An executive who advocates for the rights of people with disabilities has been named Bermuda’s Woman of the Year.

Lisa Reed received the honour at an event to mark International Women’s Day at Pier Six yesterday.

“I am absolutely filled with gratitude and I sincerely appreciate this recognition,” she told a packed audience that included Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, David Burt, the Premier, and Crystal Caesar, the Minister of Education.

Ms Reed told The Royal Gazette: “I am shocked and amazed and deeply honoured to have received this recognition and award.”

A spokeswoman for the Women’s Resource Centre, which organised the event, said later: “A trailblazer in finance, government consulting and human rights, Lisa has spent decades advocating for policy reforms, disability rights and community mentorship.

“Her commitment to inclusion and social justice has strengthened Bermuda’s human rights framework and created opportunities for under-represented communities.

“The award was presented by Tammy Richardson-Augustus, the 2024 Woman of the Year, in a heartfelt moment of recognition.”

Ms Reed, executive officer at the Bermuda Human Rights Commission, thanked the WRC and said that she will continue to use her platform to raise awareness about the importance of women with disabilities.

She said that she also intends to keep uplifting women and ensuring access in all spaces.

The event was held a day before the official observance of IWD under the theme “Accelerate Action” and was hosted by 2023 Woman of the Year Patrina “Power Girl” O’Connor-Paynter.

Ms Reed recognised the efforts of the WRC and its IWD organising committee for their “commitment to supporting and uplifting women in Bermuda”.

She said because of the WRC’s work, progress is a “lived reality” for many women.

Ms Reed added: “International Women’s Day provides the opportunity to highlight the voices of those shaping conversations about gender and equality.”

She said it also provided an opportunity to acknowledge women who are often not seen or heard.

The honouree told the audience that she has used a wheelchair for most of her life and chronicled difficulties she experienced as a young woman.

An emotional Ms Reed said she recalled two job opportunities that she was denied when she was told that she could not be considered because of uncertainty about how she would be accommodated in the workplace.

She also recalled an uncomfortable experience accessing washroom facilities during her first six months of joining the Public Service.

Ms Reed added: “Women with disabilities belong, we belong in classrooms, boardrooms, courtrooms and legislative halls.

“We belong in the arts, sports and leadership.”

At yesterday’s event, Shia Bean, who attends CedarBridge Academy, was named Teen of the Year.

Miss Bean said the award, which caught her by surprise, will motivate her to do more during her tenure of study at CedarBridge.

The event also included inspiring speeches from several outstanding women who have charted different courses to leadership and mentorship roles in society.

Donna Raynor, a former middle-distance runner and Bermuda National Athletics Association president, spoke of her journey in the corporate and athletic worlds.

Ms Raynor said that as a Black woman in the corporate world “it is not easy” as she recalled sitting in a boardroom once as the lone female.

She added: “I’ve had to jump over several hurdles, I’ve had several tests.

“It’s been a long and difficult journey, but I did reach my goal.”

In 2023, Ms Raynor made history when she became the first Bermudian to be elected to the World Athletics Council.

She said in many ways sport had helped her to face disappointments, and she has always relied on her spirit of resilience as she faces life’s challenges.

Ms Raynor said: “Dream big, dream outside of the box, dream international, but if you want that dream to come through, plan, prepare and commit to that dream. But you have to give 100 per cent.”

Kirsten Beasley, an insurance executive, said women have an opportunity to set the tone, and “stop reinforcing outdated narratives about emotion in a professional context”.

She spoke of her experiences in a new leadership role during a “major merger” of two corporate entities on the island.

Ms Beasley said: “The team needed stability, they needed alignment, but this just was not a business transition, it was an emotional one.

“So I paid attention to what people were feeling.”

Sherrie-Lynn Lilley, a disability advocate, moved some members of the audience to tears, including Ms O’Connor-Paynter, when she recalled her experiences while starting her business ventures.

Ms Lilley, who is visually impaired, recalled “one little statement” made by another woman during an encounter as she navigated challenges to expand her business.

“They said, you know what, ‘maybe you can get someone that can see to help you figure out what it is I am trying to explain to you’.”

Ms Lilley said the statement propelled her to trust her instincts and to take a step back and analyse her plans and individual skills.

“It is inevitable, somebody is going to touch on your Achilles heel; mine happens to be blindness. But don’t leave the arena, accelerate action, pull on your big girl blazer, put on your best shoes and step back into your life,” she said, to loud applause.

The event was sponsored by Butterfield Bank, KPMG, Bacardi, Appleby Global Services, Fidelity International, EY Bermuda, Willis Towers Watson and Arch Insurance International.

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