“Today we gather to celebrate extraordinary women who have not just broken the glass ceilings but transformed them into brilliant mosaics of progress, inspiration, and change,” shared Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) co-chair of the PR, Fund-raising & Events Committee Kim Lee as she formally opened the WLI Brunch & Awards 2025 event.

The extraordinary women, five visionary leaders — Lillan Limited CEO Andrea Cowan; American Friends of Jamaica Executive Director Caron Chung; communications leader, philanthropist, and Toronto Metropolitan University Chancellor Donette Chin-Loy Chang; Jamaica Stock Exchange Managing Director Dr Marlene Street-Forrest; and Bishop of Dover Right Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin — were honoured on Sunday, March 9, inside the ballroom of the Jamaica Pegasus hotel as part of the WLI’s annual International Women’s Day celebrations.

The honorees, their family and friends, and a ballroom filled with WLI supporters, enjoyed a fireside chat with programme chair Kim Lee, followed by brunch, a spirited performance by Jamaican songbird Gem Myers, and inspirational words from guest speaker, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information Dr Dana Morris Dixon.

Each was honoured individually, with Select Brands presenting Cowan’s award; Jamaica Pegasus presenting Chung; Island Grill presenting Chin-Loy Chang; First Global Bank presenting Street Forrest; and GK Financial Group presenting Hudson-Wilkin.

The WLI — a committee of the United Way of Jamaica, launched over two decades ago by former Ambassador of the United States to Jamaica Sue Cobb — boasts a membership of corporate executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs promoting sisterhood and the advancement of women and children while contributing to nation-building.

Page 2 shares highlights from the event.