MEDIA RELEASE
17/11/2025

The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T) is calling on companies across the nation to invest more deliberately in mentorship programmes for women – not as a “nice-to-have,” but as a strategic imperative to build stronger, more equitable, and resilient organizations.

This was the call made by Anna Henderson, President of AMCHAM T&T, during her Opening Remarks at the Launch Ceremony of the 8th Annual AMCHAM T&T and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Women in Leadership Mentorship Programme (WILMP), held virtually on Thursday, November 6th, 2025.

“I want to make a broader appeal to leaders and organizations across Trinidad and Tobago: we must all invest in mentorship – not as a ‘nice-to-have,’ but as a strategic imperative,” said Henderson. “When we create mentorship programmes within our organizations, we are not only developing talent – we are dismantling barriers. We are challenging our own biases. And we are building a future where gender equity is not aspirational, but operational.”

This year’s programme marks a milestone achievement with the highest ever participation since its inception – welcoming 87 mentees and 68 mentors. The strong interest reflects a growing recognition of mentorship as a key driver for leadership development, professional growth, and gender equity in the workplace.

Henderson noted that the Women in Leadership Mentorship Programme, which began eight years ago, was designed to help address the persistent barriers women face in advancing to senior leadership roles. Through structured mentoring relationships, female professionals are paired with experienced business leaders from a wide range of industries to support their personal and professional growth.

“But what mentorship also does – beautifully – is shift the narrative from obstacles to opportunity,” Henderson added. “It transforms challenge into motivation. It reminds us that, even when systems are slow to change, we can still build networks of support that help each other rise. While the mentor offers wisdom and guidance, the mentee brings fresh perspectives. Both grow through the relationship.”

Terry-Ann Segree-Brown, Chief of Operations at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), delivered the Partner Remarks, saying, “IDB’s ongoing support for this mentorship initiative is rooted in our commitment to fostering inclusive leadership that empowers women to reach their full potential. For the past seven years, the IDB has witnessed the transformative power of mentoring relationships; how they inspire confidence, drive professional growth, and create lasting connections that strengthen the fabric of our region.”

Meanwhile, delivering the Feature Address, Greer Quan, Group Chief Operating Officer and President of Guardian Shared Services Limited and Vice President of AMCHAM T&T, reminded this year's cohort of mentors and mentees that “leadership is not about perfection; it’s about presence.”

"It’s about showing up, even when you’re tired, even when you’re scared, even when you’re still figuring it out. It’s about staying human, curious, and kind, especially when you have power,” Quan said.

She added, “Lead with grit, because resilience will carry you when confidence wavers. Move with grace, because compassion is not weakness – it is wisdom. And give generously of your time, give generously of your lessons, and give generously of your belief in others. Know that people are always looking on. So, show up as the kind of leader that they will be proud to emulate – one whose courage, authenticity, and kindness define the next generation of leadership.”

The 2025/2026 Women in Leadership Mentorship Programme will run for six months, pairing female professionals from diverse industries with expert mentors representing both the private and public sectors. Together, mentors and mentees will focus on setting clear professional goals, developing leadership skills, and advancing personal growth to help women fulfill their career ambitions.

Since its inception, the programme has successfully built a growing community of women leaders across industries, fostering collaboration, confidence, and empowerment to drive change in Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership landscape.

END.
For further questions or comments, please contact: 
Nirad Tewarie, CEO AMCHAM T&T at niradtewarie@amchamtt.com.