Paradise Island, The Bahamas - Under the theme, "Embrace Your Power" the 2011 Women's Empowerment Summit held on April 27th delivered a smorgasbord of inspiration, encouragement, and hope; along with acknowledging achievements made by women in the local arena as well as the Caribbean.
While some may have thought that the day-long event was perhaps a 'feminists' gathering, it was apparent to those who spoke or attended that this day was all about networking, drawing on strengths, and encouraging one another to keep forging the path for the upliftment of women in any area of life; be it the home, the church, in relationships, the work place, or in leadership roles.
Held at the ballroom of Atlantis the day started early with a performance by Bahamian recording artist, Terneille "TaDa' Burrows and was followed by remarks by Portia Harrigan, the summit director.
"The summit was born in the British Virgin Islands in November 2007, with the express purpose of bringing women of the entire region together to find solutions in the myriad of challenges facing all of our people. We realized then and continue to espouse that without women in strategic decision making positions, contributing substantively to the overall development of our people and nations, we will not realize our full potential. No country can be successful by the exclusion of 50% of its population from the critical decision making process," said Harrigan.
Guests then heard from the Hon. Loretta Butler-Turner, Bahamas Minister of
State for Labour and Social Development. "I commend Ms. Portia Davis-Harrigan and her team on convening this 3rd Women's Empowerment Summit, which addresses critical issues affecting women in The Bahamas and indeed the world. I am pleased to support events that allow women the opportunities to engage in activities for their personal, moral, and educational advancement and this is one such event," said Butler-Turner.
The morning keynote speaker was the Hon Paula A. Cox, Premier of Bermuda who spoke on the theme, "Preparing to Lead".
Cox
became Premier of Bermuda in October of 2010. She first served the
people of Bermuda as an Opposition Member of Parliament when elected in
1996, and was one of the youngest female members of the House of
Assembly.
Midday, and highly anticipated, was the
Power Award Luncheon sponsored
by the US Embassy, RBC, and The Bahamas Weekly. The keynote address was given by Her Excellency Nicole E. Avant, US Ambassador to The
Bahamas, who in her message to event organizers said, "I commend you
for your imitative to reserve a day totally dedicated to women and in
providing the necessary tools that are needed to fully realize our
strengths, potential, and the power that lies within."
It is to be noted that the US Embassy sponsored 25 high school students to attend the summit.
The Hon. Paula Cox, Premier of Bermuda holds her Regional Female Leader of the Year award presented to her by Ms. Tanya McCartney, RBC Finco (left) and Portia Harrigan, event director (right) Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
The following awards were then given:
Regional Female Leader of the Year was presented to Paula Cox, Premier of Bermuda.
“It is always a pleasure to be acknowledged amongst peers for the
contributions one makes. I am honoured to be chosen as a standard-bearer
for both leadership and the progress of women in the political arena. I
believe it is the work we do today that reflects on the passage of
tomorrow, and I am certainly encouraged by the recognition given by my
peers,” said Premier Cox who is known to have a number of females represented in her current administration.
RBC Bahamas Youth Leader of the Year
was presented to Nikita Shiel Rolle, teacher, C.V. Bethel Sr. High
School, who has spoken at Penn State University, and locally on issues
of sustainable development in The Bahamas. Ms. Shiel-Rolle is a Lyford
Cay Foundation Scholar and is also a recipient of the University of
Miami Omicron Delta Kappa Honour Society Leadership award. She is the
founder of Young Bahamian Marine Scientists which encourages students to
have an appreciation of their environment. She is also a diver,
co-author, photographer and researcher.
RBC Female Leadership Award was presented to Nicole Martin, the first female president of the largest union in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (
The Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union) with over 6000 members and an executive team of 12.
"Someone else could have
received this award and I am humbled for this honour. I thank God for
giving me the ability to be a good leader," said Martin.
The Summit offered informative panel discussions and break-out sessions involving both women and men as panelists or speakers. Topics discussed were:
Hop, Skip, and Jump from Pond to Ocean, asking Are Caribbean women equipped for the new global order? Panelists included Dorcas Cox, Hon Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Dr. Tracey Thompson, and Monique Hinsbey. The panel was moderated by Chery Lee Pinder.
Are Women Responsible for the Breakdown of Societal Values? A candid look at relationships. Panelists included Kevin Harris, Sean 'The Dapper Don' Innis, and Kirk Johnson.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder with powerhouse panelists Yvette Ingraham, Deborah Bartlette, Vernice Walkine, and moderated by Felicity Ingraham.
The Power of More discussing tools to effectively manage and plan your finances and estates with Meade Malone and moderated by Felicity Ingraham.
Men Speak on Women in the Corporate World with panelists Jason Kinsale, Antoine Sands, Barry Malcolm, and moderated by Annamaria DeGregory.
Young Women Speak, a conversation with four leading women of Bahamian society. Panelists were Sharrell Ferguson, Keshelle Kerr, Nicole Andrews, Shoneva Abraham, and moderated by Desiree Roberts.
Women Leading the Way: Homemaker to Prime Minister which spoke to the untapped potential of women in The Bahamas / Caribbean. Panelists included Sen. Hon. Hope Strachan, Sen. Hon. Dr. Jacinta Higgs, Olivia Saunders, and Mavis Johnson-Collie. The panel was moderated by Tanya McCartney.
Dena Feaste (left) stands with motivational keynote speaker, Lisa Nichols after Nichols autographed Dena's copy of "The Secret". Nichols is a contributing author to the world renown book. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
Definitely saving the best for the last, the day culminated with the dynamic international and motivational speaker and writer, Lisa Nichols best known for her contribution to "The Secret", an optimist thinking book which was later made into a documentary in 2006. Nichols also co-authored two books for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, among other books, now totaling 5. She has been featured on the Oprah, and Larry King Live shows among others.
Ms. Nichols presentation was nothing short of spectacular, powerful and uplifting! She brought the room to life after a long day with words of encouragement, sharing experiences she went through, and times when she went from extreme hardship. She offered hope and tangible ideas to empower self. Most noted was her "Tonka Truck" analogy which she also acted out, representing inner strength and the need to 'invest in self' .
"I want to thank you Portia, for being a visionary, and for creating a space, that we may not even know we need. Thank you for your tireless work, and sleepless nights to bring all of this together. I am so excited to be here, said Nichols, who is known as "The Breakthrough Specialist".
This is the first time The Bahamas hosted this global business and leadership networking conference. For more information go to http://www.womensesummit.com/
