Britnee N. Timberlake, who made history, as New Jersey’s youngest state senator representing the 34th Legislative District, on March 27, bestowed a Citation of Commendation and Praise to 20 women for their exceptional contributions during the 2024 Women’s History Month Conversations with Phenomenal Woman Program, at Queens Twisted N’ Brushes Art Gallery.

Executive Legislative Aid Lady Ira Lewis presented the citations that state in part, “commendation and praise are extended for your brilliance that added to the “Conversation” were presented to founders and members of charitable organizations — The Power of the Soil, Guyana American Heritage Foundation, Together We Serve, United Bridge Builders Mission, Lady Ira Family Empowerment, and Women of Mission International.

Executive Legislative Aid, Sen. Britnee N. Timberlake, 34th New Jersey District, Lady Ira Lewis addressing the gathering of women during a March 27, Conversations with Phenomenal Woman presentation at Queens Twisted N’ Brushes, as the 2024 Int. Women’s History Month celebration comes to a close. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

They are Bibi Alli, Lady Ira Lewis, Alma Small, Ailyah Welcome, Sherry Williams, Donavalisha Mickens, Wendy Hermonstine, Sharon Scotland, Norma Clarke, Jasbir Bhatia, Ingrid Hedron Van-Sertima, Collette Boston, Thelma Togba Ajalie, Linda Felix-Johnson, Vern Lyken Thomas, Tangerine Clarke, Ausa De Ali, and Iona Adams.

Anthony Springer, Terrence Brummel, and Dr. Raphael Eluemuno Ajalie, were honored for their support of women.

Women of Mission International, founder, Linda Felix Johnson, also presented certificates to three of the women.

Alli, who partnered with humanitarian, Lady Ira Lewis, to host the event, attended by Georgetown-based philanthropists, said, “celebrating International Women’s month ended with a crescendo. “It was an amazing event. It brought internationally famed women, who won the Medal of Service for volunteerism. Some of these women shared impactful messages of the lives, of orphans, wrestling them from what would otherwise be fatalities.”

“They responded to their cries in the dead of night and transform their lives by educating & elevating them.”

“Our Women provided resources, training, entrepreneurship and skill sets to show them how to make a difference in the lives of others,” she said, adding, “the women encouraged each other to fight together, and win with unwavering tenacity. And yes, they courted the men to lend their support.”

A mindfulness painting on canvas session at Queens Twisted N’ Brushes, was part of a March 27, Conversations with Phenomenal Woman program in partnership with the Bibi Alli, and Lady Ira Lewis foundations, as International Women’s Month closes. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The evening of empowerment, sisterhood, and inspiration that included a mindfulness session of painting on canvas, received praised from Lewis, District of 4th Ward East Orange New Jersey, community leader.

“It was an evening of moving stories. Thanks to all the leaders, and organizations that showed up and presented. I have gotten great feedback from sources. Thanks to Bibi Alli, for making a difference in our community. It was a great Women’s History Month event, said Lewis.

Wendy Hermonstine, who has worked in public service for over 43 years, spoke of the 183 orphans whose parents were lost to domestic violence, noting the incidents of abuse and suicide, permeating Guyana.

The Guyana National Award recipient, whose organizations United Bridge Builders Mission (UBBM) and the Lady Ira Family Empowerment (LIFE) works tirelessly to save lives.

“We are constantly working with women of domestic abuse and who are idle homemakers, by empowering them through training in catering, dressmaking, and cosmetology, to make them useful citizens of society.”

She described her presentation to the United Nations, as mind-bubbling, impressive enough, to propel her to return in 2025. But in the meantime, she will make sure that new projects are implemented in Guyana as soon as she returns.

Sharon Scotland, a retired teacher, added that (LIFE) will also put in place, a Sunday afternoon hair-braiding initiative that would teach, and ready children for the school week, another way to inspire and emancipate Guyanese women.

Other women shared their journeys, and accomplishments, while uplifting and inspiring women across borders.