WELEAD WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2026
One of Guyana’s leading gatherings of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers
Join a national gathering of women shaping the future of Guyana. The WeLead Conference brings together influential voices from business, industry, government and entrepreneurship to share insights, build connections and create new opportunities for women in leadership.
About the Conference
The WeLead Conference is the flagship leadership event of the WeLead Association, bringing together women leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, and emerging professionals from across Guyana and the Caribbean.
Through keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, and meaningful networking opportunities, the conference creates a dynamic platform where women can share experiences, build partnerships, and explore new opportunities for leadership and professional growth.
The 2026 conference will spotlight the growing role of women in business, entrepreneurship, innovation, and emerging industries while fostering dialogue, collaboration, and new opportunities across sectors.
2026 Conference Theme
The 2026 conference, themed “Guyana to the World: Women Building Global Bridges,” highlights the global potential of Guyanese women and the connections between leadership, opportunity, and national progress.
Conference Highlights
- Inspiring keynote speakers from business and industry
- Engaging panel discussions with influential leaders
- Networking opportunities with professionals across sectors
- Conversations focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, and opportunity
- A platform connecting women leaders across Guyana and the Caribbean
WHY THIS CONFERENCE MATTERS
Guyana is entering a defining moment of economic transformation. As industries expand and new opportunities emerge, the role of women in shaping the country’s future has never been more important.
The WeLead Women’s Conference 2026 brings together influential voices from across business, government, entrepreneurship, and emerging industries to explore leadership, opportunity, and the evolving role of women in the economy.
This conference is designed to spark meaningful conversations, build powerful networks, and open doors for the next generation of women leaders.
The Impact
- Creating opportunities for women to connect and collaborate
- Highlighting women’s leadership across industries
- Building stronger professional networks across the Caribbean
- Supporting the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders
Featured Keynote Speaker
Melanie Fiona
Grammy Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter & Speaker
Melanie Fiona is an internationally acclaimed artist and Grammy Award-winning performer whose voice and message have inspired audiences around the world.
At the WeLead Women’s Conference 2026, Melanie will share insights on resilience, creativity, leadership and the power of using your voice to create impact.
Her journey through the global music industry and her commitment to empowering women make her a powerful voice for this year’s conference.
What You'll Experience
Inspiring Conversations
Hear from women who are leading across industries and sectors and learn how they have navigated challenges, built credibility, and created opportunities.
Honest Discussions About Opportunity
Understand the real dynamics of how careers grow, how leadership influence develops, and how women can navigate systems that often feel invisible.
Practical Insights You Can Use
From confidence and visibility to mentorship and leadership, the conference focuses on conversations that translate into real action.
Meaningful Connections
Meet women from across business, government, energy, finance, media, and entrepreneurship. The relationships formed here often continue long after the conference ends.
A Moment to Reflect and Reset
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is step away from our daily routines to reflect, learn, and reconnect with our ambition and purpose.
Conference at a Glance
Women Leaders & Professionals
Industry Speakers
Dynamic Panel Discussions
Powerful Day of Leadership & Connection
A Message From Our Founder
Welcome to the WeLead Women’s Conference 2026.
When we created the WeLead platform, our vision was simple but powerful to build a space where women could connect, share knowledge, and support one another in leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional growth.
Over the years, we have seen incredible women across Guyana and the Caribbean step forward as innovators, business leaders, and change makers. The WeLead Conference was created to celebrate that progress while also opening new doors for collaboration, mentorship, and opportunity.
As Guyana continues to grow and evolve, it is important that women are part of shaping the future of our industries, our communities, and our economy.
Whether you are attending as an entrepreneur, a professional, a student, or a supporter of women’s leadership, I hope this conference provides you with meaningful connections, new perspectives, and the inspiration to lead boldly.
Abbigale Loncke-Watson
Founder, WeLead Association
Who Should Attend
The WeLead Conference welcomes women and allies from across industries who are passionate about leadership, entrepreneurship and professional growth.
