Longtime Bermudian businesswoman and technology educator, Coral Wells, founder and executive director of Connectech Coding, has been recognised by the Caribbean Women Inventors & Innovators Network.

CaribbWiin highlights the achievements of outstanding, and often unsung, women in their contributions to humanity.

Ms Wells was awarded an Honorary Special Recognition Award for outstanding achievements, tenacity, and commitment capable of impacting the lives of humankind for the better.

She has been teaching and encouraging youth interest in technology since 2007.

Ms Wells later opened Connectech Coding as Bermuda’s first technology training centre, further encouraging collaboration, education, and innovation within the tech industry.

Connectech has cultivated and inspired young people’s interest and skills in technology by creating a collaborative, inclusive and dynamic learning environment, preparing them for the digital world and future careers.

The Caribbean event in Antigua and Barbuda follows the success of GlobalWiin, which began in the UK spotlighting the creativity of women in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

Ms Wells responded: “I truly believe there should be equal opportunities for everyone in technology: women, men, Black and White alike. Diversity is imperative.

“I know from experience it can be a challenge for women to enter this industry. I am driven and determined to make an impact to help the young women of Bermuda and the world, to achieve their dreams. The reality is when women help each other amazing things can happen.”

“I am humbled to receive this award and never imagined the impact Connectech would have on Bermuda’s young students to be innovators, aspiring technologists, and gamers.

“I have watched curious minds grow, challenge themselves, become passionate about learning and craving information. I am encouraged every day, year after year, to find new innovative means for Connectech to thrive, providing opportunities for our youth to make their dreams of building robots, creating their own games and mobile applications become reality.

“I imagine a world that fuels children’s natural thirst and passion for technology and learning something new, a world where everyone is given the tools to explore, advance and succeed.”

Dr Bola Olabisi, GlobalWiin CEO, said from London: “It is about time that the world takes notice of the captivating, unique and innovative remedies, concepts, products and processes that women from the Caribbean develop for social and economic growth, regionally and globally.

“We are fascinated with the many discoveries and innovations coming from the Caribbean and we are excited that we are putting the spotlight on the intellectual properties of many of these remarkable contributions.”

Among the incredible women who attended CaribbWiin are those with new and practical solutions covering various sectors including, agribusiness, healthcare, energy, technology, fashion and the arts.

An official statement said: “Many of these innovations demonstrated the greatest potential to solve everyday challenges, while others bring sustainability forward, by minimising waste or by simply empowering the lives of other women and girls through new, much needed approaches to education, business, and wellness.”