The NGHS Non Nobis Foundation hosted its annual International Women’s Day seminar, “Purple Power for Progress 3: Balance the Scales” at Naparima Girls’ High School, bringing together women and girls for a day of meaningful dialogue, reflection and empowerment under the theme “Balance the Scales.”

The event was moderated by Lara Quentrall-Thomas, Chairman of Regency Recruitment and Resources, who has served as Master of Ceremonies since the seminar’s inception. In her opening remarks, Chairperson Camille Ramdial-Cumberbatch highlighted the importance of creating spaces where women can connect, share and uplift one another. Dr. Jennifer Yamin-Ali, Founder and Vice Chairperson, delivered the opening prayer, followed by a powerful introductory monologue by storyteller Avion Crooks.

The programme featured a range of engaging sessions, including a presentation by Clinical Psychologist Marsha Youssef on healthy behavioural dynamics in relationships. A standout moment was the Foundation’s first collaboration with the Bocas Lit Fest, led by Shivanee Ramlochan, with readings by Kevin Jared Hosein, Caroline Mackenzie and Neala Luna Bhagwansingh from Unstitching Silence, exploring gender-based violence in the Caribbean. Psychologist Candice Laing-Rodas was also present to provide support during this session.

Participants also engaged in interactive breakout sessions, including career advancement strategies facilitated by Lara Quentrall-Thomas, legal guidance from attorney-at-law Soroya Nanan, a wellness session on the cancer continuum by Dr. Nazreen Bhim, and personal safety and self-defence led by Master Stokely Clarke.

The Foundation extends sincere thanks to its corporate sponsors and individual donors, whose generosity allowed many participants to attend at no cost. The event also marked the soft launch of the Foundation’s website, introduced by Public Relations Officer Trudy Solomon-Doodnath, creating a new platform to share its work and future initiatives.

The NGHS Non Nobis Foundation continues to promote volunteerism and community engagement among past and present students, guided by its mission to “Shine Your Light for Others.”

Attendees came from a variety of backgrounds, including students from Naparima Girls’ High School and Parvati Girls’ Hindu College, as well as women from shelters and non-profit organizations. Participants described the experience as “amazing,” “phenomenal,” and “a revival.”

The NGHS Non Nobis Foundation hosted its third annual International Women’s Day empowerment seminar in 2025, marking the second year the event was held under the “Purple Power for Progress” theme. Close to eighty women and girls participated in a day of learning, leadership, and inspiration, aligned with the IWD theme: “Accelerate Action – Empowering ALL Women and Girls.”

The seminar featured keynote addresses and breakout workshops designed to equip attendees with tools for personal growth, wellness, and professional development. Dr. Katija Khan, Clinical Psychologist and UWI lecturer, opened the day with a keynote on “Sense of Self,” guiding participants through a journey of self-discovery and mental wellness strategies.

Kiran Maharaj, President of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, delivered the second keynote, “Leading into the Future,” sharing her career experiences and encouraging women to embrace leadership opportunities with confidence and courage.

Following a lunch session — which included complimentary massages provided by the Caribbean Association of Massage & Bodywork Practitioners — attendees chose from a series of wellness and self-empowerment workshops. Highlights included:

• “Building Your Network Before You Need It” with Lara Quentrall-Thomas, Chairman of Regency Recruitment and Resources Limited
• “Financial Wisdom for Women” hosted by Foundation Chair Camille Ramdial-Cumberbatch
• “Cancer Awareness for Women” presented by Soroptimist International National Association of T&T
• “Menopausal Stages and Management Tips” led by Gillian Smith-Trumpet (MENO-TT) and Dr. Roshni Bissoondatt

Attendees came from a variety of backgrounds, including students from Naparima Girls’ High School and Parvati Girls’ Hindu College, as well as women from shelters and non-profit organizations. Participants described the experience as “amazing,” “phenomenal,” and “a revival.”

TIn celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, the NGHS Non Nobis Foundation proudly hosted its second annual women’s empowerment fundraising seminar, bringing together women from diverse backgrounds for an inspiring afternoon of learning, reflection, and connection.

Aligned with the International Women’s Day 2024 theme, “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress,” the seminar was presented under the theme “Purple Power for Progress: Reconceptualizing the Social Investment in Women.” This marked the first time the Foundation intentionally branded its International Women’s Day event under the “Purple Power for Progress” identity, symbolizing empowerment, originality, and visionary thinking.

The use of purple was deliberately chosen to reflect the mission of the NGHS Non Nobis Foundation — “Non Nobis Solum Sed Omnibus” (Not for ourselves, but for others) — and the Foundation’s commitment to empowering women to recognize their value, invest in their growth, and uplift others as agents of positive change. The branding reinforced the seminar’s aim of inspiring women to evolve personally, professionally, and collectively through intentional investment and self-belief.

The programme was expertly guided by MC Lara Quentrall-Thomas, Chairman of Regency Recruitment and Resources Ltd. The seminar opened with an insightful address by Dr. Indira Couch, CEO of ActionEDGE Ltd., who set the tone by highlighting the importance of leadership development, employee engagement, and cultivating healthy workplace cultures.

The NGHS Non Nobis Foundation hosted its first annual women’s empowerment seminar on the afternoon of March 4, 2023 in celebration of International Women’s Day, hosted under the IWD global theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.”

The seminar brought together close to 100 women and girls for an engaging and thought-provoking session focused on digital empowerment, online safety, entrepreneurship, and leadership in a rapidly evolving digital world. The event highlighted the growing importance of digital skills while addressing the inequalities women face in accessing and benefiting from technology.

The programme was led by MC Lara Quentrall-Thomas, Chairperson and Founder of Regency Recruitment and Resources, who shared key insights on women, technology, and workforce readiness. Feature presentations included:

• Vernisha Ahyoung, digital technology expert, who explored the essential digital skills needed for women to excel as entrepreneurs and leaders.
• Michelle Aquing-Bissoon, representing the Andrea Project team, who addressed the critical topic of using technology to safeguard women online.
• Simone Sant-Ghuran, founder of TrinidadWeddings.com, who shared practical strategies on leveraging digital tools for business success.

Attendees included secondary school students, past pupils, and women from various community groups, creating a dynamic intergenerational exchange of ideas and experiences. The seminar emphasized confidence-building, digital literacy, and empowerment, equipping participants with practical knowledge to navigate and thrive in the digital space.

The Foundation hopes to make this empowerment seminar an annual initiative, reinforcing its commitment to uplifting women and advancing gender equality through education, innovation, and service.. Refreshments were served in a tea-style setup for the audience.

The fundraiser was met with success and received positive feedback from attendees.