Ideal attendees include:
What to expect
The WeLead Conference 2026 will feature a dynamic program designed to inspire, empower and connect women leaders.
Inspiring keynote speakers
Renowned speakers and accomplished women leaders will share their personal journeys, professional experiences, and lessons learned along the way. These keynote sessions are designed to motivate attendees to pursue excellence, overcome challenges, and lead with confidence in their respective fields.
Insightful panel discussions
Expert panelists from various industries will engage in thought-provoking discussions on leadership, innovation, career growth, and social impact. These conversations will provide practical insights, diverse perspectives, and real-world strategies that attendees can apply in their personal and professional lives.
Leadership and entrepreneurship conversations
Dedicated sessions will focus on developing leadership skills, building successful businesses, and navigating the challenges faced by women in leadership roles. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on decision-making, strategic thinking, and creating opportunities for growth in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments.
Networking opportunities with professionals across industries
The conference will create a welcoming environment for participants to meet professionals from different sectors, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections. These networking sessions are designed to encourage collaboration, partnerships, and long-term professional relationships.
Opportunities to connect with mentors, partners and collaborators
Attendees will have the chance to interact with experienced leaders, mentors, and potential collaborators who can provide guidance, support, and new opportunities. These connections are intended to help participants expand their networks, gain valuable advice, and open doors for future projects and initiatives.
This conference is designed to build relationships, share knowledge and create opportunities.
Conference at a Glance
Women Leaders & Professionals
Industry Speakers
Dynamic Panel Discussions
Powerful Day of Leadership & Connection
Who Should Attend
The WeLead Conference welcomes women and allies from across industries who are passionate about leadership, entrepreneurship and professional growth.
Ideal attendees include:
Conference Programme
Saturday, June 27th, 2026
Pegasus Suites & Corporate Centre, Georgetown, Guyana
Theme: Guyana to the World: Women Building Global Bridges
The WeLead Women’s Empowerment Conference brings together women from across industries, generations, and communities for a day of meaningful conversation, inspiration, and connection. Through keynote conversations, panels, and networking opportunities, the conference explores leadership, confidence, opportunity, and the role women play in shaping the future of Guyana’s and the Caribbean Region.
Registration & Networking
The morning begins with informal networking and the opportunity to meet women from across industries and sectors.
Opening Ceremony
The conference officially begins with opening remarks welcoming guests and setting the tone for a day of thoughtful dialogue on leadership, opportunity, and the future of women in Guyana.
Keynote Address: Melanie Fiona
The conference will feature a special keynote conversation with Grammy Award–winning international artist of Guyanese heritage, Ms. Melanie Fiona, reflecting on confidence, identity, global impact, and the power of women embracing their voice and purpose.
About Melanie Fiona
Melanie Fiona is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and storyteller whose soulful voice and emotional honesty have captivated audiences worldwide. Known for blending vulnerability with strength, she delivers music that bridges empowerment, truth, and timeless soul.
Born and raised in Toronto, Melanie first gained international acclaim with her 2009 debut album, The Bridge. The project introduced her signature sound—soulful melodies layered with heartfelt storytelling—and earned critical praise from The New York Times, which named it one of the year’s best R&B albums. iTunes also honored her as Best New R&B/Soul Artist. The breakout single “It Kills Me” spent nine weeks at #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop chart and earned her first Grammy nomination, establishing Melanie as one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary soul.
Her 2012 sophomore release, The MF Life, solidified her place in R&B with standout tracks like “4 AM” and collaborations with NaS, John Legend, J. Cole, and B.o.B. The album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and the heartfelt ballad “Wrong Side of a Love Song” earned another Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance. Around the same time, Melanie’s versatility and songwriting prowess caught the attention of CeeLo Green, who featured her on the hit “Fool For You.” The song went on to win two Grammy Awards: Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best R&B Song.
