Monday, June 1, 2026
We Inspire Women (WIW) founder & CEO Cortia Bingham McKenzie ushered in the start of a powerful milestone celebration with a photo session featuring 11 influential speakers who have graced the platform over the past decade. The shoot, kicks off the 10-year anniversary celebrations, which will culminate on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Jamaica Pegasus.
Rooted in nostalgia, legacy, and transformation, the anniversary theme will reunite speakers from previous stagings — dating back to the inaugural event in August 2016 — while spotlighting the powerful stories of women whose lives and journeys have been transformed both inside and beyond the We Inspire Women space.
“The deep joy and fulfilment of seeing the growth of this brand is not just a win for me, but for every woman who has experienced self-doubt while building something that serves the community and advances the growth of women and girls,” shared Bingham McKenzie.
The theme for year 10 is ‘Blue Dynasty’, with women encouraged to don shades of blue in keeping with the signature We Inspire Women tradition of colour-themed empowerment experiences.
The We Inspire Women Brunch proudly stands as one of Jamaica’s pioneering women’s empowerment events to consistently host colour-themed brunches centred on sisterhood, transformation, personal growth, and the advancement of women.
Framed by the rocks along the Palisadoes peninsula, WIW 2017 speaker, Justice Dr Sonia Bertram-Linton stands as a beautiful reminder that legacy is built by women who continue to rise in purpose, power, and excellence. Leo Hudson
We Inspire Women & Girls Ja Founder & CEO Cortia Bingham McKenzie (fifth right) and her faithful speakers (front row, from left) Claudine Heaven, international consultant – Human Resources; Yendi Phillipps McFarlane, Jamaican TV host, model, and Miss Universe 2010 1st runner-up; Dr Sonia Bertram Linton; Gladys Brown Ellis, attorney-at-law and superintendent of police (ret’d); and (back row, from left) Natalie Haynes, deputy governor, banking and currency operations and financial markets infrastructure divisions, BOJ; Dianne Ashton Smith, head of corporate affairs, Red Stripe; Barbara Mitchell, branch operations manager, Sara E Stanford, bridal stylist & owner of Bliss Bridal and Sara E Bridal; Angelie Martin Spencer, principal and designer, Angelie Spencer Home; Tishan Lee, CEO, Engine Room Brand House; Naomi Garrick, CEO & founder, Garrick Communications. Leo Hudson
When Ashford & Simpson released R&B classic Solid as a Rock in 1984, perhaps they already knew that Cortia Bingham-McKenzie, born two years before, was destined to embody that very spirit. As WIW turns 10, she remains unshaken, purpose-driven, and rooted in the mission of building a lasting legacy of sisterhood, transformation, and empowerment for women and girls. Leo Hudson
The Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV created the perfect backdrop for We Inspire Women CEO Cortia Bingham McKenzie, and some of the powerful speakers who have graced the platform over the past 10 years (from left) Natalie Haynes (2022), Tishan Lee (2016), and 2017 speakers Claudine Heaven, Naomi Garrick, and Angelie Martin-Spencer.Leo Hudson
A beautiful moment between We Inspire Women 2018 speaker Yendi Phillipps McFarlane (left) and Cortia Bingham-McKenzie, symbolising a decade of friendship, connection and sisterhood. Leo Hudson
