It is a true privilege to stand before you today as we celebrate the remarkable journey and successful conclusion of another empowering cycle of the Women in Leadership Mentorship Programme. Today, we honour not just an ending, but the growth, connections, and transformations that have taken place along the way." 

Let me begin by extending sincere gratitude to our partners at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) whose unwavering support and continued partnership have been instrumental to the success and sustainability of this programme. We at AMCHAM T&T are proud to share this journey with you – one built on a shared vision and deep commitment to advancing women in leadership across all sectors of our society.

A special thank you to IDB Country Representative, Mr. Julian Belgrave and his predecessor Ms. Carina Cockburn – thank you for your personal investment in this programme and for being such strong champions of inclusion and opportunity.

To all our mentors – thank you. Your time, guidance, and generosity of spirit have created meaningful change in the lives of these incredible women. Your willingness to pour into others not only lifts individuals but also strengthens our institutions and our nation.

And to our mentees – congratulations! You have stepped into this opportunity with courage, openness, and ambition. Today is not just the end of your mentorship journey, it’s the beginning of your next chapter, and I have no doubt that you are walking into it more confident, empowered, and ready than ever to lead with purpose.

When I assumed this position a month ago, I emphasized that we must invest in our people – our greatest asset. At AMCHAM T&T, we firmly believe that economic success depends on talent, adaptability, and inclusion. That means investing in leadership, in education and continuous human development, and in creating real bridges between the world of work and the world of learning.

For this to happen, we must equip people with the skills of today and also prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Therefore, I say with conviction, mentorship is one of the most powerful ways we can do this.

Mentorship is a career asset – one that creates access, builds confidence, and nurtures the next generation of leaders. Today, every organization should build a culture of mentorship, not just as a programme, but as a principle – a core value that says: we rise by lifting others.
And to our mentors, I say this: continue to pay it forward. Because when we mentor, we multiply opportunity. We multiply impact. And we multiply leadership.

At our AGM, I also made a strong commitment – one that I reaffirm now to all of you: AMCHAM T&T, under my leadership, we will continue to champion policies that drive inclusion, promote equity, and elevate more women into leadership roles.

We will advocate for business practices that make space at the table – and build longer tables – so that leadership across every sector reflects the diverse and brilliant talent we have in this country.

"The private sector has the power to drive lasting change—by championing gender-balanced leadership, investing in people, and fostering cultures where everyone can thrive.

This isn’t just about fairness; it’s smart economics and strong governance. Inclusive workplaces fuel innovation, resilience, and better decisions. When we develop people, we shape a future where the full potential of everyone can be realized."

As we close this chapter today, I encourage each of you – mentors and mentees – to walk boldly forward. 

Let your stories inspire others. 

Let your leadership ignite change. 

And let this experience be the foundation upon which you build even greater things.
Always remember that you are not just part of a mentorship class, you are part of a movement. One that is creating a Trinidad and Tobago where women lead at every level – in boardrooms, classrooms, parliament, and beyond.

In closing, I want to thank the AMCHAM T&T Board of Directors, our CEO Nirad Tewarie – who always leads with heart and conviction on these initiatives – and the amazing Secretariat team, whose hard work and passion make programmes like this possible.

Thank you all once again for your commitment to leadership, equity, and empowerment. 
Here's to the next generation of women in leadership, and to a future where opportunity knows no gender.

Congratulations, and thank you.