The 2025 Mary Prince Women’s Entrepreneurial and Leadership Conference is back next month.

The event offers an immersive two-day masterclass led by Ibukun Awosika, a global entrepreneur and the first female chairman of First Bank of Nigeria.

“Last year, we created a moment,” said Dana Selassie, the founder and conference director of MPWELC. “This year, we are building a movement.”

Dr Selassie said the conference was a sacred invitation for women in Bermuda and across the diaspora to gather, reflect, reset and rise.

“It is for the woman who knows she is meant for more and is ready for the blueprint to not only scale her business, but scale her life,” she said.

Last year’s inaugural event was made possible through sponsorship from the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and United Nations Women Caribbean through the Buy Back Equal initiative.

“This year we also welcome and appreciate the support of the Corporation of Hamilton, and look forward to a powerful two-day event at Pier Six,” an event spokesman said.

Organisers have extended an open call to the corporate sector, community organisations and women-led businesses to join as partners in this expanding movement.

“We invite companies, especially those committed to elevating women in leadership, to purchase leadership tables and invest in their staff’s development,” Dr Selassie said. “This is more than professional development; it is a leadership reset that participants bring back to their teams, their boards and their communities.”

Women’s organisations, community groups and non-profit boards are also encouraged to facilitate space and support for their members to attend, especially women in leadership roles.

Patrina O’Connor-Paynter, Bermuda’s former International Woman of the Year, reflected on last year’s event,

She said: “[Ms] Awosika is phenomenal. Her journey is truly inspiring and her wisdom is unmatched.”

Last year’s conference left Ms O’Connor-Paynter feeling inspired, encouraged and empowered.

The conference will mark the official launch of Girls in Film, Tech, Entertainment and Design, a charitable initiative designed to empower the next generation of creative and tech-driven young women.

Targeting girls aged 13 to 17, the programme offers early mentorship and hands-on training in industries where female leadership is still emerging and under represented.

As part of the launch, Ms Awosika will lead a special leadership session with the Gifted participants, helping them build the mindset and confidence to lead from a young age.

The event will be held from August 7-8 at Pier 6.

For conference registration or to apply to be a part of the Gifted programme, click here.