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#GiveToGain:
Leadership, Freedom and the Courage to Act
By AMCHAM T&T Staff Writer


LINKAGE Q1 (2026) - REVITALISATION & TRANSFORMATION
At the Opening Ceremony of AMCHAM T&T’s 12th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference, Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, delivered a keynote that was both deeply personal and globally resonant.
Addressing a packed audience at the Hyatt Regency on March 13, 2026, her message reflected the essence of the Conference theme, #GiveToGain: that leadership is not only about what we achieve, but what we are willing to stand for—and give to others.
Title IX: “The floor had been raised for me, and so had the ceiling.”
Dr. Neidhart grounded her perspective in personal experience, tracing her leadership journey back to a transformative moment in U.S. history—Title IX (Title IX is a landmark federal civil rights law of 1972 which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education programme that receives funding from the federal government.) She explained how a single law reshaped opportunity for women and girls. Her reflection underscored a central theme: that structural change—not just individual effort—is what unlocks leadership potential.
"When women are empowered, societies flourish and economies grow.”
Central to her address was a clear and compelling message: the advancement of women is inseparable from the advancement of societies. Drawing on global examples, she highlighted the difficult realities faced by women in restrictive environments—from athletes forced to choose between safety and principle, to activists facing repeated harassment for demanding basic rights. These stories were not distant—they were a call to awareness and action.
“The call to action is a call to allow yourself to see, and to act.”
Bringing the message closer to home, she acknowledged the importance of speaking out against injustice and standing in solidarity with those who cannot. Her words were both a challenge and an invitation: “May we all find the courage to speak out in solidarity with those who are beaten down when they try to speak out for themselves.”
In the spirit of #GiveToGain, she urged leaders to recognise the privilege of operating in free societies—and the responsibility that comes with it: not to remain passive, but to act. Importantly, she clarified that action does not always require grand gestures.
Recommitting to Progress
Against the backdrop of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Dr. Neidhart called for a renewed commitment to advancing women’s leadership globally.
She framed this moment as both a reflection and a responsibility—particularly for those in positions of influence. “As women in leadership blessed to be in free and open countries, we renew our commitment to championing the rights and leadership of women everywhere.”
Her message reinforced that progress is not inevitable—it must be protected, advanced, and shared.
“Let’s be the change we want to see, standing in solidarity as we Give to Gain.”
Closing her address, she returned to the central theme of the Conference—#GiveToGain—not as a slogan, but as a principle of leadership.
A Message That Resonates

With former President of AMCHAM T&T Toni Sirju-Ramnarine
Dr. Neidhart’s keynote did more than open a conference—it reframed leadership as  responsibility.
Her message was clear: leadership is not only about rising, but about lifting others; not only about opportunity, but about ensuring access; and not only about success, but about standing firm in the face of injustice.
In a world where progress is uneven and often fragile, her call to action remains urgent—reminding all in attendance that when we give—through advocacy, courage and solidarity—we create the conditions for lasting, meaningful gain.