Candid topics discussed at Women's Empowerment Summit
Some 215 women attended the one-day summit which was held under the theme, “Tapping the power within”.
According to Director of the summit, Portia Harrigan, the aim of hosting such an event is to help women recognise within themselves the resources needed to overcome challenges, be it in their communities, families or workplace.
“Today we want to have more conversations with you...we hope that you are inspired to tap your power within and leave motivated to affect positive change in your life and lives of those around you,” she added.
USVI First Lady Cecile deJongh opened up about her life and admitted that while she rose through the ranks in commercial lending and financial services, she spent more time at the office than with her children.
Realising her three children needed her more; she decided to take a pay cut. “It was the best thing I ever did,” Mrs. deJongh said, as she spoke about the struggles of once being a career woman, the wife of a politician and a mother.
She was interviewed by Tana’ania Small-Davis, an attorney and partner at Farara Kerins.
The First Lady also touched on her relationship with her husband and how they raised their children together, how men view women in the corporate world, among others.
Currently, Mrs. DeJongh is promoting several initiatives in support of the Virgin Islands (VI) children and families in education, literacy and healthy living. She established two local chapters of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder and is also a member of the CHADD National Board and is certified as a Parent-to-Parent Teacher.
Meanwhile, Donna Cline-Thomas, a teacher at the Elmore Stoutt High School; Dr. Virgina Rubaine; Dr. Pradeep Ramoutar, an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and Mrs. Harrigan tackled the subject of women striking the right balance in health, love, work and children.
Other speakers and presenters included Joseph George; Camille Robinson-Regis; Cherry Lee Pinder; Tina Richards; Tishina Pettiford; Laura Malamud and Marie-Lou Creque.
Meanwhile, Nona Vanterpool was awarded, Business Woman of the Year, and Tessa Gunter was the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year award.
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