Women in Leadership - UNGA 80 Celebration - UN HOUSE BARBADOS

Aspire Artemis Foundation Brings Global S.T.E.A.M. Powerhouse to United Nations House in Barbados, Championing AI, Climate, and Women’s Leadership

The Aspire Artemis Foundation, in collaboration with global and regional partners, hosted a landmark edition of its Conversations in S.T.E.A.M. series at the prestigious United Nations House in Barbados this May. Held under the theme “Inspiring, Engaging and Educating – Conversations in STE(A)M: Health, Climate, and the Role of AI,” the event served as a pivotal platform to amplify female leadership, promote inclusive innovation, and bridge the digital divide—particularly for the Global South.

Timed strategically ahead of the UN’s upcoming 80th anniversary celebration, this high-level convening marks a powerful statement: the Global South must be at the table—not on the menu—when it comes to the future of artificial intelligence, climate resilience, and STEM education.

A High-Impact Agenda for a New Generation of Leaders

As the UN pushes forward with internal changes meant to strengthen the organization, The Aspire Artemis Foundation set the stage for their preparations in celebration of the upcoming High Level celebration for the UN’s 80th anniversary this September and their side event to take place September 19-23rd at Microsoft’s Times Square Campus, cementing the need to look more closely towards including the global south in discussions they are often left out of. Holding their high level event at the UN HOUSE in Barbados this May, a house set up by Kofi Annan, they shared powerful stories, antidote’s for change and uplifting young people to take action towards their future goals. The event highlighted stories from women who have broken barriers and cementing legacies of being first in their families and nations to accomplish groundbreaking achievements.

One of the most moving moments was a one on one interview with a young girl aspiring to go into leadership, young Aniya Legall from St. Paul’s Primary School in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago’s Honourable Penelope Beckles, the very first woman in her country to become Leader of the Opposition in a country whose President, Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition are all women! This was a vision for what future leadership could look like, charting the argument that the next leader of the UN system could be a woman from the Global South, empowering generations of female leadership and highlighting the transformative impact of mentorship, representation, and resilience in leadership. Honorable Beckles’ shared experience with young Aniya Legall as athletes and Head Girls created a meaningful cross-generational connection, culminating in a rallying message inspired by Aaliyah’s lyric: “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.” Honourable Beckles shared her extensive political career spanning over 30 years, including roles as a local government official, opposition Senator, Minister in various portfolios, and now as the first female Leader of the Opposition in Trinidad and Tobago. She discussed balancing her legal career with political responsibilities and personal life. She emphasized the importance of education, perseverance, and seizing opportunities for women in leadership roles. She encouraged the young people and students in the room to focus on positives, capitalize on educational opportunities, and not give up when faced with challenges. Young student Aniya Legall was inspired to take on leadership connecting on the fact that both her and Honourable Beckles played sports and were Head Girls in school. She was encouraged to learn that the journey would not be easy, may include failures and stumbling blocks, as Honourable Beckles outlined an arduous journey filled with many, losses and failures, but ultimately many rewarding lessons and wins.

This first-of-its-kind S.T.E.A.M. forum in the Caribbean brought together distinguished policymakers, tech innovators, and next-gen changemakers. Caribbean Figures Share Inspirational Leadership

Speakers included:

* Hon. Penelope Beckles, Leader of the Opposition of Trinidad and Tobago and the first woman to hold that office 

* Sarah, Duchess of York, who delivered a powerful keynote emphasizing the importance of STEAM education for young people and community involvement to deal with local climate change issues. She highlights the youth she has been inspired by through her work with the Youth Impact Council.

* Aniya Legall, head girl of St. Paul’s Primary and emerging youth leader 

* The segment also featured inspirational messages from two prominent Caribbean figures: Senator Elizabeth Thompson of Barbados and Dr. Stephon Solomon Alexander from Trinidad and Tobago. Elizabeth Thompson, a former UN Assistant Secretary General and current climate change ambassador, shared her journey of overcoming failure in high school to achieve numerous accomplishments. She emphasized the importance of perseverance, learning from setbacks, and helping others as key aspects of leadership. Dr. Stephon Solomon Alexander, a physicist and professor at Brown University, discussed the innovative spirit of the Caribbean region and its impact on science, technology, and music. He highlights the importance of collaboration between Caribbean scientists and those in the diaspora, mentioning initiatives like the Caribbean Futures of Science symposium co hosted by the Aspire Artemis Foundation which had its launch in Tobago in 2024 bringing powerhouses, scientists, Nobel laureates and researchers to the Caribbean region to share lessons learned, uplift and empower Caribbean people, share lessons learned through knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer.

