MEDIA RELEASE
06/08/2025

The American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM T&T), in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), recently hosted the Closing Ceremony of the 2024–2025 Women in Leadership Mentorship Programme at the President’s Box, Queen’s Park Oval. 

This year’s cohort featured 71 female professionals across various sectors who were paired with expert mentors to support their leadership development, build critical skills, and expand professional networks. 

Now in its successful seventh cycle, the Women in Leadership Mentorship Programme continues to serve as a powerful model for gender equity and inclusive growth within the private sector. Overall, the Programme has provided mentorship for some 300 women across various industry sectors since its inception. 

Delivering the Opening Remarks at the Closing Ceremony, AMCHAM T&T President Anna Henderson commended both mentees and mentors for their shared commitment to personal growth, community upliftment, and inclusive leadership. 

“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,” Henderson said. “Mentorship is a career asset – one that creates access, builds confidence, and nurtures the next generation of leaders.” 

Henderson reaffirmed AMCHAM T&T’s commitment to driving inclusion and equity through leadership development initiatives like this programme, while encouraging private sector colleagues to further increase their support for gender equity and intentional support for women’s leadership opportunities. 

“This isn’t just about fairness; it’s smart economics and strong governance,” she added. “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.” 

AMCHAM T&T expressed deep appreciation to its long-standing partner, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), for its continued investment in this initiative. Special thanks were extended to IDB Country Representative Mr. Julian Belgrave and his predecessor, Ms. Carina Cockburn, for their vision and personal support. 

Mr. Julian Belgrave emphasized the enduring impact of this collaboration, stating: “The Women in Leadership Mentorship Programme, through partnership with AMCHAM TT, has once again showcased how purposeful mentorship serves as a catalyst for professional advancement and leadership as it continues to embody the values of mutual support, lifelong learning, and empowerment for females in the workplace. So, efforts like these must be supported.” 

The ceremony also featured remarks from Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy, who delivered the featured address and shared insights on gender empowerment, diplomacy, and the importance of mentorship in fostering global leadership. In her remarks, she reminded the mentees that navigating leadership means making conscious, daily choices—about how much you are willing to fight, how fiercely you are prepared to compete, and what values you will represent in doing so. 

“I know that the world is not a fair place. I know there's not always justice. I know it's not free of discrimination. And bad things happen. But I choose every day to act as though it were. To act as if it were that world that I want to live in. And I act as if I'm part of that world. And I represent that,” she said. “So, we are imperfect. I am imperfect. But I do strive to always represent that. And bring that every day. And that's my last choice.” 

AMCHAM T&T also recognized the mentors for their invaluable contributions, emphasizing the transformative impact of mentorship not only on individuals but across entire organizations and communities. 

As the curtain closes on the 2024–2025 programme, AMCHAM T&T looks forward to expanding its efforts to champion more inclusive leadership, advocate for gender-balanced boardrooms, and ensure equitable access to professional growth opportunities for all.

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