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(EDITOR’S NOTE: Deborah Andersson-Pratt, who wrote a column for The Freeport News when I was its editor from 2003 to 2009, posted a collection of photos taken at her “Women’s Empowerment Event” and I absolutely had to share some of them and the accompanying narrative as a Guest Commentary with readers of my Washington, D.C. – based online publication, BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean
GUEST COMMENTARY: BY DEBORAH ANDERSON-PRATT
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, January 29, 2024 — I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude after successfully hosting my 5th annual Women’s Empowerment Event yesterday, under the theme, “Becoming More In 2024!”
What started out at the end of 2019as an idea to host an event to uplift the spirits of women on Grand Bahama because of all that we experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian has turned into five years of empowering women and has grown from about 50 women in the room to nearly 150 women yesterday. We even had four ladies who travelled to Grand Bahama to be at yesterday’s conference
“Becoming More In 2024” was much more than I could have ever imagined, but all that I would have wished for, to be truly impactful for the women in attendance. There were ladies in the room shedding tears and the testimonies are still coming in. To God be all the glory!
Thanks to our phenomenal speakers: Anastarcia Palacious, Glennett Fowler, Caline Newton, and Dr. Tiadra Johnson, who were all so transparent and sincere in sharing their wealth of knowledge with us.
Thanks to Kaylisa Kemp of Beauty Call By. K. Simone and Barronette Thomas of Ashes Loft for sharing tips and professional advice with the ladies on Skincare and Makeup, and Fashion, in their private sessions.
Thanks to La’Verne Gardiner of “Hey Sis” for her encouragement to the ladies. Check out her motivations on Hey Sis Empowerment & Resource Centre for Women every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
A very special thank you once again to my lifetime partner in hosting these Women’s Empowerment Events, the “Hostess with the Mostess,” Allison Levarity. Thanks for your buy in, advice, and encouragement along the way and for always bringing the fun.
Thanks to all of the ladies who invested in themselves to learn and grow and become more in 2024 and thanks to the companies that supported by investing in their employees. A very special thank you to the ladies who traveled overseas to be at the conference yesterday.
Special thanks to all of the sponsors who helped to make this event the success that it was. They are listed on the flyer below.
A hearty thank you to my husband, daughters, and extended family and friends for their support and assistance in preparing for and working at the event. Truly appreciate you all.
CREDITS:
- Logo, flyers, and all graphic work done by my daughter Danielle Davis, Envision Designs Co.
- T-Shirts by Trinity Printing Services
- Photo Back Drop- Trenise Ranger of Flawless Occasions
- Photo Booth- Shevonne M. Munroe, 360 Capture Events
- Voice over recordings for intros at event- Shasheena Rolle-Farquharson of ZNS
HERE ARE SOME RAVE REVIEWS ON THE EVENT:
SHAVONE JOSEPH
A time was had yesterday!!! God spoke to me through each speaker and in some special moments. Thank you to Deborah Anderson Pratt for an awesome event and to my bestie of 37 years, Cody Bowleg for making sure I was in the room!
This year has already been amazing for me… God has really been showing up for me, stretching me and blowing my mind! Yesterday was confirmation that the best is yet to come!
January has been my metamorphosis month. I’ve gotten bolder, my faith has increased and I have peace! I’ve learned to accept love and good things. For so long I would believe or dwell on the negative things that were said to me or about me. But this woman here… She’s worthy of all the blessings that’s coming her way… The love, joy, financial freedom, friendships, accolades, blessings and abundant life!!
Shavone IS and HAS more in 2024!!!
LAVERNE HENDERSON
Hat’s off to the one and only Deborah Anderson Pratt, thank you. It was truly an unforgettable experience and God willing worth repeating in 2025.
Without question attending this event was one of the best decisions I made. Surrounded with so many talented women determined to be more and do more this year was truly inspiring.
I’ll treasure the opportunity to have learned from the “Amazing 4” – Anastarcia Palacious, Caline Newton, Glennett Fowler and Dr. Tiadra Johnson all powerful women who shared true life experiences, sound advice and encouragement to strengthen our faith, organize our thoughts, efforts and resources moving forward. At every turn we were encouraged and LaVerne Maynard “Hey Sis” didn’t disappoint.
One final word, Allison Levarity our moderator was absolutely phenomenal she kept us entertained and made it impossible not to enjoy ourselves.
COLLETE WILLIAMS
Kudos to my dear Friend Deborah Anderson Pratt for putting on another inspiring and informative Women’s conference. The Speakers were so transparent about their journey and shared many personal stories the exudes resilience. I don’t think you could of chosen a better panelist of women. They each gave me so much nuggets to create a better version of myself.
The hostess with the most Allison A. Levarity just knows how to get a room turned up. Ally you were fabulous.
Happy I had the opportunity to be in a room with many phenomenal and like minded women. I left there to day feeling energized and ready to Be More In 2024.