* Ms. Andrea Jacob, Antigua’s National AI Expert and Crown Counsel, shared her AI and Digital Governance Journey. She emphasized the importance of perseverance, faith, and continuous learning, especially in STEM fields. Jacobs encouraged the audience, particularly young people, to pursue their dreams despite obstacles, support others, and adapt to the changing job market by learning new skills related to AI and technology. She also stressed the importance of data privacy and the need for governments to implement appropriate laws and policies. 

* Ms. Juliet Ibrahim, AAF Steambassador, acclaimed Ghanaian-Liberian actress and humanitarian shared her journey as an actress, filmmaker, and advocate, emphasizing the importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in her career. She discussed how her background as a refugee from multiple civil wars in Africa and Lebanon shaped her aspirations. Ibrahim highlights the intersection of creativity and technology in her work, particularly in filmmaking and storytelling. She emphasized the role of STEAM in addressing global challenges like climate change and health disparities. Ibrahim encourages young women and girls to explore STEAM fields, stressing that diversity in these areas is crucial for innovative problem-solving and shaping the future. 

* Ms. Safiya Paul, tech entrepreneur from St. Lucia, co-founder and CFO of Allez, Inc., presented her transportation and logistics application designed to simplify movement in Saint Lucia and potentially across the Caribbean. She envisions a future of seamless movement for people, goods, and opportunities, urging the audience to join in building technology rooted in Caribbean realities. Safiya emphasizes the need for capital, policy alignment, and execution to turn potential into impact. She encouraged the audience to download the Allez app as a show of support, highlighting its importance for safety and security, especially for women using taxis.

* Ms. Laura Hildenbrandt, UNDP's Global Lead for Digital Transformation Journeys, introduces AAF’s event's objective of advancing artificial intelligence for future generations through training and capacity development. She highlighted that the Aspire Artemis Foundation event is a collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union and several UN agencies through a One UN approach and aims to connect young innovators in climate, technology, and innovation.

* Ms. Michelle Gall, US STEM advocate speaks of her work with Digital Girl Inc. and her organization's mission to encourage inner city youth, especially girls, to pursue STEM careers. She expressed excitement about being in Barbados, as her parents are from there, and sees this as an opportunity to reinvest in the country after previous plans were disrupted by the pandemic. Gall notes that many of the previous speakers' comments resonated with her personally. She appreciates being able to discuss education and faith together in Barbados, unlike in the U.S. where they are typically kept separate, and describes Digital Girl Inc. as a "divine calling". Michelle shares her personal journey of discovering her passion for digital marketing and founding Digital Girl Inc. Despite facing societal expectations and limited career guidance as a woman of color, she pursued her interests in science and math. After college, she stumbled upon digital marketing and found it fascinating. Michelle emphasizes the importance of being open to new opportunities and learning experiences, even if they don't immediately lead to tangible rewards. She discusses the challenges she faced in the male-dominated tech industry and her decision to leave a secure job for a better opportunity. Michelle ultimately founded Digital Girl Inc., which has served 11,000 children over ten years, fulfilling her desire to make a positive impact on her community. 

*Ms. Fernanada Montes de Oca of google shared her journey into google through internships and how mentorship and internships is key to advancing young people in S.T.E.A.M. She discusses implementing educational technology in her work and her own personal experience with an internship that turned. Into her current job at Google. She speaks of her work as a mentor in programs supporting entrepreneurs and students.

* Ms. Cherianne Clarke, Social Development Advisor at the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) spoke of the UK’s work across the world to help to increase women and girls’ participation in STEM and related economic opportunities, including work in the Caribbean promoting women in infrastructure and technology use in women-led businesses. She emphasised the importance of breaking down barriers - barriers to women and girls participating and thriving in STEM fields, barriers between STEM and the arts, and barriers in our own thinking – in order to advance equality and development for all.

There were many others representing Lebanon, Ghana, Liberia, and beyond.

It served as an inspiration to the young students from St. Paul Primary School and Lockerbie College along with the trailblazers and stakeholders present.

Bridging the AI Divide: The Global South Steps Forward

The event follows the release of a sobering UNCTAD report showing that 118 countries—primarily from the Global South—remain excluded from critical AI discussions. Conversations in S.T.E.A.M. directly tackled this challenge by demystifying AI and opening pathways for equitable participation, particularly for young women and underrepresented communities.

