BELIZE CITY – A transformative movement is reshaping Belize’s leadership landscape as women increasingly claim their rightful positions in corporate boardrooms, entrepreneurial ventures, and decision-making roles historically dominated by men. The Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) catalyzed this progress through its third annual Empower Her Symposium, convening dozens of pioneering women leaders in Belize City on March 12, 2026.
The gathering served as both incubator and accelerator for female leadership development, creating intentional spaces for mentorship, skill-building, and strategic networking. Participants ranging from established executives to emerging entrepreneurs engaged in comprehensive programming designed to address both practical leadership competencies and systemic barriers.
Sarita Bejerano, Manager of the Belize Training and Employment Center, outlined the symposium’s strategic design: “This two-day event covers essential topics for women’s advancement in careers, businesses, and personal endeavors. Our curated agenda addresses emotional intelligence, health and wellness, transformational leadership, and financial empowerment, complemented by powerful dialogue sessions with established leaders like Marleni Cuellar.”
The symposium’s impact manifested powerfully in participants like Susan Ferguson, Executive Director of the Belize Emergency Response Team (BERT). Her journey from teenage motherhood to master’s degree completion exemplifies the resilience cultivated through such initiatives. “I dropped out of school at seventeen due to pregnancy,” Ferguson shared. “Through determination to transcend statistics, I completed my diploma, earned a degree, and just last week graduated with my master’s degree.”
Dr. Maxcine McKay, Assistant Professor at the University of Belize, emphasized the critical need for sustained support beyond symbolic recognition: “Women deserve celebration beyond March. We must reignite commitment to female representation across all societal sectors—particularly in government, health, and media where our voices remain essential.”
Since its inception, the Empower Her initiative has trained approximately 150 women who have subsequently advanced into leadership positions while establishing robust mentorship networks. This growing ecosystem of support continues generating ripple effects throughout Belizean society, ensuring women are prepared not merely to participate in but to fundamentally lead economic and social transformation.