Good morning everyone! Is everyone fully recovered from ‘pardying’? It took me some 
days, but I was ‘good to go’ this week. 

It gives me great pleasure to highlight that this is Scotiabank’s 11th year as lead sponsor 
of the AMCHAM Women’s Leadership Conference. It is a testament to our commitment 
to the sustainable advancement and empowerment of women. 

As a Member of the AMCHAM Board, I am also very proud of this annual event held by 
the Chamber. 

Our conversations today will focus on the 2025 International Women’s Day theme – 
Accelerate Action. And quite fittingly so…significant progress has been made, but issues 
still exist - unequal access to opportunities, gender pay gap and gender-based violence 
to name a few. We’re also seeing a shift in the narrative around who deserves a seat at 
the table – with a growing number of prominent global companies recently scaling back 
or setting aside DEI initiatives. 

This is our opportunity to push forward more boldly, more visibly, and with even greater 
conviction. 

[Organisational Wins] 
As a female leader, I would like to share some of my individual experiences with you but 
before I delve into that, let me touch on how organisations can Accelerate Action and 
create impact. 

I am fortunate that my employer - Scotiabank has done a tremendous job in 
implementing strategies and resources to help drive meaningful change for women in the 
workplace through: 
Implementing gender-neutral policies - ranging from inclusive hiring practices in our 
recruitment process, extended medical benefits, expanded maternity and paternity leave - to a consistent commitment to fostering a culture of allyship.  

Our Employee Resource Groups are committed to educating and empowering women by 
supporting their personal and professional growth through various initiatives. 
• Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago has 58% women on its Board 
• 59% of our senior managers and above are women 
• 50% female representation at the VP+ level and 
• Not to mention our very own esteemed leader Ms. Gayle Pazos – Senior Vice President 
& Head of Scotiabank Caribbean South & East – which comprises TT, Barbados and 
Guyana.  
• At our most recent all-employee check-in, 91% of our employees indicated that they 
feel proud to work for Scotiabank. 

[Individual Wins] 
Undoubtedly structural changes are critical in moving the dial of transformation, but 
individually, we can also be our own agents of change. What are some ways as individuals 
that we can Accelerate Action? These 3 areas have helped me during my career 
progression and continue to do so today. 

1. Take the Leap – You’re more ready than you think 
A common obstacle that I have faced, and I am sure many of you have as well is self
doubt. Even the most accomplished women battle with it. I can tell you that, after 
decades of experience, I still encounter moments of uncertainty. Many of us hesitate, 
waiting until we feel 100% ready, some of us 150% ready, before going after new 
opportunities.  

A few years ago, I was at a crossroads regarding my career, with a major decision to make. 
Guidance from my mentors, and one simple question asked by a friend was the turning 
point - Is it fear that’s holding you back? If you remove the feeling of fear, can you do this? 
And at that moment, I knew it was a resounding yes, I can. 

I read somewhere once, that you can’t feel gratitude and fear at the same time. I repeat 
that one, you can’t feel gratitude and fear at the same time. Test it when you can. 
Oftentimes the best opportunities come when we decide to take the leap, before we feel 
fully ready. 

2. Your Power is in your Difference – Own it 
Oftentimes we do not give ourselves credit for our unique strengths, placing more value 
on perceived qualities we think we “should” have. Embrace what makes you unique, 
whether it is an aspect of your physical appearance, a personality trait, our past (even 
with all its wrong turns – we all make them).  

The most effective leaders leverage their differences, not suppress them.   

Embrace your difference, forge your own path, even if it veers away from the one that 
others expect us to walk. Your difference is your greatest asset so instead of downplaying 
it, own it. By owning your value, you amplify it. 

3. Nuture You – Every Single Day 
You know that constant sound that you hear, that internal monologue, the ongoing 
stream of thoughts? We are by far the hardest on ourselves – instead of focusing on 
negativity or self-criticism, make a concerted effort to reframe your thoughts and be kind 
to yourself, encouraging – ‘I can do this, I am prepared, I got this’.  

Replace negative thoughts that you have about yourself and your experiences – really dig 
deep to find that positive swing even in the more dire of circumstances - it increases self
confidence, reduces stress and improves mental well-being. 

You’ll never have all the answers but bet on yourself to find the best solutions to the 
challenges you encounter, both professionally and personally. 

My 3 areas: 
1. Take the Leap – You’re more ready than you think 
2. Your Power is in your Difference – Own it! 
3. Nuture you – every single day 

[Go forward boldly] 

In closing, evidence shows that progress is not linear. Pushback often follows progress. 
2025 must be a turning point – where we Accelerate Action - embrace bold, urgent and 
transformative action – in our homes, in our workplaces, in our communities. 

Thank you everyone, really embrace the day, and if each of us take away even 1 impactful 
action, today will be a resounding success. 

Have a wonderful day everyone.