YFDN & AWE Summit Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Jamaica

By: WE staff | Friday, 21 November 2025

• YFDN and AWE are hosting a summit for women-led businesses in Jamaica
• Events emphasize themes such as resilience, recovery, and economic empowerment
• The summit is being held under the theme “Valuing Our Women (VOW): Vision, Voice & Venture…Together We Build”

In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the Youth for Development Network is hosting a summit on Resilience, Recovery, and Economic Empowerment for Women-Led Enterprises in Jamaica through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs.

The summit is titled "Valuing Our Women (VOW): Vision, Voice & Venture. Together We Build". The summit is taking place on this Thursday at the Courtyard Hotel by Marriott in Kingston.

Organisers have said the summit is even timelier now, given the damage from Hurricane Melissa which hit communities like Hanover, where many women entrepreneurs were impacted.

The summit will highlight the importance of MSME-led economic recovery and sustainable development in Jamaica, spotlighting women-owned enterprises that need support and resources to build back better.

The keynote address "The Future is Female: Using Data to Build Bold, Sustainable Enterprises in Jamaica and Beyond" will be delivered by Kathryn Silvera, President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

In her presentation, Kathryn will address how data and strategic planning can guide women-owned enterprises to recover, grow and innovate.

Additional activities at the summit will include the AWExhibition featuring 24 women-led businesses from Kingston and Hanover; a masterclass on creating and rebuilding wealth by AWE Jamaica Money Mission Ambassador Kalilah Reynolds; the “Pitch Your AWEsome Dream” competition where 21 finalists will pitch to win USD $1,500, mentorship, and business support; and an innovation session with industry experts on emerging trends in AI, e-commerce, and green entrepreneurship.

There will be additional workshops on self-care, nutrition, business development, and overall well-being. The summit will also invite support of Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, and the two-day summit will conclude with an awards ceremony and reception which will recognize the achievements of the AWE Cohort 4.

YFDN International Director Lucy Kingsley said women entrepreneurs show the resilience and commitment to rebuilding with this positive response after the hurricane.

Organisers said that the VOW 2025 summit is bringing attention to the women contribution and potential in Jamaica’s economic recovery and is an example of supporting Jamaican efforts in building back inclusively.