Aspire Artemis Foundation’s Founder emphasized:

“Visibility matters. Representation matters. If girls can’t see themselves as creators of technology, they risk remaining its passive consumers. This event is about rewriting that narrative—putting women and the Global South at the center of innovation.”

She highlighted the importance of storytelling, legacy and female leadership. She underscored that  “The road for women, especially Caribbean women and women from marginalized communities, is not paved evenly.

We are often expected to be everything to everyone:  the homemaker, the breadwinner, the quiet supporter, the hidden architect of success — all while receiving little recognition or respect.

Too often, our contributions are tucked away in history’s margins: – The human calculators at NASA whose stories remained untold for decades. – Marion Croak, whose work helped create the very internet technologies we rely on today, yet who remains largely unrecognized.

What message does that send to girls dreaming of becoming scientists, engineers, innovators? 

If they don't see themselves reflected in the stories of success, how can they imagine themselves as creators rather than passive users of technology?

Visibility matters. Representation matters.”

Building a Global Movement: Partnerships with Purpose

This groundbreaking event was made possible through collaboration with global allies including:

*International Telecommunications Union

* United Nations entities  including UNICEF and UNDP

* Equals Global Coalition 

* UNESCO Global Education Coalition 

* Global Citizen 

* PVBLIC Foundation 

* And other mission-aligned partners 

Founder Ms. Johnny noted, “I have been fortunate in my life to be encouraged in my professional and educational trajectory by men who believed firmly in what women could do as opposed to what they couldn’t. From my maternal grandfather, to my father to friends and colleagues who have stood by my side through the ups and downs of my journey. This is what empowerment takes. It takes men and women working together on shared goals, vision, and purpose.

The journey is not easy. It is long, it is arduous and definitely challenging, but you are able to persevere and move ever upward by the invisible string of helping hands that have allowed you to continue moving the torch forward and lighting the path for others who will continue to undertake their own personal journeys.

Be unselfish in the pursuit of your dreams. Honor the women and men who have helped you get to where you are and keep the torch lit to guide others along the way.

I have also been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded and supported by strong and powerful women who have reminded me of how hard a woman’s role is and how it takes a village in partnership and understanding to get any of your life’s goals accomplished.

We must teach the next generation, especially young women, that self-advocacy is strength, not selfishness.

From my female bosses at the UN, I think I learned more about life, women’s often forgotten soft power, and leadership.

To our youth:  Stay the course.  Even when you stumble, keep going.  Your voice matters. Your ideas are needed.

To our government and private sector partners:  Move from intention to investment.  We need more than white papers and position statements.  We need policies backed by action—and projects backed by funding.  Let’s stop reinventing the wheel and start scaling what works.

Her remarks echoed a call to action for both public and private sector leaders: “Move from intention to investment. Let’s go beyond policy papers and fund what works.”

Inspiration in Action: A Transformative Day for Caribbean Youth

The event left an indelible mark on attendees, particularly the students from St. Paul’s Primary and Lockerbie College who engaged directly with global role models and visionaries. As the world reimagines leadership, climate action, and the ethical use of AI, Aspire Artemis Foundation is ensuring that young voices from the Caribbean and beyond are not only heard—they are leading.

About Aspire Artemis Foundation 

Aspire Artemis Foundation is a global nonprofit dedicated to creating equitable access to innovation and education in underserved communities through transformative S.T.E.A.M. programs, leadership development, and youth empowerment initiatives.

Media Contact:

Ms. Jo-Ann Dammacco 

press@aspireartemis.org 

www.aspireartemis.org

Next steps

• Ministry of Education: Review and reform the current education system to allow more flexibility in subject combinations, particularly enabling students to blend arts and sciences

• Caribbean Governments: Work on implementing policies and funding projects that support technology education and digital transformation

• Schools: Integrate STEAM into curriculum, increase programs and projects that incorporate coding, robotics and AI education into primary school curriculum to prepare students for future technological changes

• UN Team: Support the implementation of STEAM education programs in Caribbean schools through partnerships and resources

• UNICEF: Expand digital education and climate change programs to empower Caribbean youth

• UN Development Program: Continue collaborating with The Aspire Artemis Foundation and local governments to develop inclusive digital strategies that enhance public services and resilience

• Digital Girl Inc.: Expand computer science and stem education programs to reach more Caribbean youth. Provide virtual remote classes in coding, robotics, and web design for Barbadian students during summer. Provide virtual remote classes in coding, robotics, and web design for Barbadian students during summer

• Allez Inc.: Scale up transportation technology solutions across the Caribbean region

• FCDO: Continue supporting infrastructure and business development programs that promote women's participation in stem fields

• Teachers: Incorporate AI tools responsibly into educational curriculum

• Teachers/Parents: Support and encourage students to explore STEAM subjects regardless of gender or background

• Aspire Artemis Foundation: Continue organizing steam symposia and conversations to connect young innovators with mentors and opportunities. Organize follow-up events during UN General Assembly at Microsoft from September 19-23

• Students: Download and support the Allez transportation app to help scale the local initiative.