Her artistry also shines through collaborations on other Grammy-winning projects, including Wake Up! by John Legend & The Roots and Revelation Pt. 1 by Stephen Marley. Over the years, Melanie has toured globally with icons such as Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, and D’Angelo, earning a reputation for her dynamic performances and emotional connection with audiences.
Today, Melanie Fiona continues to evolve as an artist, mother, and creative entrepreneur. She co-hosts the popular parenting podcast The Mama’s Den, where she offers candid and inspiring conversations about motherhood and identity. She also leads Melly Belly, her growing lifestyle and community brand centered around music, motherhood, and holistic well-being.
With a new EP titled Say Yes, Melanie returns to the essence of her artistry—soulful truth, healing, and empowerment—inviting listeners once again to connect, reflect, and say yes to the journey of transformation.
Networking Break
A short break for refreshments and informal networking.
Panel Conversation: Women Building Guyana: At Every Level
Guyana is undergoing one of the most significant economic transformations in its history. This conversation explores how women are contributing to the country’s development and the ways leadership is evolving across industries.
Discussion Themes:
- Women’s leadership in emerging industries
- Opportunities created by Guyana’s economic transformation
- Building careers and businesses in a rapidly changing economy
- The importance of representation across sectors
Networking Lunch
Participants continue conversations over lunch while building connections across sectors and industries.
Panel Conversation: Access, Influence & Opportunity
This session explores the real mechanics of how women move forward in Guyana, not just through hard work, but through understanding how access is created, how influence is built, and how opportunity actually opens up. An honest conversation about power, systems, and the pathways forward.
Fireside Conversation: Bridging Generations: Mentorship, Legacy & Women Leading the Future
A candid intergenerational discussion exploring mentorship, leadership, and how women can support and elevate one another across generations. This conversation focuses on the importance of passing knowledge, experience, and opportunity forward while shaping the next generation of female leaders.
Panel Conversation: Confidence, Visibility & The Digital Woman
In today’s world, opportunity often begins with visibility. This conversation explores how women can build presence, voice, and influence in the digital space.
Discussion Themes:
- Personal branding and leadership presence
- Owning your story and voice
- Using digital platforms for influence and opportunity
- The role of visibility in career growth
Closing Reflections: The Future of Women in Guyana
The conference concludes with reflections on the conversations of the day and a forward-looking perspective on the role women will play in shaping Guyana’s next chapter.
Networking & Close
The conference ends with final networking and opportunities for attendees to continue building connections and partnerships.
Attend the Conference
Join an inspiring community of leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals for a transformative conference experience.
Secure your ticket today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of women’s leadership in Guyana and the Caribbean.
Limited Seats Available
Your ticket includes:
- Full access to all conference sessions
- The keynote conversation with a Grammy Award-winning artist
- Panel discussions with leading women across industries
- Networking opportunities with professionals and leaders
- Refreshments and lunch
- A day designed to inspire confidence, connection, and opportunity
Early registration is recommended as tickets are limited
Questions about tickets? Contact us for assistance
Our Past Luminaries
Princess Arianna Makonnen
Yvette Noel Schure
Tenille Clarke
Lisandra Rickards
Jesika Kalika
Jay Blessed
Join leaders form across industries
Each year the WeLead Conference brings together an inspiring community of professionals, entrepreneurs, executives and emerging leaders.
Attendees typically come from sectors including:
Partners and Sponsors
The WeLead Women’s Conference is made possible through the support of organizations committed to empowering women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic development. We are proud to partner with companies and institutions that share our vision of advancing opportunities for women across Guyana and the Caribbean.
Presenting Partner
Interested in partnering with the WeLead Women’s Conference?
Get in Touch
Have questions? We’re here to help
Venue
Pegasus Suites & Corporate Centre Georgetown, Guyana
Ready to Join Us?
Be part of this transformative gathering of women leaders shaping the future of Guyana
WeLead 2026
Empowering women to lead Guyana’s future through meaningful conversations, inspiration, and connection.
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