Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Kiz Johnson, joined dozens of women Saturday morning for a Public Speaking and Personal Branding Masterclass under the Directorate of Gender Affairs' Emerging Female Leaders Programme, reaffirming the government's commitment to equipping women with the tools to lead across every sphere of national life.
The session, held at the Harrison Centre, brought together women from varying professional backgrounds for an interactive morning of self-reflection, skill-building, and networking. Two facilitators led the programme — Patrice Martin, Brand Engagement Associate at Caribbean Union Bank, and Ann-Marie Layne, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Johnson said the programme reflects a broader vision for gender equity in Antigua and Barbuda. "Our commitment is to create a society where opportunities are determined by merit, talent, hard work, and vision — not by stereotypes, outdated perceptions, or systems that favour some while excluding others," she said.
Master of Ceremonies Jeressa Jeremy opened the first session by guiding participants through an icebreaker, asking each woman to describe herself in one word. Responses ranged from "impactful" to "becoming," "tenacious," "resilient," and "bold."
Martin challenged the notion that personal branding belongs only to corporations. "Personal branding is a deliberate practice of defining and communicating your unique values, skills, and core values to the public," she told participants. "It is a process of taking control of your narratives so that you are recognised, trusted, and remembered in your specific industry or community."
Drawing on her experience as a media personality, Martin urged participants to invest in their craft, maintain their digital presence, and confront the fear of judgement that often limits professional growth. "The fear of judgement tends to prevent us from stretching forward and becoming great," she said. "But what if we flip the switch and say, I can."
Director General Layne focused her remarks on authenticity and professional presence. "Sometimes when we are walking in our purpose, when we are being our authentic selves, we give other people permission to be their authentic selves," she said. Layne also encouraged participants to examine the purpose behind their professional choices — to ask themselves why they show up the way they do each day.
"Confidence doesn't need to be the prettiest one in the room," Layne said. "Confidence says I belong here. Nobody has to give you permission to be here. That permission comes from you."
Minister Johnson closed the morning by reaffirming her ministry's dedication to the programme. "Every woman should have an equal opportunity to lead, to innovate, to influence, and to succeed," she said. "We will continue creating opportunities that equip women and young women with the skills, networks, confidence, and platforms necessary to excel in every sphere of national life."
