BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – TWO extraordinary women who have dedicated their time to uplifting others were recently honoured by CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank, as part of its regional Unsung Hero Awards initiative.
At a recent ceremony hosted at the bank’s St. Kitts and Nevis branch in the Circus, Venetta Zakers and Julie Charles were recognized for their commitment to community service.
Zakers, who was named the overall winner, received EC$13,500, while Charles, the runner-up, was awarded EC$6,750.
For Zakers received the recognition for the more than a decade of service to society’s most vulnerable. Her journey began in 2012, developing programmes to support at-risk girls, single-parent families, incarcerated women, and children. She focuses on breaking cycles of poverty and exploitation through skill-building and mentoring.
Charles, meanwhile, has equally devoted to service, speding over 20 years as an outspoken advocate for victims of domestic violence.
She founded the Big Sister Programme in 2004, providing mentorship and support for young women, and has since become a sought-after motivational speaker.
Through her work, she encourages teenagers and young women to find confidence and embrace their potential.
CIBC FirstCaribbean launched the Unsung Hero Awards to recognize individuals who, often without recognition, dedicate themselves to strengthening their communities.
