Makeup, mixes and mentorship

Although technology has created a global community, many people residing in the same geographic location but live worlds apart due to numerous societal factors such as a disparity in resources. Recognising this, on September 27, Red Stripe, hosted its inaugural staging of the company’s ‘Worlds Together’ social impact initiative designed to shatter barriers and build lasting bonds among women from diverse backgrounds.

Jamaica’s début of the Initiative, themed ‘Makeup, Mixes & Mentorship’, targeted more than 30 young women from under-served communities, offering an opportunity for empowerment, learning, and inspiration.

“At Red Stripe, our ambitions extend far beyond beer. While we’re creating a space for mentees and mentors to bond over food and drinks, the impact goes much deeper. It’s about empowering and inspiring young women across the island. These young women don’t just need to see powerful women thriving, they need to feel empowered to believe they, too, can achieve greatness. By fostering environments where they can connect, learn, and grow alongside the very women they admire, we’re showing them that the possibilities are endless,” said Red Stripe’s head of corporate affairs, Dianne Ashton-Smith.

The event featured a makeup workshop to enhance professional image, complemented by career-focused discussions and mentorship sessions. These sessions, guided by influential women leaders, will provide opportunities for self-expression and foster essential skill-building, empowering participants for future success.

The initiative marks the start of a movement.

“Women are the backbone of families, communities, and societies. When empowered, their impact is profound and far-reaching. By the end of this initiative, we hope these young women will emerge as agents of change in their own communities,” added Ashton-Smith.

Launched by Heineken Global in Amsterdam in June 2023, the “Worlds Together” initiative aims to bridge the growing divide among people, reflecting the beer giant’s broader mission to “care for people” and foster a sustainable future. In this context, Red Stripe, which is a part of Heineken, says it is committed to building on Jamaica’s proud legacy, where in 2015 the country held the global record for the highest proportion of women in managerial roles. By equipping young women with essential skills, the company seeks to sustain and accelerate the advancement of women in leadership positions, ensuring continued growth and representation in the workforce.

‘Worlds Together’ brought together successful businesswomen, including Tanya Lee Parkins, Krystal Tomlinson, Brithney Clarke, Waynette Strachan, Gabrielle Waite, Rochelle Cameron, Rachael Callaghan, Naomi Garrick, and Kalilah Reynolds. They span professions such as entrepreneurship and finance, public speaking, medicine, media and communications, professional development and many more. The event was in partnership with Reggae Chefs, the Beauty Concept and Gabby Glam Cosmetics.

Red Stripe said it hoped to continue fostering personal and community-level change as it empowers the next generation.