GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Library successfully hosted its inaugural Becoming HER event, an empowering initiative created to provide young girls with a safe and inspiring space for open conversation, guidance, self-development and personal growth.
Originally planned for a maximum of 15 participants, the event welcomed 20 young ladies, exceeding expectations and highlighting the interest and need for initiatives of this nature within the community.
The event was made possible with the support of Monalysa, which generously sponsored the venue and provided a welcoming environment for the participants, panelists and volunteers.
The panelists at the “Becoming HER” Girls Empowerment and Inspirational Forum were Cheryl Dangleben York, an administrative assistant, Distinguished Toastmaster, international speaker and Rotary president-elect; Sjamira Roseburg, Member of Parliament, attorney-at-law and entrepreneur; Nakeesha Carty, founder, mentor, podcast host and human resources professional; and Tamara Leonard, businesswoman, author, mentor and former Member of Parliament. The discussion was moderated by Makayla Cooks, a high school leader, volunteer and aspiring marketing manager.
Throughout the program, the young ladies were able to engage directly with the panelists in meaningful conversations surrounding personal growth, confidence, life experiences, decision-making and the challenges young women face while navigating adolescence and adulthood.
One of the major highlights of the event was the level of engagement between the panelists and participants. What was initially planned as a structured discussion quickly developed into a deeper and more personal exchange, with participants confidently asking questions, sharing their thoughts and seeking advice.
Both the panelists and participants expressed a strong desire for another event of this nature, noting that there were many important topics and questions that deserved more time and a deeper discussion.
Lead Event Coordinator D’shnay Mathew York shared that the success of the event reinforced the importance of creating consistent spaces for young women to feel heard, supported and encouraged.
“Seeing how engaged the girls were and how comfortable they became asking questions showed us that this type of event is needed. There were so many conversations that we could have gone even deeper into, and the girls themselves expressed that they wanted more. My goal is for Becoming HER to become an annual event, and the St. Maarten Library and I have already begun working on ways to expand this project beyond St. Maarten and introduce it to other Caribbean islands.”
The success of Becoming HER represents more than a single event. It marks the beginning of what organizers hope will become a growing regional initiative focused on mentorship, empowerment, education and creating safe spaces for young Caribbean women.
The St. Maarten Library extends its appreciation to Monalysa for sponsoring the venue, the panelists for openly sharing their experiences and knowledge, the volunteers who assisted with the event, the parents and guardians who supported the initiative, and most importantly, the 20 participants who brought their energy, honesty and enthusiasm to the program.
Plans are already being discussed for future editions of Becoming HER, including opportunities to expand the program throughout the Caribbean.
About Becoming HER
Becoming HER is a youth empowerment initiative created to encourage young women to develop confidence, embrace their individuality, ask important questions and learn from the experiences of women within their community. Through conversation, mentorship and interactive activities, the initiative aims to create a supportive environment where young women can grow into the best versions of themselves.
