief of Operations at the Inter-American Development Bank, the event’s Prestige Sponsor, added, “Empowering women is not just a matter of equity—it’s a catalyst for sustainable development. We are inspired by how these women leaders are shaping a more inclusive future and transforming communities across Guyana.”
Savina Sukhnandan, speaking on behalf of the 2025 cohort, reflected on the significance of the moment and called on her fellow honourees to continue making space for the voices of others and to lead with purpose, presence and passion.

Since its inception in 2019, the Award has recognised 150 women whose work spans borders and sectors.
These leaders are influencing national policy, mentoring the next generation, breaking barriers, and driving transformative change throughout Guyana and beyond.