The Tribune

By CARA HUNT

Tribune Features Writer

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

In a rapidly changing world driven by technology and artificial intelligence, one Bahamian organisation is determined to ensure that young women are not left behind.

Founded by veteran journalist, television host, magazine publisher, and women's advocate Regina Whylly, I Gat U Girl was established with a powerful mission: to help young women discover their value, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and gain the tools necessary to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders.

Regina has dedicated the last five years of her life to helping improve the lives of women and girls throughout The Bahamas through conferences, mentorship initiatives, media platforms, educational programs, and community outreach.

"We live in a time where many young women are struggling with issues that previous generations never had to face at this level," she said.

"Social media pressures, cyberbullying, low self-esteem, anxiety, unhealthy relationships, online exploitation, violence, and a lack of positive guidance are affecting far too many of our girls. We created I Gat U Girl because our young women need more than encouragement—they need opportunity."

The organisation's commitment to empowering girls was demonstrated during its highly successful I Gat U Girl Conference held in Nassau in 2024.

Despite severe weather conditions impacting New Providence on the day of the event, young women and their families braved the rain and challenging conditions to attend what many described as a transformational experience.

The conference featured a distinguished panel of women leaders including Donna Mortimer, Brittainy Noel, Internationally Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Mental Health Therapist,

Leona Young, Dr Wilnaye Bain, Kiteshla Bonaby, Kim Welcome, and Conference Host Regina Whylly.

Topics included: Healthy Relationships,Healthy Minds,  Self-Esteem, Self-Care, Building Finances,Responsible Social Media Usage, The Power of Knowing Who You Are and Personal Leadership

"The weather could not stop what God intended to happen that day," Regina said. "Those young women showed up because they were hungry for knowledge, mentorship, guidance, and hope. That conference confirmed for us that there is an urgent need to continue creating opportunities specifically designed for our girls."

Today, that mission continues through the I Gat U Girl AI Summer Program.

Participants between the ages of 13 and 18 will receive hands-on training in:

• Artificial Intelligence using Biela.dev

• AI Mastery

• Website Development

• App Development

• Prompt Engineering

• How to Vibe Code Through Prompting

• Social Media Optimization

• Entrepreneurship

• Business Development

A special feature of this year's program is the participation of Sarah Cooper from the Biela.dev team, who will work alongside the organisation to help expose Bahamian young women to emerging opportunities in technology and artificial intelligence.

Students will not simply learn technology—they will learn how to use that technology to create income-generating opportunities, launch businesses, and build careers.

By the conclusion of the program, participants will have the knowledge and practical skills necessary to begin developing websites, applications, digital products, and entrepreneurial ventures of their own.

Regina said that it is essential that the organisation receive corporate and private support.

“To ensure that financial barriers do not prevent participation,“The I Gat U Girl Organisation is calling upon corporate leaders, philanthropists, churches, civic groups, and community-minded individuals to invest in the future of Bahamian young women through sponsorships, technology donations, and strategic partnerships.” There are a number of sponsorship levels available.

• Sponsor 2 Girls – $500

• Sponsor 4 Girls – $1,000

• Sponsor 6 Girls – $1,500

• Sponsor 8 Girls – $2,000

• Sponsor 10 Girls – $2,500

Sponsors who support more than two girls will receive an invitation to the program's Business Showcase Event and an opportunity to have their business website professionally created or revamped.

Regina added that the organisation is seeking donations of laptop computers and technology equipment.

“Many young women have the desire to participate but lack access to the tools necessary to fully engage in today's digital economy.

"Technology is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity," she  said.  "Some of our young women have incredible potential but do not have access to a computer. A donated laptop can literally change the trajectory of a young person's life. It can become the bridge between where they are today and where they dream of being tomorrow."

"Our goal is simple," she added. "No young woman should be left behind because of financial circumstances. We are inviting businesses, organisations, and individuals throughout The Bahamas to partner with us in helping to raise a generation of confident, capable, technologically-skilled young women. The I Gat U Girl Organisation believes that when a young woman is given access to knowledge mentorship, technology, and opportunity, she becomes a force capable of transforming not only her own life but her family, community, and country,” she added.

For sponsorship opportunities, laptop donations, or participant registration, visit www.igatugirl.com or call 242-467-1884.