Amani Youth Foundation Hosts Largest Teen Girls Summit with CIBC as Leading Sponsor
- NewslineTCI
- 34 minutes ago
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National Summit Champions Equality, Equity and Opportunity for Approximately 250 Girls
The Amani Youth Foundation successfully hosted its 4th Annual Teen Girls Community Awareness Empowerment Summit on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos.
Held under the theme “Empowered Girls, Limitless Futures,” the summit brought together approximately 250 girls from schools and communities throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands for a day of mentorship, education, leadership development and personal growth.
The event was the largest gathering of teen girls of its kind in the country and focused on promoting equality, equity and opportunity. Participants received access to positive role models, practical guidance and empowering messages designed to strengthen their confidence and encourage them to pursue their goals.
For the fourth consecutive year, CIBC Caribbean served as the summit’s leading sponsor, demonstrating its continued commitment to youth development and the advancement of girls and young women.
Terrance Gibson, Country Head for The Bahamas and former Country Head for the Turks and Caicos Islands at CIBC Caribbean, officially declared the summit open. During his remarks, he reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to initiatives that promote confidence, leadership, equality and empowerment.
Founder and President of the Amani Youth Foundation, Dr. Cutella Talbot, said the summit was created to ensure that girls from every background have access to encouragement, information, mentorship and opportunity.
“This summit was about equality, equity and opportunity,” Dr. Talbot said. “Every girl deserves the chance to succeed, but we also recognize that some girls may require additional support, resources and mentorship to access those opportunities.”
She added that the summit has developed into a growing national movement focused on helping girls understand their worth, strengthen their voices and prepare for leadership.
Girl Up Leadership Programme Launched
A major milestone of the 2026 summit was the official launch of the Girl Up Leadership Programme, an Amani Youth Foundation initiative designed to extend the impact of the summit throughout the year.
The programme will provide mentorship, leadership training, confidence-building, personal development and community involvement opportunities for girls.
“The summit inspires our girls, but the Girl Up Leadership Programme will allow us to continue walking alongside them,” Dr. Talbot said. “It will provide a structured platform where girls can develop their leadership potential and become agents of positive change.”
Powerful Voices Inspire Participants
The summit featured local, regional and international speakers who shared personal experiences, professional guidance and messages of encouragement.
Keynote speakers included Hon. Akierra Missick, former Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Minister of Home Affairs; Dr. Ruth Plummer, Chief Executive Officer of the Covenant Daughters Television Network; and entrepreneur Cyprianna Jalesa Jackson.
A major highlight was the participation of Suzan Snaggs Wilson, Managing Director of Scotiabank Turks and Caicos, who led one of the summit’s panel discussions.
Panelists included Farrah Grant, Miss International TCI; Ashley Adams, Director of the Department of Children and Family Services; Selena Grant, Miss Supranational TCI; Elisann Delancy, Deputy Director of Education; Valerie Williams of LoveSmart Inc.; Courtney Lucas of Nurturing Excellence; CIBC banker Janae Rolle; Aaliyah Elliott, founder of Courage of the Conch; entrepreneur Angelica Pierre; and Easher Parker, Creative Director and Digital Communications Strategist.
The programme was moderated by Lavenia Bishop, with an additional contribution from performing artist Aleta Astwood.
Discussions addressed confidence, education, healthy decision-making, entrepreneurship, resilience, self-worth, leadership and overcoming adversity.
Summit Reaches International Audiences
The summit was professionally recorded in partnership with the Covenant Daughters Television Network and aired internationally on July 25, 2026.
The broadcast extended the summit’s message beyond the Turks and Caicos Islands and highlighted the voices, talents and potential of girls and women from the country.
“This was more than a one-day event,” Dr. Talbot said. “The broadcast showed international audiences that the Turks and Caicos Islands are intentionally investing in their girls.”
A Community United Behind Its Girls
The success of the summit was made possible through the collective support of corporate sponsors, government departments, professional organizations, media partners, community groups and individuals.
In addition to CIBC Caribbean, the summit’s leading sponsor for the fourth consecutive year, support was provided by:
Scotiabank; British Caribbean Bank; Royal Bank of Canada; Turks and Caicos Banking Company; Global Capital; AIB; Cairsea Services Ltd.; HLB TCI Ltd.; InterHealth Canada; Grace Bay Medical Centre; Carolina Medical; KB Home; Norstar Group Ltd.; Projetech; PTS Equipment; Island Drilling Ltd.; Provo Stevedoring; Tropical Shipping; Tropical Tires; Provo Water Company; King Ocean Services; Reliable Electrical Solutions; Island Bargains; Graceway IGA; Ports of Call Resort; Wymara Resort and Villas; Pine Cay Turks and Caicos; Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos; Beaches Turks and Caicos; Ocean Club Resorts; Island Escapes; Provo Travel Ltd.; interCaribbean Airways; Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty; Bain Car Rentals and Sales; Goldsmith; Ironshore Security; Kenard Cruises; Casablanca Casino; Chinson’s Grill Shack; Sunshine Nursery; Elite Sports; MAYAA; Femme Apparel; On Trends Design Studio; SBC Events; Star Productions; Race for the Conch Eco-SeaSwim; Grace Bay Resorts Foundation; Grace Bay Car Rentals; and Tides Grace Bay.
Valuable government and institutional support was also received from the Turks and Caicos Islands Attorney General’s Chambers, Department of Education, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Youth Affairs and the Turks and Caicos Islands Ports Authority.
Professional, media and community partners included TWA Law, Maroof Law, Misick & Stanbrook, Conservative Architects, Parkway Pest Solutions, 88.5FM The Beat, Inspire Radio Show, Miss International TCI, Toussaint Capron and the Turks and Caicos Taxi Association.
The Amani Youth Foundation also acknowledged the personal support of Hon. Rufus Ewing and Hon. Willin Belliard.
The Foundation expressed sincere appreciation to every sponsor and partner that contributed financial assistance, accommodation, transportation, professional services, security, media coverage, event production, resources, prizes and other forms of support.
“Every sponsor became part of a movement that is building confidence, developing leadership and creating opportunities for the next generation of women,” Dr. Talbot said.
The Foundation also expressed special appreciation to CIBC Caribbean for leading the summit for four consecutive years and helping it grow into one of the country’s most significant youth empowerment initiatives.