Empower Her: Belizean Women Step Boldly Into Leadership

Women across Belize are breaking long-standing barriers and claiming their place in boardrooms, businesses, and leadership roles once dominated by men.

Today in Belize City, the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) hosted its third Empower Her Symposium, bringing together dozens of female entrepreneurs, executives, and aspiring leaders for two days of mentorship, networking, and skills training.

“It’s a two-day event that covers topics essential for women to grow in their careers, businesses, or whichever endeavors they’re pursuing,” said Sarita Bejerano, Manager of the Belize Training and Employment Center. Sessions focused on emotional intelligence, health and wellness, transformational leadership, and financial empowerment, along with a featured fireside chat with Marleni Cuellar.

Susan Ferguson, Executive Director of the Belize Emergency Response Team, shared her personal journey. After leaving school at 17 due to teenage pregnancy, Ferguson said she was determined not to become just another statistic. “I went back, finished my diploma, earned my degree, and last week I graduated with my master’s,” she said.

Now leading one of the country’s critical emergency response organizations, Ferguson says empowerment means building support systems to continue serving communities and saving lives.

Dr. Maxcine McKay of the University of Belize emphasized that women’s contributions should be recognized year-round. “Women are critical in all sectors of society. We need to ensure they continue taking up spaces — in government, in health, and in the media,” she said.

Organizers say the Empower Her initiative is already making an impact. According to Bejerano, approximately 150 women have been trained through the program, building networks of mentorship and stepping confidently into leadership roles.