CIWiL — Caribbean Women in Leadership
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🇦🇬   Caribbean Women In Leadership · Antigua & Barbuda

Advancing Women's Leadership
Across the Caribbean

CIWiL AB empowers women to lead boldly in political, civic, and public life — through advocacy, mentorship, training, and sisterhood.

✦ ✦ ✦
0+ Years Strong
Exec Team 2025
0 Committees
2 YWiL Cohorts

Our Mission

To advance women's full involvement in decision making and leadership through advocacy, partnership, mentorship, training, and development, in political, civic, and public life across Antigua & Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.

Our Vision

A Caribbean where women achieve gender equality and exercise sustainable transformational leadership at every level of society, in government, the private sector, civil society, and community life.

0+ Years of Impact
0 YWiL AB Cohorts
0 Standing Committees
0 Fempreneur Fund Cohorts
🌍 Pan Caribbean Network

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish — when we lead together, we transform nations."

✦   CIWiL AB · Caribbean Women In Leadership

Who We Are

CIWiL AB is the Antigua and Barbuda national chapter of the Caribbean Women In Leadership (CIWiL) network, a non partisan, independent organisation founded on the belief that women must be fully involved in the decision making processes that impact their lives.

We serve as a networking and capacity building organisation that provides training, mentorship, and advocacy platforms for women leaders across the public and private sectors, civil society, and community organisations.

Our work is rooted in the understanding that women's leadership is not a privilege, it is a right and a necessity for sustainable Caribbean development.

Caribbean Women in Leadership Conference — women leaders from civil society, government and professions gathered in discussion

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

These six values guide every aspect of CIWiL AB's work, from how we treat each other to how we engage with the world.

⚖️ Integrity

We operate with honesty, ethical conduct, and transparency in everything we do.

🏳️ Gender Justice

We are committed to equality, equity, and the full realisation of women's rights.

🔍 Transparency

We are open and accountable in our decisions, finances, and governance.

🤝 Inclusiveness

We welcome and value diversity in all its forms across our membership and community.

📋 Accountability

We hold ourselves responsible for our commitments to members, partners, and the public.

💕 Sisterliness

We uplift each other in a spirit of solidarity, support, and shared purpose.

Our Journey

A History of Advancing Women's Leadership

From our founding in 2020 to a vibrant and growing chapter today, CIWiL AB's journey reflects the resilience, vision, and sisterly determination of women leaders in Antigua and Barbuda.

1998

CIWiL Regional Network Founded

Caribbean Women In Leadership is conceptualised by women who understood that women were being marginalised from decision making processes despite their many contributions across the region.

2000s

Regional Expansion

CIWiL expands across the Caribbean, establishing national chapters and building a regional network of women leaders and advocates committed to gender equity.

2020

CIWiL AB Chapter Established & YWiL AB Launched 🚀 ★ Flagship Initiative

The Antigua and Barbuda chapter of CIWiL is formally established, bringing the regional network's mission home. In the same landmark year, Young Women in Leadership Antigua & Barbuda (YWiL AB) is launched as CIWiL AB's flagship initiative — a transformative programme dedicated to developing the next generation of young women leaders in Antigua and Barbuda.

2022

Leadership Support Programme

CIWiL AB hosts a landmark training workshop for women candidates and leaders, preparing them to participate more effectively in political processes across Antigua and Barbuda.

2024

Fempreneur Fund (FFL) — 1st Cohort 💼

CIWiL AB launches the Fempreneur Fund (FFL) — its inaugural cohort — providing financial support and recognition to aspiring female entrepreneurs, championing women in business across Antigua and Barbuda. The first recipient is awarded, setting a powerful precedent for women led enterprise in the region.

2025

FFL 2nd Cohort & New Executive Team Elected ✨ FFL · 2nd Cohort

CIWiL AB hosts the 2nd cohort of the Fempreneur Fund (FFL), awarding another trailblazing woman entrepreneur and further cementing the Fund's impact across Antigua and Barbuda. The year also marks the election of a fresh, energised new executive team — bringing renewed vision and unwavering commitment to advancing women's leadership and gender equity across the nation.

2026

YWiL AB 2nd Cohort & FFL 3rd Cohort 🌟 Milestone Year

A landmark year for CIWiL AB — the Young Women in Leadership Antigua & Barbuda (YWiL AB) 2nd Cohort is launched, welcoming a new generation of young women leaders into CIWiL AB's flagship leadership development programme. In the same year, the Fempreneur Fund (FFL) 3rd Cohort continues the chapter's commitment to economic empowerment, recognising and supporting yet another outstanding female entrepreneur across Antigua and Barbuda.

