THE Spanish Town Road stretch may be familiar to many as the manufacturing central, but for a group of young women from Boys’ Town, Thornton, and St Thomas, their recent visit to the Red Stripe’s Vibes Bar for the Worlds Together initiative represented something far beyond the packaging lines and distribution centre — it was an introduction to possibility.

More than 30 young women, all participants in the Desnoes & Geddes (D&G) Foundation’s Learning for Life skills training programme, had the opportunity to connect with influential businesswomen excelling in their respective fields and are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

For Mikaylia McNickle, who hails from the rural community of Thornton and is currently enrolled in a mixology course, the experience was nothing short of eye-opening. She reflected on how the event challenged her perception of success, especially for women in Jamaica.

“The event was fun, educational, and helpful,” she shared. “I didn’t know so many people could overcome their struggles and be on top, especially for a woman in this economy. I thought it was only men who are always at the top of organisations and in charge of ‘big’ roles.”

McNickle’s words echo a sentiment felt by many young women who have been conditioned to see leadership as a male-dominated arena, especially in the spaces in which they frequent.

However, in the vibrant environment of Worlds Together, McNickle discovered that this couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Today, I learned that women can do anything once they put their minds to it — they are strong enough to do it. Before coming here, I didn’t expect that there would be so many inspirational women. I thought it would just be the typical talking sessions — I didn’t know it would’ve been this engaging. It was totally different, and I am pleasantly surprised,” she added.

For Trisania Dunkley from St Elizabeth, who is also pursuing mixology, the experience was equally transformative. In the dynamic sessions led by the businesswomen mentors, she found a new sense of self-confidence and vision for her future. Her dreams are now within reach and her aspirations are suddenly more attainable.

“It was a genuinely interactive experience that taught me so much. I discovered how to be more outspoken and confident in myself. I now believe that I have the potential to become a successful businesswoman one day,” Dunkley said.

Worlds Together was an encounter with the future, driven by the power of mentorship and the shared belief that dreams, no matter how far they seem, are always within reach. These young women returned to their communities with more than just memories. They carried with them a newfound purpose, strengthened by the knowledge that they, too, could rise above their circumstances and become the leaders and change-makers they once only saw on the television or read about online.

The event superseded basic discussions — it was about interaction and hands-on experiences. Tinarge Allen, who is training to be an administrative assistant, journeyed from St Thomas to Kingston to attend Worlds Together and left with more than mere inspiration.

“I feel good. I learned to apply make-up for the first time, and I don’t think I did too badly,” she shared with a grin. But beyond the skills gained, Allen was most moved by meeting these women face-to-face.

“It was very engaging, and I interacted with many new people. I met quite a few interesting people, and I am happy to see these women in real life and upfront instead of just on social media.”

For Allen, who is completing an internship with HEART, the day was a springboard to her own future.

“Hopefully, it’s a year-to-year event, and I can come back as a mentor and not a mentee. I want to become a teacher or a guidance counsellor someday. Now, the possibilities are endless because I could also work at Red Stripe one day in merchandising because I also did that course through the Learning for Life programme.”

The initiative’s ripple effect is already visible in the lives of these young women, whose aspirations have been expanded by the event. Red Stripe’s commitment to uplifting the next generation of women is about creating opportunities — it’s laying the foundation for a future where these mentees can one day return, not as students, but as mentors, continuing the cycle of empowerment.