A businesswoman aims to empower others at a leadership conference next month.

Judy E. Ming grew up in Devonshire but moved to Washington DC 22 years ago to pursue her education. She is now the president and managing director of NJI Ltd., and lives in Atlanta.

Despite running a successful business in the US, Mrs. Ming is coming back to her home country in September to pass on her knowledge to others.

Earlier this year she organised the Bermuda Leadership Summit and, from September 28-30, the Bermuda Leadership Summit II will be held at Grotto Bay Beach Resort.

The conference — which Mrs. Ming hopes will become an annual event — includes workshops for young entrepreneurs on setting up a business on the Internet and increasing website traffic.

A key theme however, is the empowerment of women by encouraging them to become more financially independent.

Mrs. Ming, 54, a financial accounting consultant, said: "It's important for the young women and older women of Bermuda to build up financial skills in case something happens, so they can take care of themselves financially.

Also, through becoming more financially empowered, it is better for the woman and the man.

"It's not difficult, it's just learning the right skills and I'll be discussing how to build wealth, such as through stocks and bonds, investing in the stock market and in real estate."

On Tuesday Mrs. Ming addressed the Hamilton Rotary Club, sharing her vision for empowering entrepreneurs and leaders. She has a Master's degree in Business Administration but is also a master at networking and leadership skills.

"Leadership has always been a very passionate topic of mine," she said. "When working in corporate Bermuda in the '80s and '90s I was never really aware of the company's objectives.

"I was given duties to complete and deadlines that had to be met but never the big pictures as to what the company was trying to achieve. I was always asking questions and observing the individuals that were in leadership roles.

"I was always aware that I had the ability to be a great team members and one day leading my own team to accomplish my objectives."

While studying for her MBA and running the financial side of her husband's company she began to join networking groups to learn leadership skills "to tap into Corporate America".

Attending meetings with speakers such as Colin Powell and Rudy Giuliani, she decided to create a "dynamic team with bright, skilful and knowledgeable individuals" to transfer leadership skills to others.

Speaking at the conference next month — entitled 'Empower Your Leaders' — are Joey Smith, Ann Preston, Bruce Towers, Katonya Smith, Steven Rosh, Kim Scouller and Suzanne Graff.

Guest speaker Tom Mathews, senior vice chairman of the World Financial Group, an AEGON company, will also speak on Sunday, September 30, at the Empowerment Workshop for Men and Women.

For more information contact: www.bermudaleadershipsummit.com. Tickets are available at Locomotion, Washington Mall.