In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, CIBC Caribbean Jamaica welcomed three outstanding university students to its Knutsford Boulevard Headquarters, offering them an exclusive opportunity to engage with senior female leaders and gain firsthand insight into the financial services industry.

The students—Aaliyah Dreckett, a Banking and Finance double major from the University of the West Indies; Ruth-Ann Willocks, a Finance and Banking major from the University of Technology; and Shequanne Rochester, a Finance major with an International Business Minor from the University of Technology—spent the day shadowing senior heads across key departments, deepening their understanding of the bank’s operations and receiving invaluable mentorship.

The day commenced with an engaging session led by Annique Dawkins, soon to be Country Head, who shared her journey in the financial sector and encouraged the students to embrace leadership networking and innovation. “I had the pleasure of meeting three beautiful young ladies who are future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Their voices, ideas, and perspectives are crucial to creating a more equitable and just world. To these young ladies, keep shining, keep pushing the boundaries, and keep empowering each other,” said Dawkins.

The students also participated in discussions with Claudia Forbes, Associate Director, Corporate Credit Risk; Debbie Henry, Branch Manager King Street; Donna Gibson, Financial Controller and Judith Najair, Director, Centralized & Local Operations, each of whom shared their professional experiences and insights into leadership in banking. Renee Whitehorne, Marketing Manager, led the students on a tour of the branch, offering a deeper understanding of the institution’s day-to-day functions.

A key highlight of the day was an interactive lunch session hosted by Jerome Griffiths, Head of Human Resources, who provided guidance on professional development, job readiness, and interview preparation. Griffiths emphasized the importance of preparation, securing genuine referrals, and maintaining a mindset of continuous learning and mentorship. She encouraged the students to approach the working world with a spirit of cooperation, an eagerness to learn, and a clear understanding of their key competencies and what they could bring to an organization as new employees.

Reflecting on the experience, Shequanne Rochester expressed gratitude for the opportunity: “This experience was truly eye-opening. Being able to learn from some of the most accomplished women in banking has reinforced my passion for finance and strengthened my confidence in stepping into the industry. The mentorship and advice we received today are invaluable as we prepare to embark on our careers.”

The initiative underscores CIBC Caribbean Jamaica’s commitment to fostering the next generation of female financial professionals by providing meaningful exposure to industry leadership and career development opportunities. The bank looks forward to continuing to support young women as they unlock their full potential in the financial sector.