Women advised to ‘let go’ at First Citizens Investment Services Women’s Conference

Women from different walks of life last Saturday left the First Citizens Investment Women’s Conference feeling rejuvenated and even more determined to become successful in their respective fields.

Sharon Christopher, the main speaker at the event, which was held at the Beachcombers Hotel, encouraged the women to let go. The Trinidadian executive urged the women, whose ages ranged from the 20s to 60s, to let go of regret, past conditioning, fear, anger, resentment and doubt.

During her speech, the deputy chief executive officer of the First Citizens Investment Group spoke of some of her own personal struggles as a single mother and a woman working in what is traditionally known as ‘a man’s world’.{{more}}

Christopher, who is also a lawyer, shared the story of how she was able to triumph over others who sought to bring her down recently in the corporate world. The experienced professional also spoke about how her faith has always helped her at work and in her own personal life.

Also speaking at last Saturday’s engagement was station sergeant Sherol James of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force whose humorous and pragmatic approach to many issues had the women in the room roaring with laughter.

She gave the approximately 80 women in attendance tips on how to protect their homes, neighbourhoods, families and person.

The police officer, who has over 30 years experience in law enforcement, encouraged the women to be street smart, mindful of strangers, know where they are going, to use a buddy system, have control of property, be mindful of surroundings when on gadgets, ignore rude comments, know their neighbourhood and be conspicuous.

Her passion on the issue of rape was made abundantly clear when she almost knocked the microphone off the stand while making the point that during intimate encounters ‘No means no’.

Another highlight of the seminar was the brief yoga session, led by Norlan Gabriel, the local country manager of First Citizens Investment Group. Gabriel, who was also the moderator of the day’s event, led the women in simple yoga techniques and poses to help with stress relief.

Dr Jozelle Miller, a psychologist at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and speaker at the seminar, engaged the women with topics on their mental health and ways to keep their sanity while trying to achieve their goals.

Local entrepreneur Erica McIntosh shared her experiences and lessons learnt over the years while building an agro processing business from the ground up, while Shafia London-Williams, marketing manager at the St Vincent Brewery Ltd, shared strategies she uses for professional success in the corporate world.

Carol Eleuthere-Jn Marie of St Lucia helped the women with smart money management tips and guidelines on how to make their money work for them.

Local lawyer Shirlan Barnwell armed the women with legal tips on how to protect themselves both in the business world and in their personal lives.(CM)