Media Release: Accelerate Her Cohort 3 Graduation Ceremony
Media Release
Girls of Impact T&T hosts Graduation Ceremony for Cohort 3 of the 2025 Accelerate Her Career Mentorship Programme and Installment of Founding Members
On Saturday 06th September 2025, the Graduation Ceremony was held for Cohort 3 of the Accelerate Her Career Mentorship Programme, at the Pamella Benson AV Room, NALIS Library in Port of Spain. Approximately sixty (60) mentees graduated from this year’s programme and received their Certificates of Completion at the ceremony.
In her delivery at the ceremony, Guest Speaker, the Honorable, Khadija Ameen, Minister of Rural Development & Local Government ,encouraged mentees and mentors to undertake this next chapter as the beginning of an exciting journey. She also highlighted the importance of women encouraging their fellow sisters and examined the core pillars of true leadership, to “lift others up when you rise”.
Dr. Sarah Subhan, Clinical Psychologist and guest speaker, encouraged mentees to “prioritize their mental health and overall wellness as women and professionals”.
Founder and Executive Director of Girls of Impact, Renee Atwell, also expressed for heartfelt joy and gratitude for the immense success achieved by the various cohorts, indicating the tangible impact and benefits derived from the programme through the various testimonials received noting career and entrepreneurial opportunities secured by several participants. Similarly, remarks and words of encouragement were also delivered by Nekaisha Legerton- Assistant Director – Programmes and Cherice Job, Chairperson on the Board of Directors.
In addition to Testimonials given by selected Mentors and Mentees, the following special awards were distributed to recognize the outstanding efforts and contributions made by individuals during the Accelerate Her 2025 Programme:
- Group Project Initiative – Awarded to the group that utilized social media to effectively create and execute a project that created positive awareness relative to an issue that they are passionate about.
- Mentee of the Year – Presented to Ms. Alicia Mitchell. This award, which was sponsored by Angostura, was given to the mentee who demonstrated exceptional commitment, engagement and personal growth throughout the Accelerate Her Programme
- Mentor of the Year – Presented to Ms. Genevieve Drayton-Childs. This award, which was sponsored by Angostura, was given to the Mentor who demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities, dedication and initiative throughout the Accelerate Her Programme.
The Accelerate Her Career Mentorship Programme, a flagstone initiative of the GOI, currently in its third Cohort, features an empowering 10-week hybrid program, catering to women ages 18-30. The 2025 edition commenced on 5th July 2025 and concluded on 6th September 2025. The programme comprised dynamic small group mentorship sessions, intensive online workshops on career development and advancement, an impact community service project and a dynamic career fair.
This vibrant NGO, which works to empower young women and girls in T&T between the ages of 15-35, through mentorship, leadership training and volunteerism was officially launched on 25th June 2022. The Girls of Impact is a community for ambitious and impactful young women who desire to succeed in education, career, and entrepreneurship.
Throughout the programme participants were equipped with the essential skills, knowledge, and support they need to excel in their personal and professional lives in the following key areas:
• Networking and Leadership Skills Development
• Mental Health and Emotional Intelligence
• Mastering Time Management and Productivity
• Career and Professional Development
• Financial Literacy
• Personal Branding and Professional Communication
• Digital Skills in the Modern Workplace
In addition to the graduation segment, an inaugural installation of founding members was held for approximately twenty (20) persons who received certificates as official Founding Members of Girls of Impact T&T.
Girls of Impact wishes to congratulate all mentees on their achievement and extend a sincere thank you to our Programmes Team, Mentors, Corporate sponsors (Ambrosial Gourmet Catering, Angostura and Universal Food) for their contribution to making this 10 week programme a success.
The GOI anticipates the exciting roll out of several upcoming events, during the next quarter, including an GOI Themed Tea Party Fundraiser and our Rural Girls Programme for International Day of the Girl Child in October 2025.
To be a part of this movement visit our website at www.girlsofimpact.org ; like and follow us on Tik Tok and Instagram at girlsofimpact868; and on LinkedIn and Facebook at Girls of Impact T&T or email us at info@girlsofimpact.org.
Assistant Director of Communications
14th September 2025