Our Structure

Standing Committees

CIWiLAB's work is carried out through seven standing committees, each focused on a key area of our mission. Click any committee card to learn more.

CIWiL AB women at a fundraising gala event

Fundraiser

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CIWiL AB women at a health and wellness workshop

Health & Wellness

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CIWiL AB women connecting at a membership event

Social & Membership

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CIWiL AB women in a marketing strategy session

Marketing

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CIWiL AB She Means Business YouTube channel studio

YouTube Channel

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CIWiL AB HER LEAD newsletter editorial team

Newsletter

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CIWiL AB Executive Committee in a boardroom

Executive

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🏆 Fempreneur Fund

Celebrating Our Winners

The Fempreneur Fund supports and celebrates aspiring female entrepreneurs across Antigua and Barbuda. 2026, 2025 & 2024 recipients below.

Lania Bynoe, 3rd Cohort 2026 CIWiL AB Fempreneur Fund winner, holding the EC$10,000 award cheque.
Lania Bynoe receives the EC$10,000 Fempreneur Fund award cheque —
3rd Cohort, presented by CIWiL AB executives and members, 13th August 2026.
🏆 2026 Fempreneur Fund Winner · 3rd Cohort

Lania Bynoe

Lania Bynoe was named the 2026 recipient of the CIWiL AB Fempreneur Fund — the largest award in the Fund's history — recognising her outstanding vision, business plan, and commitment to entrepreneurship in Antigua and Barbuda.

She was celebrated alongside a full cohort of graduates from the 3rd Cohort Fempreneur Fund training programme, all of whom received Certificates of Training at the same ceremony.

💰
EC$ 10,000.00 Fempreneur Fund Award, 13th August 2026
🚀 Apply to the Fempreneur Fund
🚨 Applications Open 8th March 2027

Fempreneur Fund 2027
4th Cohort

📅
Apply Online Opens 8th March 2027
🎓
Training Available For all registrants, following the application window
🏆
Winner Reveal To be announced

Are you a female entrepreneur in Antigua & Barbuda with a vision to grow your business? The CIWiL AB Fempreneur Fund 4th Cohort opens for applications on 8th March 2027! Apply online for annual funding, support, and training, open to all female entrepreneurs across Antigua and Barbuda.

CIWiL AB Fempreneur Fund 2026 – 3rd Cohort official flyer. Applications open March 8 to June 20, 2026. Fempreneur Fund 2026 – Your Vision. Your Empire. Apply now.

Our Executive Team

CIWiL Antigua & Barbuda is proudly led by a dedicated team of women committed to advancing gender equality and women's leadership.

Elected in 2025 · As reported by Observer Media, Antigua

CIWiL AB Executive Team — five professional women standing together
✦ CIWiL AB Executive Team · Elected 2025

Five Women. One Vision. Unstoppable.

Secretary · Treasurer · Chair · PRO · Vice Chair — leading with purpose and power.

🎉 Congratulations & Thank You

Thank You, Abena St. Luce!

CIWiL AB extends its deepest gratitude to Abena St. Luce for her dedicated service as Chapter Secretary — her care for our records, correspondence, and members helped carry this chapter forward.

We are also thrilled to celebrate her appointment as Senator, a proud milestone for her and for women's leadership across Antigua & Barbuda. Congratulations, Senator St. Luce — we know you will continue to champion youth mentorship and women's leadership in this new chapter!

🗳️ The Chapter Secretary seat is now open. Elections to fill this position will be announced by the CIWiL Regional Governance Body.

⏳ Seat Vacant

Chapter Secretary

Elections To Be Announced

Following Abena St. Luce's appointment as Senator, this seat is now vacant. Elections to fill the Chapter Secretary position will be announced by the CIWiL Regional Governance Body.

Alecia Cherubin, Chapter Treasurer of CIWiL AB

Alecia Cherubin

Chapter Treasurer

Overseeing financial management, budgeting, reporting, and accountability for all chapter funds.

Marian Hesse Merchant, Chapter Chair of CIWiL AB

Marian Hesse Merchant

Chapter Chair

Leading the chapter's vision, strategy, and advocacy for women's leadership across Antigua and Barbuda.

Marver Woodley, Public Relations Officer of CIWiL AB

Marver Woodley

Public Relations Officer

Managing public outreach, social media presence, and the chapter's communications strategy.

