In observance of International Women’s Day on March 8, more than 150 women gathered at the John E. St. Luce Conference Centre for the 4th Annual VIP Women’s Conference, hosted by Antiguan author, counsellor and consultant Koren Norton.
The brunch-themed conference brought together women from diverse backgrounds for a day focused on flourishing, confidence and connection, with engaging presentations, powerful storytelling and live entertainment designed to inspire personal growth and empowerment.
The conference opened with an unconventional and symbolic introduction by Dr. Monica Osborne-Stevens, who presented a written piece accompanied by a visual demonstration of planting a seed and nurturing it into growth. The presentation set the tone for the day’s discussions, highlighting the importance of patience, care and community in personal development.
One of the highlights of the conference was the return of Antigua and Barbuda’s Jubilee Queen of Carnival and Jaycees Queen, Tasheka Lavann, who delivered an emotional and inspiring address. Lavann reflected on her personal journey of healing, resilience and overcoming adversity. Her message encouraged women to reject limitations placed on them by others and to recognise their own worth, even in the face of challenges.
Independent senator Jamilla Kirwan, the second featured speaker, addressed the theme of “Connections.” Drawing on her personal experiences as a mother of two and a cancer survivor, Kirwan emphasised the importance of having a supportive network. She credited her recovery journey to the women who stood beside her during difficult moments, from accompanying her to chemotherapy sessions to helping care for her children, underscoring the power of community and the importance of building a strong personal village.
The final guest speaker, Jamaican engineer and digital content creator Juliet Bodley, known online as “Julie Mango,”spoke on the theme of confidence. Bodley shared deeply personal stories about challenges she faced both professionally and personally, including moments when she questioned her own self-belief. Through perseverance, healing and renewed purpose, she eventually found her voice through content creation and international speaking engagements, including TEDx platforms.
Her powerful testimony resonated strongly with the audience, prompting emotional responses and standing ovations as attendees connected with the shared experiences of growth, resilience and self-discovery.
Entertainment throughout the event was provided by performers Zahra Airall, Karen Brooks and Kelly Richardson, whose musical and spoken-word performances added energy and inspiration to the programme.
Norton and her organising team reaffirmed their commitment to creating spaces where women can connect, collaborate and recharge through empowerment-focused initiatives such as the VIP Women’s Conference.
Plans are already underway for the 5th Annual VIP Women’s Conference, scheduled for 2027, with many attendees expressing their intention to return for what organisers described as a transformative and uplifting experience.
