Scotiabank Backs Amani Teen Girls Empowerment Summit

Throughout its 28th anniversary, Scotiabank will continue to champion youth, this time by supporting the Amani Youth Foundation's 4th Annual Teen Girls Community Awareness and Empowerment Summit, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The bank served as the Leadership Circle Sponsor and facilitated over 200 teenage girls to be united for a day of leadership development, mentorship, self-awareness and personal growth.

The Summit, which aimed to inspire young women to reach for their dreams, was held at the Ritz Carlton on June 20 under the theme "Empowered Girls, Limitless Futures." Throughout the event, participants engaged in meaningful discussions, interactive sessions, and mentorship opportunities designed to strengthen their confidence, leadership skills, and decision-making abilities. The venture is part of Scotiabank's overall investment strategy for youth development and reflects the bank's long-standing commitment to creating opportunities that foster stronger, more resilient communities while encouraging young women to realize their full potential.

Dr. Suzan Snaggs Ochoa-Wilson, Country Manager at Scotiabank, was one of the facilitators of the summit. She facilitated conversations about leadership, resilience, authenticity, and the value of having trust in oneself both in one's own and career paths.

Dr. Suzan Ochoa-Wilson continued, "Young women flourish when given opportunities, encouragement and space to explore and find their strengths and chart their own futures. Empowering girls to dream bigger, believe in themselves and see the worth they represent to the world is an investment in the future of our communities and we are proud to be part of the Amani Youth Foundation in creating that environment”.

Key Highlights

• Over 200 teenage girls attended leadership and personal development sessions
• Scotiabank participated as Leadership Circle Sponsor supporting annual empowerment initiative
• Summit promoted confidence, mentorship, resilience, and future leadership among young women

Ms. Akierra Missick, the Senior Attorney and Minister of Home Affairs of the Turks and Caicos Islands, was the headliner at the summit. In her speech, she urged attendees to seize the opportunity, face challenges head-on, and strive for success with confidence. Her speech echoed the theme of the event, which was to empower young women to embrace their potential and become leaders in their communities.

Long-term collaborations with institutions such as Scotiabank are vital in the effort to increase youth women's opportunities, the Amani Youth Foundation added. Dr. Cutella Talbot, the Founder of the Amani Youth Foundation, emphasized the need for people to work together to effect positive social change.

Collective efforts are necessary to empower girls; we are so thankful to Scotiabank's ongoing partnership and their faith in our vision as we continue to grow and reach more and more young women with the experiences that help build confidence, unlock potential and reinforce the belief that their dreams are not only valid, but achievable.

By supporting the annual summit, Scotiabank continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development, and community engagement. This partnership with the Amani Youth Foundation is an example of how we share a vision for providing the next generation of young women with confidence, mentorship, and opportunities to make positive change and to build stronger and more inclusive communities.