Priscilla Joseph, Chapter Vice Chair of CIWiL AB

Priscilla Joseph

Chapter Vice Chair

Supporting the Chair in overseeing chapter operations, member engagement, and programme delivery.

📰 Executive team as reported by Observer Media Antigua  |  Visit the Observer Antigua website for the full article on CIWiL AB's newly elected executive.

✦   In the Community   ✦

Our Events & Moments

From panel discussions and parliamentary immersions to intimate gatherings and networking nights — CIWiL AB shows up, shows out, and lifts every woman in the room.

CIWiL AB members gathered at an event, smiling together in celebration.
✦ CIWiL AB Community

Together We Rise

CIWiL AB members gathered in solidarity, sisterhood, and celebration — the energy that powers every initiative we lead.

CIWiL panel discussion with women leaders seated in front of the CIWiL banner.
🎤 Panel Discussion

Women Leading the Conversation

CIWiL AB hosts powerful panel discussions, placing women's voices front and centre on the issues that matter most.

CIWiL AB members group photo at a CIWiL event.
👑 Leadership

Stronger Together

Every gathering of CIWiL AB women is a testament to the power of collective leadership and shared purpose.

CIWiL AB women seated on a balcony at an evening gathering.
🌙 Evening Gathering

Under the Caribbean Sky

An intimate evening gathering where women share stories, strategies, and sisterhood.

Three CIWiL AB women smiling in front of artwork.
🎨 Culture & Arts

Women of Vision

Three CIWiL AB leaders celebrating the intersection of culture, art, and women's leadership.

Group of CIWiL AB women smiling together at a night event.
✨ Community Night

Joy & Sisterhood

The smiles say it all — CIWiL AB women celebrating each other and the movement they are building together.

Woman in pink presenting at a CIWiL AB outdoor event.
🎙️ Women Speaking Up

Her Voice, Her Power

A CIWiL AB member takes the floor, commanding attention and inspiring the crowd with her leadership.

CIWiL AB member warmly greeting guests at an event.
🤝 Welcoming All

Warm Caribbean Welcome

Every CIWiL AB event opens with warmth — because sisterhood begins the moment you walk through the door.

CIWiL AB members networking at an outdoor evening event.
🌿 Networking Night

Connections That Last

An outdoor networking evening where CIWiL AB women forge the partnerships, friendships, and alliances that carry the movement forward.

Want to be part of the next event?

✦   Empowering Women to Lead   ✦

Firehouse Grill Evening

Part 2 of our initiative to empower women to lead and take their rightful place in decision-making spaces — held on a Saturday night at Firehouse Grill, 2026. The enthusiasm and support of every woman in the room truly exceeded all expectations and inspired us all.

Special thanks to our wonderful facilitators — Shayna Edwards & Deon Grannum

CIWiL AB members group photo at Firehouse Grill Evening 2026
✦ CIWiL AB · Firehouse Grill 2026

Sisterhood in Full Bloom

CIWiL AB women — bold, brilliant, and united — gathered for a night of empowerment, connection, and leadership that reminded every woman in the room of her rightful place.

CIWiL AB members standing in a group at Firehouse Grill
🎉 Celebration

Rising Together

Women standing tall — ready to lead from the front.

Facilitator and member in conversation at Firehouse Grill 2026
🎙️ Facilitation

In Conversation

Every voice matters — every story is leadership.

Speaker standing and addressing attendees
💡 Leadership

Her Voice, Her Power

Members in introduction circle at event
🤝 Community

Building Connections

Facilitator presenting in orange dress
🎙️ Presenting

Commanding the Room

Women seated at the Firehouse Grill evening event
🌟 Engaged

Women Ready to Lead

Every seat filled with purpose — women absorbing, learning, and rising.

Facilitators Shayna Edwards and Deon Grannum
⭐ Facilitators

Shayna & Deon

Shayna Edwards & Deon Grannum — thank you for your wonderful facilitation.

Member presenting and sharing her story at Firehouse Grill 2026
🎤 Sharing Stories

Her Story, Her Truth

Women standing in a circle at Firehouse Grill 2026
🌸 Together

Standing Strong

Speaker addressing attendees under warm light at Firehouse Grill
💡 Wisdom

Light & Leadership

Wide view of women seated at the Firehouse Grill event gathering
✨ Community

A Room Full of Power

Full room of women at the event
Full Room
Wide tent view at Firehouse Grill event
Under the Tent
Row of women seated at the event
In the Audience
Four women seated at a table
Sisterhood Moments
Four women taking a selfie at the event
Smiles & Selfies
Group of women waving and celebrating
🙌 Joy

Hands Up for Leadership!