Take advantage of free certification courses, digital marketing, e-commerce, UX design, and data analytics

Utilize free online resources like code.org, Harvard courses for technology education

Take advantage of AI tools while being mindful of online footprint and digital safety

Consider taking college-level courses online in subjects they excel in

• Youth Participants: Utilize UN House resources and opportunities for continued learning and engagement

MEDIA KIT

Aspire Artemis Foundation Brings Global S.T.E.A.M. Powerhouse to United Nations House in Barbados
Championing AI, Climate Action, and Women’s Leadership

Location: United Nations House, Barbados
Date: May 2025
Event Type: High-Level Global Forum

MEDIA CONTACT

Name: Jo Ann Dammacco
Title: Media Relations, Aspire Artemis Foundation
Email: press@aspireartemis.org
Website: www.aspireartemis.org
Socials: @AspireArtemis (FB/IG/Twitter/LinkedIn)

ABOUT THE EVENT

In May 2025, the Aspire Artemis Foundation hosted a landmark Conversations in S.T.E.A.M. event at United Nations House in Barbados—the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Under the theme: “Inspiring, Engaging and Educating – Conversations in STE(A)M: Health, Climate, and the Role of AI,” the event brought together global voices to elevate women’s leadership, climate resilience, and AI inclusion for underserved communities, particularly the Global South.

The event sets the tone for the Foundation's upcoming presence at the UN's 80th Anniversary in New York during High -Level week of the UN General Assembly, where a major side-event will be held at Microsoft’s Times Square Campus this September.

KEY MESSAGES

Representation and mentorship empower the next generation of tech and climate leaders.
Women, especially from the Global South, must be at the center of AI and climate conversations.
Real change comes through cross-sector partnerships, action-backed policies, and youth inclusion.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Ms. Hermina Johnny, USA/Saint Lucia - Founder Aspire Artemis Foundation
Hon. Penelope Beckles, Trinidad & Tobago – First female Leader of the Opposition
Sarah, Duchess of York – Youth STEAM advocate & Youth Impact Council leader
Aniya Legall, St. Paul’s Primary – Emerging youth leader in climate and leadership
Dr. Stephon Alexander, Brown University – Caribbean physicist and innovator
Juliet Ibrahim, AAF STEAMbassador – Actress, philanthropist, filmmaker, and AAF STEAMbassador
Andrea Jacobs, Antigua – National AI Expert
Michelle Gall, USA – Founder, Digital Girl Inc.
Safiya Paul, St. Lucia – Co-founder of Allez, tech logistics startup
Laura Hildenbrandt, UNDP – Global Digital Transformation Lead
Fernanda Montes de Oca, Google – Tech mentor and intern-turned-employee, Google Education Manager for the Caribbean Region
Cherianne Clarke, UK FCDO – Social Development Advisor at the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office

HIGHLIGHT MOMENTS

A powerful interview between Aniya Legall and Hon. Penelope Beckles, bridging generations of female leadership.
“If girls can’t see themselves as creators of technology, they risk remaining passive consumers,” said Aspire Artemis Founder, Hermina Johnny.
Diverse voices from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East shared lessons in innovation, perseverance, and purpose.

FOUNDER QUOTES

Ms. Johnny, Founder, Aspire Artemis Foundation:

“Visibility matters. Representation matters. We must teach the next generation, especially young women, that self-advocacy is strength—not selfishness.”

“To our public and private sector partners: Move from intention to investment. Let’s go beyond policy papers and fund what works.”

PARTNERS & SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
United Nations Entities including UNICEF and UNDP
UNESCO Global Education Coalition
Global Citizen
PVBLIC Foundation

ABOUT ASPIRE ARTEMIS FOUNDATION

Aspire Artemis Foundation is a global nonprofit focused on equitable innovation, youth empowerment, and education in underserved communities. Through its S.T.E.A.M. leadership development programs, it fosters access to technology, creativity, and mentorship worldwide. It creates, fosters and supports leadership development, and youth empowerment initiatives globally.

Website: www.aspireartemis.org
Contact: info@aspireartemis.org