In March 2024, tech Advisors and Caribbean nonprofit leaders came together through WAKE’s Tech2Empower Caribbean: Environmental Justice. This intensive, multi-national program provided collaborative project work, mentoring, and technology training to women-led NGOs advancing environmental justice across the Caribbean. The program also promoted girl’s involvement in STEM education and encouraged youth action in the face of environmental justice.
Women everywhere are disproportionately affected by climate change and environmental degradation. Women in the Caribbean have stepped up to the challenge and are key players tackling the complex challenges brought by climate change, leading environmental stewardship initiatives. They work to ensure their communities have equitable access to clean water, food security, and a healthy environment.
WAKE appreciates the valuable contributions of its partners in Trinidad & Tobago, the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance, and The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST).
NGOs joined us from four Caribbean countries:
Women-led NGOs play a crucial role in advancing environmental justice, utilizing their strong community connections and firsthand knowledge of local issues. Through Tech2Empower, WAKE mobilizes volunteer Advisors to apply their professional skills in partnership with these organizations, providing consultation and training to enhance and expand the vital environmental justice initiatives.
Over 2.5 days in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, the Tech2Empower Impact Challenge enhanced the impact of women-led, Caribbean environmental justice initiatives with tech tools and services, further enriched by 3 weeks of follow-up, virtual collaboration. Participating organizations designed a project focused on technology, communications, data management, or administrative/financial processes, with the goal of broadening the reach and effectiveness of their social initiatives. WAKE matched each NGO with a team of Advisors with the experience and skills needed to support the project. The teams reflected WAKE's commitment to fostering partnership and knowledge exchange by embracing two-way learning, cross-cultural connections, and teamwork.
The Biocultural Education and Research Programme team (Barbados) improved their digital engagement by upgrading their online presence. They honed in on their audience's preferences, crafted a compelling tagline, and revamped their website for enhanced content delivery. They now connect more effectively with their community through the new e-learning platform and the integration of social media management tools.
Helen's Daughters (St. Lucia) analyzed and selected a software platform to better manage their membership and program data. The project will improve the recording and analysis of program participation by customizing a platform and developing efficient workflows to incorporate team training.
Siel Environmental Services Limited (Trinidad & Tobago) streamlined internal operations and developed a digital communications plan. The creation of templates, application of digital project management tools, and a comprehensive digital marketing strategy will help meet their goal to optimize workflow and bolster their online presence. Additionally, the project work they did to reevaluate job allocations, revenue streams, and internal systems will improve overall performance and funding, and improve their efficiency in serving their clients and ensuring responsible waste management in the Caribbean.
Cashew Gardens Community Council (Trinidad & Tobago) distilled and communicated 18 years of work into compelling storytelling and a unique value proposition. Results included a baseline pitch deck adaptable for varied audiences, plus more effective organization of work leveraging Google tools, and updated social media platforms to reflect their current message and goals.
Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers (Jamaica) embarked on a multifaceted project to elevate their online presence, fundraising capabilities, and brand visibility. The primary focus was on completing their upgraded website and implementing effective fundraising strategies. The team also designed a plan for a new activity for the International Day of Rural Women 2024, complemented by the newly refined marketing and branding to amplify their messaging and attract broader organizational support.
Turtle Village Trust (Trinidad & Tobago) developed a marketing and communication strategy to highlight their work, partners, and sponsors, focusing on social media to expand their reach. Additionally, they formulated strategies to increase their volunteer base, secure new sponsorships while strengthening existing relationships, and educate the public about the importance and impact of their work.
One hundred percent of the NGO leaders agreed or strongly agreed that they:
During this event, Tech2Empower Advisors design and lead tech and leadership workshops to empower and motivate high school girls to explore careers in STEM. Students acquire essential technical competencies and also cultivate self-confidence, leadership acumen, and intercultural communication skills. By providing a supportive and enriching environment, Tech2Empower Day for Girls equips young women with the tools and mindset necessary to thrive in their personal and professional endeavors. 60 students and teachers from 4 different schools attended the Tech2Empower Day for Girls program, representing a diverse background of students from different regions of the country.
The event offered sessions covering a wide range of subjects including personal branding, cybersecurity, coding, critical thinking in the digital age, career pathways in technology, harnessing individual strengths, and discussions leveraging AI, and other tech tools to combat climate change.
“This session was so empowering! I genuinely feel so much more equipped in regards to choosing a career path. The Q and As were so helpful and I wish I could experience it all over again!”
-Rianna, student participant
During the Pathways in Tech: Career Speed Geek session, Advisors shared their personal and professional trajectories that led them to their current work roles.
“Day for Girls provided an avenue for me to speak to many women in STEM from around the world in high end tech companies such as Google, Meta, etc. This was very empowering as it made it more realistic that women are very much present in high position jobs in the STEM field.“
-Ayesha,student participant
