St. Maarten:--- The highly anticipated women’s conference, “We Listen, But We Don’t Judge,” hosted by Access Media Productions, was a tremendous success on Saturday at the Simpson Bay Resort. With a vibrant dress code of “Cute and Colorful,” attendees fully embraced the empowering atmosphere, making it an unforgettable experience.
The conference featured an outstanding lineup of speakers who shared their personal journeys, expertise, and insights:
Madame Valérie Damaseau – President of the Tourism Office and Territorial Council of the Collectivité de St. Martin. She spoke about the Dare to Evolve initiative, which aims to uplift people and support community-driven projects for 2025. Additionally, she shared her experiences as a woman navigating the political landscape.
Dr. Gale TC Rigobert – Dean of Academics at the University of St. Martin. She addressed the challenges of education as a handicap, reflecting on her personal journey from St. Lucia and the obstacles she overcame in academia.
Stacy-Ann Violenes – Nutse and healthcare professional. She provided valuable insights on pre-menopause and menopause, emphasizing the importance of empowering women in all professions. She also discussed the judgment surrounding Botox and fillers, encouraging women to embrace personal choices without fear.
Chef Ashanta Daniel – Award-winning chef from the Festival de la Gastronomie in St. Martin. She captivated the audience with a live cooking demonstration, inviting two lucky volunteers to recreate the dish for a chance to win a prize from Golden Taste Catering Services.
Dr. Napolina Richardson – Spiritual leader and speaker. She delivered a heartfelt talk on the effects of rejection throughout a woman’s journey, inspiring attendees to embrace self-worth and resilience.
Maya Thomas – Founder of Reflourish & Co. Thomas shared essential tips on natural haircare and introduced her line of hair products designed for natural hair.
A major highlight of the event was the surprise all-male panel, where distinguished gentlemen Pastor Rolando Toulon, Herbert Martina, and Edsel Gumbs engaged in a raw and frank conversation about relationships. The audience, composed entirely of women, did not hold back with their questions, leading to an open and eye-opening dialogue between the sexes.
“The men showed up and showed out!” The discussion provided a unique perspective on relationships, giving women the opportunity to better understand the male mindset through candid, judgment free conversation.
This inspiring event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and vendors:
• Domino’s
• Fit Food
• Guardian Group
• Telem Grouo
• Kangaroos Wholesale
• Zen2DZen
• Kiss by Naira
• University of St. Martin
• Reflourish by Maya Thomas
“We Listen, But We Don’t Judge” proved to be more than just a conference, as it was a movement for empowerment, education, and open dialogue. Attendees left feeling heard, inspired, and uplifted, ready to embrace their journeys with renewed confidence.
