Speakers share success stories at Women’s Empowerment Brunch

In bright, colourful and vibrant brunch attire, some 265 women filled the Kimpton Seafire Resort ballroom to hear inspirational talk from speakers, ranging from a local entrepreneur, parliament secretary to veterinarian-turned-media personality during the Let’s Talk Empowerment Brunch held on Sunday, 15 Oct.

“It’s not the events of our lives that shape us, but our beliefs as to what those events mean,” said first guest speaker, Michele Aubert, local entrepreneur, and 1989 Miss Cayman.

Aubert shared that the past 20 years of her life has been about adhering to core principles, having unwavering faith, consistently applying tenacity, and remaining determined. She shared her personal journey of balancing a growing business, a daughter with special needs, a marriage of 25+ years, along with other responsibilities, which she noted all demands tough choices.

“Having my own business for more than 20 years has taught me many lessons along the way. As women, we have to work hard, sometimes much harder than our counterparts. And we need to be more supportive of each other,” she said.

“There is nothing more powerful than a room full of strong women all supporting each other. We are unstoppable. Always believe in yourself, have gratitude and faith in God, and surround yourself with people who believe in you. Pick your circle and friends wisely,” she said.

‘Supporting other women is a powerful reality’

Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker, activist and community organiser, Heather Bodden, shared her journey of determination, humility, and power of kindness.

“It wasn’t always smooth sailing. I was told that my tender heart was a weakness, that my kindness was a liability; however, I can stand before you now as proof that these qualities are in fact my greatest strength,” she said.

Bodden explained the importance of understanding the unique challenges and strengths that come with being a woman, saying, “Our empathy and compassion are not weaknesses, they are our superpowers. When we stand together, we can move mountains, break barriers, and shatter ceilings.”

She encouraged attendees to mentor younger women, amplify each other voices, build a strong network of supported women; advocate and raise awareness about issues that affect women, and help each other cope with unique challenges faced in society.

‘Be the CEO of your life’

Silence filled the room when keynote speaker, Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid, asked attendees to consider how much time they dedicate to taking care of themselves.

“When I started being intentionally conscience being the CEO of my life, I stopped overestimating the worth of self-sacrifice because it meant I was underestimating the cost of that self-sacrifice,” said the author, veterinarian-turned-media personality, event and TV host and TEDx speaker.

She shared her journey of rejection and redirection. After completing a Doctor of (Veterinary) Medicine in Cuba on a government scholarship in 2007, Reid faced cross-cultural accreditation challenges when she returned home – she was unable to practise veterinary medicine in Jamaica. Her dreams were crushed. She then began her journey in marketing and management. Through the power of pivoting, Reid later transitioned into the world of media and brought her high-energy, bold personality and zest to TV shows and event hosting.

In her speech, Reid shared the story of a work colleague ‘Sandra’, who was the top sales representative in her company who brought in the revenue, won the most awards, biggest clients. After a while, the company found out Sandra had cancer and she later passed away. Reid explained Sandra was gone, but the company still existed, which was a stark reminder to her that to be CEOs of our lives, prioritising health is paramount.

She also advised attendees to establish boundaries and enforce them – own your greatness; do no betray yourself, excellence should be your signature, honour the small roles so God can entrust you with the big roles; stand in your greatness and do not downplay your greatness as it is a great disservice to yourself and your community.

Reid received a standing ovation from attendees as she concluded with the call for women to bet on themselves, saying “It’s not how you start, but how you finish.”

The third annual event was held in partnership with the Alex Panton Foundation, a not-for-profit which aims to raise awareness of mental illnesses affecting children and young adults in the Cayman Islands with a particular focus on anxiety and depression. The foundation was established in memory of Alex Panton, who succumbed to the effects of severe depression at the age of 16.

“This year’s event exceeded my expectations and, though we are creating a space for women to discuss their issues and to network, a key objective of the brunch is to aid in the programmes of the Alex Panton Foundation,” said Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden, founder of Women’s Empowerment Brunch.

“This could not have been possible without the support of the sponsors, partners, and the public. We are eagerly anticipating next year, of which we can, of course, expect another sold-out event,” she said.

Past guest speakers included Lynn Bodden, Christina McTaggart, Virginia Czarnocki, Thersea Lewis-Pitcairn, Monina Thompson, and international guest speaker, Julie ‘Julie Mango’ Bodley.

The sold-out affair also included a question-and-answer segment, with questions ranging from advice on how to navigate being a woman in a male-dominated society, creating spaces for women to have a right to express themselves, and how to enter the political landscape.