From June 20-22, an intergenerational group of women, members of the YWCA global human development movement, convened in Barbados, attending the first North American and Caribbean Young Women’s Leadership Conference. The intentional development of future leaders is a core value of YWCA, and this conference was the first of many initiatives that will focus on gen-next leaders.
For almost a year and a half (from December 2011), a steering committee comprised of YWCA members from the United States, Canada, Barbados, Haiti and US Virgin Islands, and the World YWCA based in Geneva Switzerland worked to bring this conference to fruition. YWCA USVI Board of Directors’ president, Donnalie Edwards Cabey, served as a member of the steering committees, Finance Committee and also chaired the Scholarship Committee, selecting conference scholarship winners. YWCA USVI played an integral role planning this conference.
YWCA-USVI, with the support of the Virgin Islands community, was able to take a delegation of 10 to the conference. Delegation members included: Rieka Audain, Tamika Beazer, Celine David, Donnalie Edwards-Cabey, BlairAnna Glasford, LyneQua Hodge, Tristal Perkins, A’yana Phillip, Lena Steele-Williams and Anita Davis-DeFoe. Sincere thanks is extended to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, Etha Phi Beta Chapter/Delta Sigma Theta, V.I. Department of Tourism, members of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Fashion Treats Shoes, Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef Hotel, Dr. Fletcher Robinson and Unique Expressions Inc. Support also came from the general public, who gave individual financial donations and supported food sales, cake sales, the walk-a-thon and the International Women’s Day Luncheon. The unwavering support and assistance provided by the YWCA USVI Board of Directors and the parents of Y-Teens VI members is sincerely appreciated.
Members of the YWCA USVI participated in strategy and visioning committees, workshops, giving reports, and offering recommendations regarding the training needs and aspirations of young women leaders. Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe, YWCA USVI general secretary, delivered a keynote speech at the conference and also led “Leadership Reflections.” President Edwards-Cabey opened and served as day chair for the conference on the first day. Members of the V.I. delegation welcomed the conference attendees with a moving liturgical dance during the opening ceremonies.
The documentary, “Pray the Devil Back to Hell,” the story of women in Liberia mobilizing to advocate for the end of the war was screened. The filmmaker, Abigail Disney, spoke to conference attendees encouraging them to follow their purposeful passions and lead now. The prime minister of Barbados, Freundel Jerome Stuart, hosted a reception for conference attendees.
Previewed at its 2nd International Women’s Day Luncheon held on April 7 at the Sugar Bay Resort and Spa, in collaboration with the Family Resource Center and Sister to Sister, the YWCA USVI "In Her Shoes Exhibit" was showcased at the conference. The exhibit showcases messages and stories about gender-based violence as told by the victims.
When asked about the conference, YWCA USVI President Edwards Cabey commented, “This intergenerational leadership experience, focused squarely on Young Women’s Leadership development, was just awesome. It was filled with passion, laughter, networking, creative workshops and panel presentations, and a clear action plan for follow up by young women and girls.”
For pictures and highlights about the conference visit: https://www.facebook.com/Ywca2013YoungWomensLeadershipConference?fref=ts
