THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FORUM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (IWFTT) will honour four outstanding daughters of Trinidad and Tobago, at our fourth annual Inspirational Women Awards Gala on Tuesday 30th September 2025. The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain.

The Inspirational Women Awards Gala, is the signature annual event of the International Women’s Forum of Trinidad and Tobago (IWFTT). These Awards are integral to delivering IWFTT’s core purpose: To unite, inspire, and celebrate accomplished women. To advance exemplary leadership, while learning from and supporting each other, and empowering the next generation of women leaders. The nominee’s values should also align with IWFTT’s core values of Aspiration, Commitment, Collaboration, Courage, and Integrity.

ELIGIBILITY

Current IWFTT members are not eligible
Former members of IWFTT are eligible for nomination
Nationals, citizens or residents of Trinidad and Tobago
Posthumous awards will not be considered
Awardees must be present at the awards ceremony

The Gala is hosted annually, and the planning committee is chaired by the Forum’s Vice President with membership of the planning committee comprising of max. 7 other members of the Forum.

AWARD CATEGORIES & CRITERIA

Inspirational Champion of Women Award

The Inspirational Champion of Women Award recognizes an exemplary female leader who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to women’s progress has created lasting change across communities and institutions. Through her visionary leadership, she has not only championed greater participation and representation of women but has also empowered countless individuals to improve the quality of their lives. She has been instrumental in influencing systemic and institutional reforms, networks and programmes that promote and advance women.

Dr. Catherine Minto-Bain (Inspirational Champion of Women Award) – A Fertility Specialist for over 25 years, Catherine is a Bristol University Medical School graduate. She moved to Trinidad and Tobago following her early career at Kings College Hospital and University College London, and has led the TT IVF & Fertility Centre since 2008, bringing over 3,500 healthy babies into the world through IVF, IUI, and other interventions. Under her leadership, the Centre is the only fertility clinic in the region to achieve rigorous European international accreditation. Catherine’s research is published internationally in medical journals and textbooks.

Inspirational Advocate Award

The Inspirational Advocate Award recognizes an exemplary female leader who has, through bold vision and decisive action, has driven meaningful change that redefines norms in her field endeavour. Her leadership style inspires trust, mobilizes people across sectors, and cultivates a shared sense of purpose. With a powerful presence and persuasive influence, she brings others along on the journey, shaping narratives, policies, and priorities. What truly distinguishes her is her commitment to sustainability by laying the foundation for continued progress.

Ms. Suzan Lakhan-Baptiste (Inspirational Advocate Award) – As a founding member and Managing Director of Nature Seekers, Suzan has devoted over 30 years to protecting leatherback turtles, transforming Matura Beach from a poaching hotspot to one of the most productive rookeries in the world. She led community patrols, environmental education, turtle monitoring, and hatchling release programmes. Her advocacy resulted in stronger conservation laws, community involvement, and near elimination of turtle poaching in Matura.

Inspirational Emerging Leader Award

The Inspirational Emerging Leader Award recognizes a woman who stands out for her remarkable leadership ability to translate bold ideas into real-world impact. She has already demonstrated tangible results in her field, addressing challenges with fresh perspectives and business solutions. Her innovative approach breaks conventional boundaries and introduces new methods that elevate both people and outcomes. Her work signals not only potential but promise—a leader on the rise who is already driving progress and inspiring others to think bigger and act with purpose.

Ms. Maya Kirti Nanan (Inspirational Emerging Leader Award) – Founder and Director of the Autism Siblings and Friends Network, Maya began her advocacy at age 12 to fight for inclusivity for her autistic brother and others with special needs. She has mobilised over 5,000 youth volunteers to host inclusive events and established ‘Rahul’s Clubhouse’ , an autism-friendly centre offering developmental programmes, life skills, and sensory-friendly activities. Her work earned her international recognition, including a Queen’s Commonwealth Trust Platinum Jubilee Fund grant, The Diana Award (2020), and being selected as The Commonwealth Young Person of the Year in 2023.

IWFTT launched its inaugural Inspirational Women Awards in 2022 and thus far the following outstanding women have been recognised and celebrated: Former First Lady, Mrs. Zalayhar Hassanali, attorney, Lynette Seebaran-Suite, UWI Professor Emerita Rhoda Reddock, activist, Diana Mahabir-Wyatt, UWI Professor, Rose-Marie Belle Antoine and artist Anika Plowden-Corentin.

Media Circuit

Dr Catherine Minto-Bain’s legacy of care and compassion

The Fertility Pioneer

Turtle defender

Changemaker

The International Women’s Forum Of T&T (IWFTT) Fourth Annual Inspirational Women’s Awards Gala

This year, the IWFTT is celebrating its achievements and charting bold plans for the future. Joining us to share more are Dr. Catherine Minto-Bain, recipient of the IWFTT Inspirational Champion of Women Award, Lisa Agard, President of IWFTT and Chair of the Inspirational Women Awards, and Joanne Salazar, former President of IWFTT.

Morning edition – 11th Sept 2025

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Trinidad and Tobago’s corporate sector has endorsed the IWFTT Inspirational Women Awards programme and this year, the country’s two major banks, namely Republic Bank Limited and First Citizens Bank, have demonstrated their support of the advancement of women through their platinum sponsorship for a third consecutive year. Other top companies are also backing the programme as gold, silver, and bronze partners.

Tickets for the IWFTT Inspirational Women Awards Gala and Dinner are priced at TT$800 each and are available from committee members Anna-Maria (620 2515), Indira (398 8277), Joanne (723 9297), Maureen (680 1012), Monica (783 8295), Rani (681 7441) and Roxane (346 6265).

Inspirational Womens Awards 2025

AWARD CATEGORIES & CRITERIA

Media Circuit

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

View our Connections Magazine, September issue, which also showcases the awardees.

IWFTT Gala 2025