Close-up group photo of CIWiL AB women
👑 Sisterhood

United & Unstoppable

Two women smiling together at the event
💛 Friends

Bonds That Last

"Being part of the CIWiL National Chapter is more than just being a part of a women's group. It's a community dedicated to transformational leadership, mentorship, and amplifying women's voices where it matters most."

— CIWiL AB · Firehouse Grill Evening 2026

🎂   Celebrating Our Members   🎂

Celebrating Women

Every member of CIWiL AB is a woman worth celebrating. Each month we shine a light on the birthdays of our sisterhood — because your leadership deserves to be honoured all year round.

Loading this month's celebrants…
Not a Member Yet? Join Us

🔎 Find My Name

Search for your name below and add your date of birth so we never miss celebrating you. This information is used only for the CIWiL AB birthday feature and is visible only in summary (name + month/day) once added.

📋 Submit a Membership Request

If you believe you are a CIWiL AB member but your name isn't in our system, please fill in the details below. An Executive member will review and confirm your membership within a few business days.

✦   Member Training Series   ✦

Public Speaking Training

A four level advocacy and public speaking workshop series exclusively for CIWiL AB members in good standing — facilitated by Barbara Arrindell in partnership with CIWiL AB.

📍 Caribbean Tours, 1st Fl. John E. St. Luce Finance & Conference Center, Factory Road  |  FREE for Members

Level 1 — Part 1 of 4
Public Speaking Training — ✅ Part 1 Completed
📅Saturday, 16th May 2026 — Part 1 ✅ Completed
🕡6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
👥Capacity: 15 Members
✅ Part 1 Completed — Register for Part 2
Level 2 — Part 2 of 4
Public Speaking Training — Continuation
📅Tuesday, 15th September 2026
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
👥Capacity: 15 Members
📅 Registration Open — 15 Sep 2026
Level 3 — Part 3 of 4
Public Speaking Training — Continuation
📅⏳ Date: To Be Announced
Time: To Be Announced
👥Capacity: 15 Members
⏳ Date To Be Announced
Level 4
Public Speaking Training
📅Date & Time: TBA
👥Capacity: 15 Members
Registration opens soon for members in good standing.
⏳ Coming Soon

Our Newsletter

Stay informed, inspired, and connected with CIWiL AB.

Get in Touch

Contact CIWiLAB

Whether you want to join, partner with us, attend an event, or simply learn more, we would love to hear from you.

ciwilabnationalchapter@gmail.com

📲 Follow & Connect

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CIWiL AB Initiative  ·  Est. 2020

Young Women
in Leadership

Shaping the next generation of Caribbean women leaders

✦ ✦ ✦
2020 Founded
2026 Current Cohort
AB Antigua & Barbuda
7 Committees
Where It All Began

YWiL AB 2020 — The Founding Cohort

❋ ❋ ❋

The pioneering young women who first said yes — stepping into parliament, boardrooms, and community spaces to learn what leadership truly looks like from the inside.

"
Every movement begins with a first cohort brave enough to go first. The YWiL AB Class of 2020 were those women for Antigua and Barbuda.
— YWiL AB, CIWiL Antigua & Barbuda Chapter
2020 Year Founded
1st Cohort in A&B
Parliament Session
CIWiL Regional Network
🏛️

Parliamentary Immersion

The founding cohort walked into the chambers of the Antigua and Barbuda Parliament and took their seats — not as visitors, but as future leaders experiencing governance firsthand. That moment set the standard for every YWiL AB cohort that followed.

🤝

Sisterhood Built to Last

Across workshops, debates, and shared milestones, these young women forged bonds that have carried well beyond the programme. The 2020 cohort proved that sisterhood and ambition are not just compatible — they are inseparable.

🌿

A Legacy Already Growing

From that first cohort, the seeds of change were planted. Their participation laid the groundwork for the YWiL AB programme to grow, attract sponsors, welcome new cohorts, and become the flagship CIWiL AB initiative it is today.

YWiL AB Journey
2020
Founding Cohort — 1st YWiL AB programme launches in Antigua & Barbuda
2026
2nd Cohort — Parliamentary Debate Training & Leadership Workshops
Next
Applications open — the next generation of YWiL AB leaders is coming
✦   Class of 2020 — Thank you for going first   ✦

📖 Fempreneur Fund Impact History

Three cohorts, three entrepreneurs, growing impact across Antigua & Barbuda. Here is what each award helped build.

