Mary Prince Conference Set For August 6-8
The 2nd Annual Mary Prince Women’s Entrepreneurial & Leadership Conference [MPWELC] convenes August 6–8, 2025, at Pier 6, “uniting visionary women leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and mentors from Bermuda and the global diaspora across generations.”
Half-Day GIFTED Leadership Workshop
A spokesperson said, “The conference debuts with the official launch of GIFTED [Girls in Film, Technology, Entertainment, and Design], a transformative initiative equipping teen girls with the expertise, confidence, and mentorship needed to excel in fields where women remain significantly underrepresented.”
“GIFTED has achieved charitable status in Bermuda, marking a pivotal milestone in our mission,” said Dr. Dana Selassie, Founder and Director of Zhyon International and the Mary Prince Conference. “We launch this pioneering program with a half-day leadership intensive for girls aged 13–17, headlined by global business luminary Madame Ibukun Awosika.”
The spokesperson said, “The GIFTED launch features sessions with Bermudian speakers, followed by a leadership masterclass with Madame Awosika, former Chair of First Bank Nigeria. Participants will discover GIFTED’s upcoming six-month program and their inaugural major project: producing a youth-directed film on Mary Prince.
“Dr. Selassie revealed that GIFTED’s founding board includes accomplished industry specialists, such as Bermudian actress Lana Young, who provide students with direct mentorship and professional guidance across the film, design, entertainment, and technology sectors.
MPWELC Welcome Reception – August 6th, 6 PM to 9 PM [By Invitation]
“The conference launches with the MPWELC Welcome Reception at Pier 6. The “Afro Chic” themed evening showcases music by Korie Minors, a special tribute to Madame Awosika by Kinya, and remarks from featured guests.
“Evening Program includes:
- Welcome by Host, Patrina O’Connor-Paynter
- Sisterhood Remarks by Mrs. Kristin Burt
- Community Welcome by Dr. Ayo Oyinloye, representing the Nigerian community
- Introduction of GIFTED: Preparing the Next Generation of Women by Dr. Dana Selassie
- Special Remarks by Madame Ibukun Awosika
Two Days of Intensive Masterclasses – August 7 to 8, 2025
“The Mary Prince Conference officially opens on Thursday, August 7, with presentations from Minister Tinee Furbert and BEDC, followed by a 2-day intensive masterclass led by Madame Ibukun Awosika. Attendees will participate in workshops and discussions that address wealth-building, visibility, personal authority, sustainable leadership, and collaboration vs competition.”
A Movement Rooted in Tangible Impact
“This transcends a conference. We are cultivating a culture of women who lead with authority, who raise children with vision, and who claim spaces where we have been told we do not belong,” said Dr. Selassie. “We are dismantling the narratives that diminish women, particularly those we internalize.
“This is not about excluding our men. It is about creating spaces where women can expand, thrive, and become a more impactful part of our community. We encourage our brothers to do the inner work too, so that together we can heal, grow, and build a stronger, more balanced future for all of us.”
Dr. Selassie shared her catalyst, “I was chosen to represent Bermuda internationally during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I had just lost a business I had poured my heart and soul into. I was navigating burnout, chronic health challenges, anxiety, and what I would later discover was undiagnosed ADHD. Still, someone believed in me. That belief reignited something within. This conference, this launch, this entire week is the ripple effect of that one moment, of someone saying, ‘I still see you.’ That is the power of connection and collaboration. That is what sisterhood can spark. Even when we feel like we are walking through the valley alone, there is always a way forward, and there are always women beside and in front of us, lighting the path.”
The spokesperson said, “With just days remaining, attendance has already doubled from last year, a clear sign of the community’s growing desire for transformative, purpose-driven spaces that elevate women across industries and generations.
“Dr. Selassie extended profound gratitude to the sponsors and partners who made this milestone possible, including the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, BEDC, Bermuda Tourism Authority, Ministry of Education, Corporation of Hamilton, Hamilton Princess, Caesars Pharmacy, BELCO, the Nigerian Community, and the many women who generously purchased and gifted tickets to ensure more women could be in the room.
“When women elevate each other, we all ascend. That is the legacy we are forging. That is the legacy of Mary Prince. One voice, one opportunity, one story at a time.
“If you’ve been thinking about joining us, come take your place in a space designed to remind you of your power, your purpose, and your possibilities. We are saving a seat for you.
Limited Spaces Remain
“Registration and event details can be viewed at www.maryprincebermuda.com.”
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