Sunday, May 5th, 2019 marked a momentous occasion for Anguilla, as members of Business Professional Women (BPW) Anguilla, Anguilla’s first affiliate club of BPW International, were officially inducted into the esteemed organisation.
BPW International is one of the most influential international networks of business and professional women, – with affiliates in over 100 countries across five continents. Its members include influential female leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, professionals and young business and professional women. The BPW International mission is to develop the business, professional and leadership potential of women on all levels through seven areas: advocacy, education, mentoring, networking, skill building, UN participation and economic empowerment. The organisation’s vision is to achieve a just and equal status for women where decisions are taken in true partnership with men, based on mutual respect, for a more balanced and peaceful world.
The induction ceremony for BPW Anguilla was held at the Tea Box Lounge. Welcome and opening remarks were made by President, Twyla Richardson – Thomas, and 1st Vice President, Njeri Richardson – Carty.
Special remarks were also made by Bessie Hironimus, Executive Secretary of BPW International, and Dawne Williams, BPW Regional Coordinator – North America and the Caribbean, who flew in to oversee the ceremony and celebrate this special occasion with the newly launched affiliate club. Both ladies shared their words of congratulation with the new members and expressed their commitment to always support and empower their new BPW sisters.
A feature address was made by Gender Development Coordinator and BPW board member, Dr. Ronya Foy-Connor, who expressed the following;
‘There is a saying that “Empowered women, empower women” and I find this saying to be true…In Anguilla’s context, our battle to assist women is internal. It is building the self-esteem of young ladies and women…As BPW members, we have the opportunity to not stand alone, but to work as a body on a specific issue or issues that we deem particularly important toward ushering in the success of business and professional women, and by extension, the success of all women in our society. It is also important that we use this network to support and develop the individual initiatives of one another. This 35-square mile island is tiny but mighty and soon we will see how our gender equality advancements and women’s empowerment efforts will compete on a global scale. This includes letting our progress be made known in the ranks of UN Women and in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.…The official launch of BPW today ensures that women from all walks of life will have an opportunity to develop personally, to grow professionally and to impact this nation socially, economically and even politically.’
One of the highlights of the evening was a special candle lighting ceremony to recognise all of BPW’s member countries and affiliate clubs. It was led by Dr. Christine Walwyn, Secretary/Finance Officer of BPW Caribbean Region. Dr. Walwyn shared the following sentiment: ‘Light always emerges after dark, so when you light your candle please remember all your sisters across the world. To brighten up the room, you should light your candle first and then use it to light many other candles.’
The newly inducted Executive/Board of Directors of BPW Anguilla are:
Executive
President – Twyla Richardson – Thomas
1st Vice President – Njeri Richardson – Carty
2nd Vice President – Latoya Scarbro
Secretary – Charissa-Ann Busby
Finance Officer – Shaunel Reid
Boards of Directors
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer – Tamara Pradel
Young BPW President – Denecia Niles
Coordinating Officer – Ronya Foy – Connor
Membership Chair – Lenia Simpson
Social Media Manager – Sherise Brooks
BPW Anguilla is committed to the development and empowerment of women in Anguilla. Notable events to date include a Pajama PD (personal development) party and the very well received, The Love Debates. You can follow Business Professional Women (BPW) Anguilla on Facebook and Instagram – @BPWAnguilla. If you are interested in joining BPW Anguilla, please email bpwanguilla@gmail.com or contact us on social media.
