Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Kiz Johnson, joined dozens of women Saturday morning for a Public Speaking and Personal Branding Masterclass, held under the Directorate of Gender Affairs’ Emerging Female Leaders Programme, reaffirming the government’s commitment to equipping women with the tools needed to lead across every sphere of national life.

The session, held at the Harrison Centre, brought together women from varying professional backgrounds for an interactive morning of self-reflection, skill-building and networking, led by two facilitators — Patrice Martin, Brand Engagement Associate at Caribbean Union Bank, and Ann-Marie Layne, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ministry Johnson said the programme reflects a broader vision for gender equity in Antigua and Barbuda.

“As Minister of State within the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, our commitment is to create a society where opportunities are determined by merit, talent, hard work, and vision, not by stereotypes, outdated perceptions, or systems that favour some while excluding others,” Johnson said.

Master of Ceremonies Jeressa Jeremy opened the first session by guiding participants through an icebreaker, asking each woman to describe themselves in one word where responses ranged from “impactful” to “becoming,” “tenacious,” “resilient,” and “bold.”

Martin told participants that personal branding is not a concept reserved for corporations.

“Personal branding is a deliberate practice of defining and communicating your unique values, skills, and core values to the public,” Martin said. “It is a process of taking control of your narratives so that you are recognised, trusted, remembered in your specific industry or community.”

Martin drew on her experience as a media personality to illustrate how brand and identity intersect, urging participants to invest in their craft, maintain their digital presence, and confront the fear of judgement that often limits professional growth.

“The fear of judgement tends to prevent us from stretching forward and becoming great,” she said. “But what if we flip the switch and say, I can.”

Director General Layne focused on authenticity and professional presence.

“Sometimes when we are walking in our purpose, when we are being our authentic selves, we give other people permission to be their authentic selves,” Layne said.

She also stressed the importance of knowing one’s purpose behind professional choices, encouraging participants to ask themselves why they show up the way they do each day.

“Confidence doesn’t need to be the prettiest one in the room. Confidence says I belong here,” she said. “Nobody has to give you permission to be here. That permission comes from you.”

Johnson said the morning reinforced why programming of this kind remains a ministerial priority.

“Every woman should have an equal opportunity to lead, to innovate, to influence, and to succeed,” she said. “I want to reaffirm my commitment to advancing initiatives under the Emerging Female Leaders Programme.

We will continue creating opportunities that equip women and young women with the skills, networks, confidence, and platforms necessary to excel in every sphere of national life.”