Reshaping Your Mindset for Success Conference

PETAL RIDLEY Petal Elizabeth Ridley has dedicated the past fifty-three years of service to the hotel industry in Guyana. She started her career at the Pegasus Hotel in 1972 as a Switchboard Operator and rose to Senior Management. She then moved to Ocean View International Hotel in 1992 where she served with distinction as a senior Manager in the departments of Front Office and room Division. Ms. Ridley then joined the RAMADA Georgetown Princess Hotel in 2010 and currently serves as the Sales & Marketing Director. Her educational background includes qualifications in Restaurant/Hotel Management, Personnel Management to name a few. Her expertise is in Hospitality Management and has become a Quality trainer. She has received training from the American Hotel and Lodging Association. She continues to train staff at various hotels and other agencies in customer care, protocol, social graces etc. She made a major impact at the Carnegie School of Home Economics when she lectured in Hospitality Management between 2002-2004. Her service was not limited to teaching the students but went above and beyond to promote and enhance their careers of many she taught.
Ms. Ridley served on various Boards including Guyana Tourism Authority, Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana, Carnegie School of Home Economics, The Salvation Army. In recognition of her service in the Hotel Industry she was awarded the Medal of Service in 2019.

See our Love & Sunshine 2017

DR. VINCENT ADAMS Aptly headlined by one international writer as “A Guyanese Engineering Giant”, this son of the soil, became a national cricketer; internationally distinguished leader in science and engineering; member of the Senior Executive Corps civilian equivalent to military Generals, running the day- to-day operations of the US Government; led US delegations to international science & engineering conferences, chairing these conferences; and Head of Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency. However, Vincent repeats without hesitation that the most rewarding part of his life is his abiding hands-on interest in Guyana, including his decades of humanitarian and technical voluntary services to the homeland and to all mankind, especially in education of the young, passionately believing that no child should be denied an education because of lack of means; thus, why he was accorded the prestigious 2012 President’s Award for contributing the most to education in the State of Ohio. In Vincent, Guyana has no doubt produced a great humanitarian, cricketer, scholar, engineer, scientist, and leader. He maintains great hope for Guyana’s youths, and his life serves as a powerful symbol and motivator that if he made it, they too have a chance in life, once given the deserved opportunity in an oil rich economy.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS.

WESLEY KIRTON from 1982-85 served as director of Public affairs and Information in the Ministry of foreign affairs where he introduced the concept of public diplomacy, often using public communication in support of developing sustained public understanding and support for Guyana’s foreign policy. He migrated to the US in 1985 to serve as the Washington correspondent for the Caribbean News Agency (CANA), he was accredited as a foreign correspondent to the White House, Capitol Hill, the international financial institutions and the OAS, among others. He is the founder of the Florida Caribbean business expo, Guyanese American cultural association of central Florida Guyanese American chamber of commerce, Inc. he is currently chair of the private sector council of the Washington, dc based institute of Caribbean studies ICS

SELWYN COLLINS is the founder and CEO of Brand YOUth Global Inc., a movement dedicated to helping young people believe in their own brilliance and build lives of impact. Through storytelling, mentorship, and live and online experiences, he challenges youth to move from fear into action and from self-doubt into purpose. A lifelong writer, Selwyn is the author of The eartHeart Knows and the creator of the evolving eartHeart and Shade of Ebony worlds, where he explores identity, courage, and the “kingdom within.” He is also the creator and host of Conversations With Selwyn (CWS), a webTV series launched in 2012 that amplifies underrepresented voices—artists, entrepreneurs, activists, and everyday visionaries—from Guyana and across the diaspora. Selwyn’s work has been recognized with Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) honors for New Media, the Young, Gifted & Black (YGB) Award, and the RESET Award (2025) for his contribution to storytelling, digital innovation, and youth empowerment. He lives by a simple mantra: “Fear not what fear whispers to you. Fear your obedience to it.”

DR. LINDA FELIX-JOHNSON is a humanitarian, educator, literacy coach, and international speaker. She serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Okyrie International University (OIU)—a hybrid institution dedicated to delivering quality international education that promotes economic mobility and prepares students for the complex challenges of tomorrow. She is also the CEO of SistaSoul Productions Company (SSPC), a creative arts enterprise, and the President of Women of Mission International (WOMI), a global women’s empowerment organization. She remains an active member of the NAACP, IWLA, LIONS International, UNA-USA, and several community groups. A strong advocate for women and children, she works to expand educational, social, and economic opportunities—especially for girls and underserved communities. As an educator and literacy coach, she supports teens reading significantly below grade level, helping them rebuild foundational skills and confidence. Through WOMI initiatives and parent-outreach programs, she equips families with the tools needed to navigate school systems and access essential services. Dr. Linda has received numerous awards and recognitions for her service, including the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to education and humanitarian work.

REGISTRATION FEE

$125 US / $30,000 GYD

will welcome some of the most philanthropic and influential community leaders and dedicated business professionals.

Tuesday January 13, 2026

8:45 AM - 4:00 PM

The World Trade Center,

44 High Street, Georgetown, Guyana

DR. JOY AGNESS CEO of Joy Agness Events International. Her motto “The Royal Treatment” says it all. An upmarket event planning firm which coordinates multiple domestic and international weddings and events.
Reverend Dr. Joy Haymer Agness has a doctorate in theology from Christ is the Answer University with a major in Religious studies. Rev. Dr. Joy H. Agness wears many hats. Professor of psychology; family counselor; HIV AIDS counselor; International Motivational speaker. She is also an accomplished author. Dr Joy also mentors’ others in the metaphysical field, bringing awareness to one’s self. Dr Joy is a well know figure in her community and beyond training others in entrepreneurship. Dr Joy Agness is a wedding planning professor at the Miami Dade and Broward colleges. She established the Joy Agness Institute a partnership with Miami Dade college, where she does an extra ordinary job of training “Polished Poised Professionals” Joy was presented with International Master Planner award from the American Bridal Association for 2017-2020 Dr. Joy Agness recently was bestowed the prestigious award for humanitarian: The President's Lifetime Achievement Award from US President Joseph Biden.

FAQ

More Speakers to come!!!!.

PRESTON BAILEY Recently named as one of the best wedding designers in the world by Vogue Magazine, Preston Bailey has been globally-celebrated for his unique ability to transform ordinary spaces into lush floral and theatrical environments. Since opening his design studio in 1980, Preston has been sought out to create one-of-a-kind, transformative designs that serve as backdrops for some of the most memorable moments of his clients’ lives. This has helped him establish himself as one of the premier event designer for an Impressive roster of clients that includes: Serena Williams, Lebron James, Jennifer Hudson, President Trump, Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, Oprah, Eva Longoria, Royal families and socialites around the world. One of the highlights of his career happened when he was asked to design a permanent building for future events, by a royal family of Kuwait. A designer with a passion for creating designs to be enjoyed by the public as well as his clients, he has created a number of art installations which featured across the world with showcases in New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Taiwan and London. He was commissioned to create several art installations in Macao and Las Vegas for the Wynn properties. “I love creating something that not only my clients but everyone can enjoy. As an artist, this is a life dream accomplishment”

CHRISTINE DECAMBRA

REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!