Women in business, journalism, other fields to be honoured

The 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25ILWA) has announced the selection of 25 outstanding Guyanese women who will be honoured at the Sixth Anniversary and Leadership Awards on May 17 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

As Guyana’s premier accolade for visionary leaders across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, the 25ILWA recognises individuals driving transformative growth and setting new benchmarks of excellence.

Commemorating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, the 25ILWA said that the 2025 theme, “Women’s Rights. Strongest Alliance. Most Influential Women,” underscores the global movement toward gender equity and the power of collective leadership.

“This year’s honourees have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to their industries, organisations, and communities,” a statement said.

2025 Awardees

Abbigale Loncke-Watson, Avia Maria Lindie, Ayodele Roache, 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, Sadhana Samtani-Sultan, Safina Lutchman, Savina Sukhnandan, Sophia Dolphin, Tamana Safraj, Tessa Fernandes, Vanessa Elizabeth Williams-Rodriguez, and Vidya Ketwaroo.

Michelle A. Nicholas, founder and CEO of The NICO Consulting and co-founder of the award, lauded the honourees, stating that true leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room but about empowering others to find their voice and champion their potential.

“The 25ILWA is a testament to the power of collective strength, where these incredible women are not only recognised for their impact but celebrated as leaders shaping the future of Guyana. Through this shared commitment, we are igniting inspiration, fostering change, and setting new standards of excellence that resonate far beyond today,” Nicholas said.

Lyndell Danzie-Black, managing director of Cerulean Inc. and co-founder of the award, echoed this sentiment.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour the incredible contributions of women to society, culture, and history. Women have been integral in shaping economies, advancing innovation, and nurturing communities, all while breaking down barriers in every sector. Yet, true progress remains elusive, as too many women still face systemic challenges such as gender-based violence, inequality, and limited opportunities.

“In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the awardees of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award. Your dedication to leadership, excellence, and making a meaningful impact on your communities is inspiring. You are the role models guiding the way for future generations of women, always mindful that gender justice is a collective responsibility requiring the collaboration of governments, businesses, and communities to ensure women’s safety, dignity, and empowerment,” she said.

Since its inception in 2019, the 25ILWA has gained significant recognition, with an increasing number of nominations each year.

Rigorous

The selection process remains rigorous and transparent, with an independent panel of esteemed judges from Guyana and the diaspora carefully evaluating the impact and influence of nominees.

To date, 125 pioneering women have been inducted into the 25ILWA network, a growing community dedicated to empowering women leaders across diverse sectors.

This year’s honourees will also have the exclusive opportunity to apply for the Women’s Leadership Programme, designed to enhance their leadership capabilities and amplify their impact.

The Sixth Anniversary Gala promises to be a night of inspiration, unity, and recognition, bringing together key industry leaders, government officials, and corporate stakeholders to celebrate women who are shaping Guyana’s future.