The Tribune

By CARA HUNT

Tribune Features Writer

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

SOCIAL Services Minister Barbara Cartwright reminded women that leadership is not measured by a person’s title, but instead by the lives they touch and the opportunities they create for others.

The minister spoke at the Global LeadHERship Empowerment Network Awards Luncheon last week which was attended by a number of women who have helped to shape the national landscape of the country. It was held under the patronage of Governor General Cynthia Pratt.

Ms Cartwright described the gathering as one where "history was sitting all around the room."

She reminded attendees that while awards recognise achievement, legacy recognises influence.

“Leadership is about leaving things better than we found them — better families, better communities, better institutions and a better Bahamas,” she said

Dr Brenda Pratt, the president and founder of the Global LeadHERship Empowerment Network, celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of Bahamian women whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact across government, law, business, healthcare, sports and community development.

Reverend Helen Mcphee opened the day’s events with prayer for the honourees and for blessings for the country.

Internationally acclaimed leadership strategist, humanitarian, best-selling author and former Bermuda Senator Dr Cindy Trimm provided attendees with a global perspective on leadership, challenging them to embrace an elevation mindset and prepare themselves for increase. She encouraged women to position themselves for greater opportunities by cultivating vision, purpose and the confidence to rise to new levels of leadership.

The key note address was given by Shannon Lady Ighodaro, a Bahamian native whose journey from Nassau to elected public office in the United States inspired the audience to embrace leadership, service and civic engagement.

Born at Princess Margaret Hospital and raised in Montell Heights, Ighodaro, whose maiden name is Hanna, became the first Bahamian elected to the Miami Gardens City Council, serving one of the largest majority-Black cities in the United States with a population of approximately 120,000 residents. She is currently a candidate for the Florida Senate.

She encouraged attendees to recognise the power of of public service.

"Politics connects you to people, information, resources and the distribution of those resources," she said.

She also reminded attendees that a single vote can alter the course of history.

"One vote can change the course of history," she said, before adding that ultimately, "the main vote we need is from God."

She concluded with a strong message.

"Titles will fade, but the way you treat people will last."

The events honourees included:

Ruby Ann Cooper-Darling; Dame Janet Bostwick,Italia Johnson; Glenys Hanna-Martin;  Melanie Griffin; Allyson Maynard Gibson, KC; J LaShell Adderley; Leslia Miller-Brice; Sharon Wilson, KC; Pleasant Bridgewater; Dr Lanisha Rolle; Patricia Deveaux; Justice Hope Strachan; Cleola Hamilton; Verna Grant; Shonel Ferguson;  Lisa Rahming;  Pakesia Parker Edgecombe; and the Juanianne Dorsett.

Former Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin spoke on behalf of the honourees and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the recognition. She encouraged women to continue leading with purpose, integrity and compassion, reminding them that their greatest legacy is the lives they inspire.