HER LEAD: THE VOICE OF CARIBBEAN WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
Welcome to the premiere issue. Each edition brings you something powerful: our commitment to keeping you connected, informed, and inspired as we build the change we want to see across the Caribbean.
Every month, HER LEAD will bring you:
Exclusive video updates
Stories of sisters making an impact
First access to events and opportunities by CIWiL & the Fempreneur Group
Leadership tips
Feature Story
WHY HER LEAD
The name HER LEAD is our mission.
HER = Women. Our sisters. Caribbean women rising.
LEAD = Action. Movement. Taking charge.
Every time you see this newsletter in your inbox, remember: You are a leader. Whether you're in the C-suite or on the ground doing community work, whether you hold a title or hold space for others, you LEAD.
This newsletter exists to celebrate that leadership, strengthen that leadership, and multiply that leadership across the Caribbean.
Welcome to the HER LEAD.
Leadership Tips
Leadership is influence, not title - You don't need to be "in charge" to lead. Start by leading projects, mentoring juniors, or solving problems.
Listen more than you speak - The best leaders ask questions and truly hear the answers. People follow those who make them feel heard.
Admit when you don't know - "I don't know, but I'll find out" is stronger than pretending. Vulnerability builds trust.
Develop your emotional intelligence - Self-awareness, empathy, and managing emotions matter more than IQ in leadership roles.
Make decisions with data AND intuition - Gather facts, but don't ignore your gut. Experience teaches you what numbers can't always show.
Be consistent, not perfect - Your team needs to know what to expect from you. Consistency builds trust; perfection creates anxiety.
Have difficult conversations early - Address issues when they're small. Avoiding conflict doesn't make it disappear; it makes it worse.
Lead by example - Don't ask your team to do what you won't do yourself.
COMING UP
JOIN CIWiL
The secrets behind living up to your best potential.
Fempreneur Fund 2026 Application LAUNCH- MARCH 8TH
Doing all you can for your business growth.
CIWiLAB CHAIR’S ACCOUNT OF 2025 FEMPRENEUR FUND COMMUNITY
The Fempreneur Fund Community: From Applicants to Sisterhood
One of the most profound and unexpected outcomes of our Fempreneur Fund 2025 cohort has been the emergence of a genuine community among the applicants themselves. When 34 women from across Antigua and Barbuda submitted their applications, they came as individual entrepreneurs, each running her own business, facing her own challenges, and pursuing her own dreams. What they did not anticipate was finding each other.
Following the initial application process, these women were invited to join a WhatsApp group for programme communications. What began as an administrative convenience quickly transformed into something far more meaningful. The women began sharing business advice, celebrating each other's wins, troubleshooting challenges together, and offering moral support during difficult times. They started referring customers to each other's businesses, collaborating on joint ventures, and meeting in person outside of programme activities.
This organic community building led to the formation of two applicant-led committees: an Events Committee and a Collaboration Committee, both created by the women themselves to formalize their mutual support. These committees now plan networking events and identify opportunities for business partnerships among the group. Several women have reported increased sales directly attributed to referrals from their "Fempreneur sisters." Others speak of the psychological impact, knowing they are not alone in their entrepreneurial journey, having a space where they can be vulnerable about business struggles without judgment, and drawing strength from women who truly understand their challenges.
This story illustrates a central truth of CIWiL's mission: empowerment multiplies when women support women. While the Fempreneur Fund provides financial resources and training, its greatest gift may be the sisterhood it creates. These 34 women, regardless of who ultimately won the grant, have gained something invaluable: a network of peers who will champion their success for years to come. This is transformational leadership in action.
HER LEAD APPLAUD
This month, we shine a light on CIWiLAB sisters who embody the CIWiL spirit in 2025. Women's empowerment isn't a slogan. It's a commitment. Every time we've called, you've said yes. School visits, event planning, creating flyers, workshops, you showed up, not for applause, but because you believe in CIWiL’s mission. You’ve proven that by volunteering and giving your time. Together, we build the movement we need. To all our sisters: CIWiL needs you. One hour. One event. One skill. When we all give a little, we achieve a lot.
Your service inspires us. Thank you.
Dr. Vonetta George-Nanton
Letticia Barnes
Kisma Panthier-Jn Pierre
HER LEAD
Loud impact.