Lania Bynoe, 3rd Cohort 2026 winner

Lania Bynoe — 3rd Cohort, 2026

💰 EC$10,000.00 — the largest award in the Fund's history

Presented 13th August 2026. Details of how this award has been put to use in her business, and its impact on the community, will be added here as they are documented by CIWiL AB.

Gayno Samuel, 2nd Cohort 2025 winner

Gayno Samuel — Suga Pan Site, 2nd Cohort, 2025

💰 EC$6,900.00

Details of how this award has been put to use in her business, and its impact on the community, will be added here as they are documented by CIWiL AB.

Sharon Brusch, 1st Cohort 2024 winner

Sharon Brusch — Needful Tinz, 1st Cohort, 2024

💰 EC$6,000.00

Details of how this award has been put to use in her business, and its impact on the community, will be added here as they are documented by CIWiL AB.

📌 Help us complete this history! CIWiL AB is gathering photos and stories showing exactly how each Fempreneur Fund award was put to work, and its impact on the community and give back. If you have details or photos for Lania, Gayno, or Sharon, please share them with the executive team, or via the CIWiL AB Facebook page, so they can be added here.
About the Programme

Nurturing Future Leaders Across the Caribbean

The Young Women in Leadership Antigua & Barbuda (YWiL AB) programme is a flagship initiative of CIWiL Antigua & Barbuda, designed to identify, train, and empower young women between the ages of 18 and 25 to become the next generation of transformational leaders in the Caribbean.

Through mentorship, skills training, civic education, and community engagement, YWiL AB equips young women with the tools, confidence, and networks they need to lead in government, business, civil society, and community life.

Alumnae of the programme carry their YWiL experience forward as lifelong advocates for gender equity and women's leadership, supporting every CIWiL AB initiative and inspiring those who follow in their footsteps.

🎓
Leadership Training

Structured workshops in public speaking, governance, civic engagement, and strategic leadership.

🤝
Mentorship Network

Matched with experienced women leaders across sectors for guidance, support, and professional growth.

💡
Initiative Pitching

Every Cohort 2026 member agrees to and pitches their first leadership initiative to CIWiL AB.

🌿
Caribbean Sisterhood

A community of women committed to uplifting each other and championing gender equity across the region.

Our Cohorts

A Legacy of Leaders

Each YWiL AB cohort represents a new chapter in our story of empowerment, advocacy, and sisterhood across Antigua and Barbuda.

2020

Cohort 2020 — The Pioneers

The founding cohort of YWiL AB — bold young women who took their seats in the parliament of Antigua and Barbuda and launched a movement for the next generation of women leaders.

Parliamentary Immersion Leadership Training Community Action
2026
🌳

Cohort 2026 — The Rising

The 2026 cohort brings fresh energy, creativity, and purpose to CIWiL AB. Each member is required to agree to their first initiative and pitch it directly to CIWiL AB — their leadership journey begins now.

Initiative Pitching Fempreneur Fund HER LEAD Newsletter
👑

YWiL Alumnae — The Vanguard

YWiL Alumnae are lifelong members of the CIWiL AB family. They are required to actively support all CIWiL AB initiatives, mentoring the next cohort and championing women's leadership across every sphere of Caribbean society.

Alumni Network Mentorship CIWiL AB Support
Your Next Step

Ready to Lead?

Joining YWiL AB is your gateway to a transformational leadership experience. Here is how to become part of the movement.

1

Apply Online

Complete the YWiL AB application form. Tell us who you are, why you want to lead, and which committees inspire you most.

2

Get Welcomed

Receive your official welcome from CIWiL AB and connect with your new sisterhood of Caribbean women leaders.

3

Lead & Inspire

Pitch your first initiative, join your committee, attend events, and begin your journey as a Caribbean woman leader.

Open to young women aged 18–25 in Antigua & Barbuda

💳

Confirm Payment

📅

Membership Years

Tick each year this member was active. Gaps are allowed — e.g. active 2024–2025, opted out 2026, rejoined 2027.

🌟 CIWiL & YWiL Member Registry

CIWiL Antigua and Barbuda · Executive Dashboard · YWiL EC$50  |  CIWiL EC$135

EC$0
Total Received
# Full Name DOB Email Phone Parish Committees Fee Amount Received Payment Status Actions

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