WIE Conference drives women in synergy
AS INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day approaches, professional women alongside the women of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) were at the edge of their seats last Thursday as they prepared for the second exciting staging of Women In Energy (WIE) Conference.
WIE believes in the upliftment and empowerment of female professionals in the energy sector, women in male-dominated fields, and simply women in general. Their theme, ‘Doing Power Differently’, speaks to their desire to see women owning their power, while recognising that it may be different from the traditional ‘right way to lead’ or the ‘appropriate way to act powerfully’.
MEN AMONG THE CROWD
In the very diverse crowd, there were several men mingling with the women, showing that this year’s conference promises to be bigger and better in creating synergy among the genders.
In addition to their boldness for change, WIE has invited an allmale panel who will share their perspectives on female leadership and how the genders can grow and develop together. The panel of five includes Chief Operating Officer of RJRGleaner Communications Group Christopher Barnes and Chief Executive Officer of Jamaica Energy Partners Wayne McKenzie.
Growing up with a sister who was superior in intellect and demonstrated very early that she could hold her own in a Jamaican, male-dominated workforce, Barnes was conditioned very early to accept that females could, and did, excel in the workplace.
“My professional career started overseas, where workplace diversity and gender equality already existed and were celebrated. My mindset and management skills have been honed in cultures which were very accepting of women in leadership positions. I have worked for female executives at the highest level in the organisation. I harbour no notion of bias or prejudice against female leadership in the workplace. Good leadership is what motivates me,” he expressed.
McKenzie, on the other hand, shares with Flair that he intends to speak on the energies of women and how powerful their contributions can be to society. He believes that women play an important role in not only the mind but in the country’s development of service.
The inspiring event is scheduled to start on Thursday at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel and promises to be a once-in-alifetime experience that should not be missed.