About Us
The Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG) founded by Mrs. Lyndell Danzie-Black and Mrs. Kerensa Gravesande-Bart in June 2019, is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to creating a collective voice for women and assisting women to achieve success and economic independence through business ownership and self-employment.
WCCIG advocates for and actively works to create equal and fair business opportunities by fostering an environment that nurtures the growth of women-owned and women-led businesses in Guyana. We work to propel and support the success of our members through network building, collaboration and capacity building, sensitization, educational resources, and advocacy in various areas.
The Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Guyana encourages its members to strive for not only local standards but also to international standards and become certified to benefit equitably from procurement opportunities from major purchasing entities and certified minority and women suppliers. The Women’s Chamber membership includes women that reflect diversity in both
ethnicity, industry and business stages.
Our Mission
A nonprofit business organization of empowered and diverse women dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women through avenues of leadership, education, advocacy, and mentoring.
Our Vision
To provide opportunities and visibility for women in business through relationship building, personal and professional development, education, mentorship, partnership and alliances.
Our Founders
Lyndell Danzie-Black, BA (Hons.), MSc.
Lyndell DANZIE-BLACK serves the business community through her strong voice for the rights of women and entrepreneurs; her story is ‘the Caribbean story’ – strong moral values, a working-class upbringing, and a family focus on poverty alleviation through education and building strong relationships.
A multi-award winner and recent recipient of the 2023 Powerhouse Global Leadership Award, the Caribbean Global Business Influencer Award 2023, the Women4Africa 2022 International Recognition “Change Maker” Award in the United Kingdom; and the 2022 President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Award; the Small Business Bureau – Networking Master Award 2022; the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry –Entrepreneur Excellence Award 2021 and Small Business Bureau Award for Service 2022.The Managing Director of Cerulean Inc. – a Business Development, Corporate Training and Business Consulting firm based in Guyana since 2012. Lyndell is a certified ILO International Trainer and Co-Founder of the first in the Caribbean – Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Guyana and the Co-creator of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award and the Women Leadership Program, Lyndell continues to blaze the trails for women
internationally. Lyndell is a farmer, and loves the outdoors, family, youth development and the environment
Kerensa Gravesande-Bart
Meet Kerensa Gravesande-Bart, better known as Kerri, a dynamic force shaping Guyana’s entrepreneurial scene with her unwavering determination and visionary leadership.
As a trailblazer in Guyana’s business landscape, Gravesande-Bart’s narrative is not just one of personal success but also profound influence and inspiration. Her role as a first-generation female entrepreneur in Guyana has paved the way for others, demonstrating the potential for success against the odds.
As a devoted mother of two and a passionate Entrepreneur Enthusiast, Kerri brings a fresh perspective to the business world. Alongside her husband, Lloyd Bart, she has co-founded two thriving companies that have left an indelible mark on the Oil and Gas industry.
From her leadership at Strategic Recruitment Solutions Inc, Gravesande-Bart’s innovative leadership is exemplified by her creation and subsequent sale of the company within five years, with an estimated annual GY$800M Gross Revenue, is a testament to her strategic vision and execution prowess. This milestone is a clear indicator of her ability to identify opportunities, create value, and lead ventures to successful outcomes. In addition to her ongoing success at Symmetry Brokerage and Logistics, Kerri’s ventures have set the standard for excellence with ISO certification and operations spanning Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, and the USA.
Beyond her business prowess, Kerri is a catalyst in empowering women in business. As the Co-Creator and Former President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Guyana, she has paved the way for female entrepreneurs in Guyana, earning accolades like the esteemed and inaugural “Women in Business Award” from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2018.
With over 15 years of diverse experience spanning business development, quality management, and HR, Kerri’s expertise knows no bounds. Her international exposure in the energy sector has honed her skills in organizational management, system optimization, and HR strategy development, making her a sought-after expert in her field.
Driven by a passion for continuous growth, Kerri is set to share her wealth of knowledge in her upcoming book on Corporate Governance Guidelines for Entrepreneurs, slated for release in May 2024.
Determined to influence and shape an innovative business landscape in Guyana, Kerri has dedicated her time to serving as a Councillor on the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chair of the Membership and Diversity Committee, leading initiatives like the Women in Law Enforcement Summit, a collaborative undertaking involving the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Guyana Police Force, and the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She has further championed inclusivity initiatives, like the first Pride Month Mixer at the Chamber with the intent to foster a diverse and inclusive business community.
Our Leadership
Ms. Rowena Elliot
President
Mrs. Aysha Khan
Vice President
Ms. Shamela John
Treasurer
Ms. Josephine Tapp
Secretary
Ms. Shevion Sears
Senior Director of Membership
Mrs. Martina Johnson
Senior Director of Public Relations
