Mary Prince Women’s Conference In August
The 2025 Mary Prince Women’s Entrepreneurial and Leadership Conference will be held in August under the theme “Unstoppable: Women of the Diaspora- Honoring Our Past, Igniting Our Future.”
A spokesperson said, “The 2025 Mary Prince Women’s Entrepreneurial and Leadership Conference [MPWELC] is set to take place August 7–8, 2025, at Pier 6 in Hamilton, gathering visionary women from Bermuda and across the African diaspora under the transformative theme: ‘Unstoppable: Women of the Diaspora- Honoring Our Past, Igniting Our Future.’
“Unlike traditional conferences, MPWELC 2025 offers an immersive two-day masterclass led exclusively by Madame Ibukun Awosika—global entrepreneur and businesswoman and the former Chairwoman of First Bank of Nigeria. Her return to Bermuda signals a deeper, more intentional approach to helping women scale their businesses, lead with compassion, and solidify their global influence.”
“Last year, we created a moment. This year, we are building a movement,” said Dr. Dana Selassie, Founder and Conference Director of MPWELC. “This is a sacred invitation for women in Bermuda and across the diaspora to gather, reflect, reset, and rise. It’s for the woman who knows she’s meant for more and is ready for the blueprint to not only scale her business, but scale her life.”
The spokesperson said, “The 2024 inaugural event was made possible through sponsorship from the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC], and UN Women Caribbean through the Buy Back Equal initiative. This year we also welcome and appreciate the support of the Corporation of Hamilton, and look forward to a powerful 2-day event at Pier 6 in Hamilton.
“We extend an open call to the corporate sector, community organizations, and women-led businesses to join as partners in this expanding movement.”
“We invite companies, especially those committed to elevating women in leadership, to purchase Leadership Tables and invest in their staff’s development,” said Dr. Selassie. “This is more than professional development; it’s a leadership reset that participants bring back to their teams, their boards, and their communities.”
The spokesperson said, “Women’s organizations, community groups, and nonprofit boards are also encouraged to facilitate space and support for their members to attend, especially women in leadership roles.
“Last year’s MPWELC left a deep and lasting impression on women across the island, including former Bermuda International Woman of the Year Patrina O’Connor-Paynter, who reflected on the experience:
“‘Madame Awosika is phenomenal! Her journey is truly inspiring, and her wisdom is unmatched. I was inspired, encouraged, and empowered! Along with many other women entrepreneurs and leaders, I received exactly what I needed and more. This conference wasn’t just about talk, but it was about action. It wasn’t about griping about problems; it was about working together to create real solutions for our island.’
“This spirit of action and transformation is exactly what MPWELC 2025 aims to multiply as it welcomes women from Bermuda and around the world to step into their next level of leadership.
“The conference will also mark the official launch of GIFTED [Girls in Film, Tech, Entertainment & Design], a charitable initiative designed to empower the next generation of creative and tech-driven young women. Targeting girls aged 13–17, the program offers early mentorship and hands-on training in industries where female leadership is still emerging and currently underrepresented.
“As part of the launch, Madame Ibukun Awosika will lead a special leadership session with the GIFTED participants, helping them build the mindset and confidence to lead from a young age. These girls are not just future professionals—they are future mothers and cultural guides. Reaching them now ensures a lasting impact for generations to come.
“Registration for the Mary Prince Women’s Entrepreneurial and Leadership Conference or to apply to be a part of the GIFTED program, visit www.maryprincebermuda.com. Space is limited.”
