Trainers' Association president Vin Edwards presents a commemorative plaque to pioneering female trainer Eileen Cliggott for her outstanding contribution to the racing industry in a career spanning over 40 years, at Caymanas Park in this file photo. Cliggott will be honoured by the Women Business Owners, at their inaugural Directors Emeritus Luncheon. – Photo by Carlington Wilmot
JAMAICAN WOMEN business trailblazers will be honoured by the Women Business Owners, at their inaugural 'Directors Emeritus Luncheon,' on Wednesday, March 29, at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston.
The 'Directors Emeritus' function is being presented as the WBO's tribute to five of Jamaica's women business trailblazers in recognition of their vision and pioneering work. According to the WBO, these 'women of vision' dared to dream big, took risks at times when their gender posed a problem, and when women dared not enter non traditional business ventures or businesses dominated by men. However, through hard work, determination and perseverance, they have left their indelible mark on the Jamaican economy.
Those who will be honoured at the WBO March 29 luncheon are renowned racehorse trainer and member of the Hall of Fame of Thoroughbred Racing, Eileen Cliggott, creative designer of Dagor Stores and Garment Manufacturing, Daphne Hewett, hotelier of the Mayfair Hotel in Kingston, Sybill Hughes, and quantity surveyor and contractor of VGH Holdings, Ruthlyn Villiers.
POSTHUMOUS AWARD
The WBO will be presenting a posthumous award to the family of Madame Rose Leon, founder of Leon's Beauty Products and School of Beauty. Madame Rose Leon was a pioneer in manufacturing and the first woman to have a product carrying the 'Made in Jamaica' label. She was also the first chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party and the first Jamaican woman to head government ministries for both political parties.
These five women will be named honorary directors of the WBO and, where possible, will be involved in providing leadership and guidance to today's aspiring women business owners.
The Women Business Owners was launched just over two years ago to provide leadership in the development of business owned and operated by women, through education, research and networking. The organisation provides a forum for women who are the principals of their own businesses and intends to influence national economic, financial and social policy directions.
The WBO is headed by Environmental Risk Management Specialist, Mrs. Eleanor Jones.
