Fourteen women have become the proud graduates of an new academy designed to help them achieve their career and personal goals.The Leadership Academy of Bermuda offered an eight-month course, which began in October, to assist women at the “grassroots level” through skills such as effective communication and problem-solving.They participated in half-day sessions every other Saturday.The course helped them improve their confidence and leadership skills through exercises involving problem-solving, communication, trust and different work styles. They also worked on pilot community projects.The women participated in a graduation ceremony at the St John AME Church in Hamilton Parish on Saturday. It was attended by Glenn Blakeney, the Minister for Families, Youth and Sport, as well as their friends and families.Mr Blakeney said yesterday: “I think it’s a wonderful initiative. The outcomes were extremely positive with the three pilot projects that were embarked upon.“That shows that individuals, collectively and of a similar mindset, committed to contributing in positive ways to the community, can make a difference, not only in their personal lives but in the lives of others.”The graduating class featured women from all walks of life including a mother and daughter, a schoolteacher and a pastor.Mr Blakeney described the atmosphere at the ceremony as one of “excitement, joy and overwhelming emotion” for the graduates.The women put their skills to the test during the course through three pilot community projects.The first focuses on providing a call centre for seniors to be able to request services ranging from being taken to the doctor to assistance with grocery shopping.The second focuses on the disconnect between the generations due to the evolution of modern communication techniques and lifestyles.The third is a food programme being piloted at West Pembroke Primary School to help families in need.Academy director Deborah Bradford said: “It is a dream fully realised after two and a half years of hard work.”She described the pilot community projects as “very impressive,” and said she hopes they will soon be implemented, with support from stakeholders.DonnaMaie Butterfield, 51, from Pembroke, was one of the graduates.She works on after-school programmes for the Department of Youth and Sport.“It was for personal growth and development,” she said of her decision to join the academy.“It helped me to recognise more about myself and how to handle things and taught me not to minimise my potential.”Casey Lopes, 23, from Smith’s, is a pension administrator at BF&M, and said the course will help her in a role as a team leader at work.“It was a really good experience. It was a really amazing group of women who brought unique skills to the table. We are all sad it’s over,” she added.