Latisha Lister-Burgess Named Woman Of Year
The Women’s Resource Centre hosted its annual International Women’s Day Celebration on March 6 at Pier 6 Complex, honoring women’s leadership under the theme “Give to Gain,” with Latisha Lister-Burgess being named the woman of the year.
A spokesperson said, “The Women’s Resource Centre [WRC] hosted its annual International Women’s Day Celebration this morning, Friday, March 6 at the Pier 6 Complex in Hamilton, bringing together community leaders, government officials, nonprofit advocates, and members of the public to celebrate the achievements and leadership of women in Bermuda.
“The morning event, held under the global theme “Give to Gain,” explored the power of collective investment, reciprocity, and community impact through meaningful dialogue and recognition of women and young leaders making a difference across the island.
“The celebration opened with a high energy welcome from event host Patrina “Power Girl” O’Connor-Paynter, followed by opening remarks delivered virtually by Juanae Crockwell, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Centre. Crockwell, who had recently travelled to Bangkok to present at the Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Conference, was unfortunately unable to return to Bermuda in time for the event due to travel disruptions connected to the ongoing geopolitical crisis affecting airspace in the Middle East. Despite her absence, she addressed attendees via video, expressing gratitude to the WRC team, the International Women’s Day Committee, and the community for continuing to show up in support of women across Bermuda.
“The programme began with a networking breakfast before transitioning into the morning’s featured panel discussion, moderated by Christie Hunter-Arscott, an award-winning author, Rhodes Scholar, and global leadership expert. The panel featured Denise Carey, Executive Director of HOME; Dr. Nicola Paugh, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda; and Dr. Tiffanne Thomas, Chief Operations Officer of Family Centre. Together, the panelists shared perspectives on leadership, social impact, and the importance of investing in communities through collaboration and purpose-driven work.
“Throughout the discussion, speakers reflected on how meaningful change often begins when individuals and organisations choose to invest their time, knowledge, and resources in others — a message that closely aligned with both the event’s theme and the mission of the Women’s Resource Centre. The panellists, all leaders within Bermuda’s nonprofit sector, shared personal reflections on what “giving” has meant throughout their careers. They emphasised that giving extends beyond financial contributions or volunteer time; it also includes amplifying women’s voices, creating spaces for women to grow, and recognising the importance of self-care as a foundation for sustainable leadership.
“The event was attended by several distinguished guests and dignitaries, including His Excellency the Governor Andrew Murdoch, Premier the Hon. David Burt and Mrs. Kristin Burt, government and opposition members of parliament and the United States Consul General Antoinette Hurtado, among other community leaders and supporters.
“A highlight of the morning was the presentation of the 2026 International Women’s Day Teen of the Year Award to Callahj Simons, Head Girl of The Berkeley Institute and a student in Bermuda College’s Dual Enrolment Programme. Simons has represented Bermuda at the UK Youth Parliament, serves as Deputy Speaker of Youth Parliament, and contributes to the National Youth Policy Working Group as a Future Leaders representative. Her leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to youth advocacy have distinguished her as a powerful voice for her generation.
“The celebration culminated in the announcement of Latisha Lister-Burgess as the 2026 International Woman of the Year, recognising her significant contributions to mental health support and family wellbeing in Bermuda.
“Mrs. Lister-Burgess joined the Employee Assistance Programme of Bermuda in 2012 and has served as Executive Director since 2018. A Certified Family Therapist and one of only two Certified Employee Assistance Professionals in Bermuda, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals, families, and workplaces through counselling, crisis management, and mental health education, strengthening access to wellbeing resources across the community.
“In her remarks, Mrs. Lister-Burgess shared a heartfelt call to action to the women in the room, encouraging them to support one another, hold space for those coming behind them, and commit to shaping the future of our community.
“The event also highlighted the WRC Circle, an initiative designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Women’s Resource Centre through collective community support. The WRC Circle is a community of women — and allies — who commit to supporting the Centre through ongoing giving. Rooted in the spirit of this year’s theme, Give to Gain, the initiative reflects the belief that when women invest in one another, entire communities benefit. The Centre has set an ambitious goal of welcoming 1,000 members into the WRC Circle by its 40th anniversary in 2027, strengthening the foundation of support for women across Bermuda for years to come.
“The Women’s Resource Centre expressed deep appreciation to the organisations whose sponsorship made the event possible, including EY, WTW, KPMG, Fidelity International, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC], Bacardi, Butterfield, Walkers, Appleby, and Arch. Their continued support enables the Centre to provide vital counselling, advocacy, and community programmes for women across Bermuda.
“The morning concluded with closing remarks delivered by Chrystal-Lynn El, Executive Coordinator at the Women’s Resource Centre, who thanked attendees for their continued support and encouraged the community to remain engaged in advancing opportunities and support systems for women and girls through the WRC Circle initiative.
“For nearly four decades, the Women’s Resource Centre has served as a cornerstone of support for women in Bermuda, providing counselling services, legal advocacy, educational programming, and community initiatives designed to help women navigate life’s challenges and build stronger futures.
“International Women’s Day remains an important opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate leadership, and reaffirm the collective responsibility to invest in the wellbeing and advancement of women.
“For more information about the Women’s Resource Centre and its programmes, visit www.wrcbermuda.com“
Well deserved. Best wishes.