Fifteen women are on course to graduate next month from a 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.During the course, participants have improved their confidence and leadership skills through exercises involving problem-solving, communication, trust and different work styles.They have also put their new skills to the test through three 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 project 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.The class features women from all walks of life including a mother and daughter, a schoolteacher and a pastor.Academy director Deborah Bradford said: “They have some great projects going on in the community. It has been absolutely amazing. There have been so many transformations. I would say they have been very receptive to the programme.”A graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 5, at the St John’s AME Church in Hamilton Parish, with further details to be announced nearer the time.