JWOF’s Women’s Empowerment Conference Unites and Inspires Over 350 Attendees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Aisha Rainford
jwoflorida@gmail.com
561-320-1391
www.JamaicanWomenOfFlorida.com
Fort Lauderdale, FL – March 11, 2025 – The Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) successfully hosted its 12th Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference on March 8, 2025, at the Marriott Harbor Beach Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, bringing together over 350 attendees for a day of empowerment, cultural celebration, and impactful discussions.
With the theme “HERitage: Celebrating the Jamaican Woman,” the conference was expertly hosted by Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, renowned Jamaican media personality, speaker, and author. Her dynamic presence, engaging storytelling, and infectious energy kept attendees inspired and connected throughout the day.
The conference featured an esteemed lineup of speakers who shared their powerful stories of resilience and triumph:
Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, Jamaica’s first female Chief of Defence Staff, delivered an inspiring keynote on leadership and breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces.
Fae Ellington, renowned Jamaican broadcaster and cultural icon, captivated the audience with her reflections on preserving Jamaican heritage and the importance of storytelling.
Shani McGraham-Shirley, entrepreneur and wellness advocate, engaged the audience with her insights on self-care, balance, and building a successful brand rooted in authenticity.
Etana, Grammy-nominated reggae artist, closed the day with a moving message on perseverance and staying true to one’s purpose, reminding attendees to embrace their heritage as a source of strength.
The event also featured a bustling vendor expo, showcasing Jamaican-owned businesses offering fashion, skincare, wellness products, and artisanal crafts. Attendees had the opportunity to shop, network, and support female entrepreneurs, reinforcing JWOF’s commitment to economic empowerment.
One of the conference’s most impactful moments was the fundraising segment raising over $10,000 for JWOF’s various community initiatives including the JWOF Scholarship and the Melody House Girls Home Building Fund. Attendees and sponsors stepped up, bringing the organization closer to its goal, highlighting the power of community-driven change. The conference featured an inspiring story of resilience and determination from a past Melody House resident Marlene Ford, currently a Senior Airman in the United States Airforce
“We are beyond grateful for the overwhelming support and energy in the room,” said Aisha Rainford, Conference organizer and Immediate Past President of JWOF. “ This conference was about more than just inspiration—it was about action. We celebrated our heritage, elevated the voices of Jamaican women, and took tangible steps toward transforming the lives of our women and young girls.”
As the event concluded, attendees left feeling inspired, empowered, and deeply connected to their roots, solidifying JWOF’s annual conference as a premier gathering for Jamaican women in the diaspora.
For more information on JWOF’s initiatives visit https://www.jamaicanwomenofflorida.com/
About JWOF
The Jamaican Women of Florida is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting Jamaican women in Florida and beyond through mentorship, education, and community development initiatives.