Celebrating women in business: Impact investing in Jamaica and beyond

Scotiabank Women’s Initiative, February 2025. Left to right: Audrey Tugwell Henry (President, Scotiabank Jamaica), Zahra Henry (Founder, ZLH Careers).

In the business consulting world, staying informed about global economic trends, industry shifts, and the evolving landscape of leadership is essential. This is especially true for socially-driven consultants, where these areas intersect through social finance, impact investing, and the broader field of development finance. As a woman-led organisation, ZLH Careers is invested in the advancement of professional women, recognising the barriers they continue to overcome and the vital role they play in shaping resilient economies. On that account, being present at the Scotia Women Initiative (SWI) event on 4th February 2024 was more than just attendance—it was an affirmation of our commitment to meaningful progress in championing women in business and supporting their entrepreneurial leadership.

Gender equity through finance, education and coaching

Organised by Scotiabank Jamaica, the event marked the third anniversary of the SWI, a programme originally from Scotiabank Canada and now in other Scotiabank regions such as Jamaica, dedicated to breaking down financial and professional barriers for women. Under the theme The State of the Jamaican Woman, the forum provided a powerful platform for discussion on economic empowerment, financial inclusion for women, and the structural challenges still facing women in business and society.

The initiative itself is built on three key pillars:

Access to Capital – Supporting women-led businesses through tailored financial solutions, including gender-lens investing, impact financing, and small business lending to help bridge financial gaps and enhance economic opportunities.
Education – Providing resources and workshops to strengthen financial literacy, business acumen, and professional confidence, ensuring that women entrepreneurs have the tools to scale their enterprises successfully.
Coaching, advising and mentorship – Connecting women to peer networks, expert guidance, and development opportunities that foster growth and sustainability for women-owned businesses.

To date, SWI has disbursed over J$3 billion to support women entrepreneurs, spanning industries from manufacturing and retail to technology, tourism, and education (Our Today, 2024). This investment underscores the undeniable impact of women as economic drivers, contributing to innovation and long-term business success.

Powerful Voices, Meaningful Insights

The forum brought together an impressive roster of thought leaders, each offering invaluable perspectives on the realities and opportunities for women in Jamaica. Among them were:

Jackie Stewart Lechler, Managing Director, Stewart’s Automotive Group
Patricia Francis, CD, Chairperson, Trade Facilitation Task Force, Government of Jamaica
Rev. Dr. Marjorie Lewis, Chaplain, Acadia University
Audrey Tugwell Henry, President and CEO, Scotia Group Jamaica
Claire Bernard, Deputy Director General, Planning Institute of Jamaica
Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, CD, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness
Djavilla Ho, President, Jamaica Psychology Association
Deesha Delatie-Budaire, Deputy Director General, Statistical Institute of Jamaica

Each speaker lent their expertise to crucial discussions on gender equity, policy shifts, and the pathways needed to advance women’s professional and entrepreneurial success.

ZLH Careers’ Perspective

Sitting in that room with so many trailblazing women, listening to industry leaders share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, was a poignant reminder of why initiatives like this matter. It is one thing to talk about economic empowerment, women-focused business funding, and business grants for women in abstract terms, but another to witness the tangible ways in which structured support changes lives and careers. The SWI is not just about access to funding—it is about unlocking potential, shifting mindsets, and ensuring that no woman is left behind due to systemic barriers.

This event reinforced our mission at ZLH Careers: equipping professionals and businesses with the capacity they need to thrive. It also affirmed the importance of being present, of engaging in the conversations that shape industries and futures. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we do so not only by recognising the achievements of those who have paved the way, but by ensuring that we remain active participants in the work that lies ahead.

References

Scotiabank Jamaica (n.d.). The Scotiabank Women Initiative (SWI).
Our Today (2024). Scotiabank Women Initiative celebrates three years with forum on the state of the Jamaican woman.
Scotiabank Jamaica (2024). Scotiabank Women Initiative Forum Highlights.
ZLH Careers (2024). Reflections on the Scotia Women Initiative event.