Nine BVI professionals have been featured in Citywealth Magazine’s 'IFC Power Women Top 200' List. Eight of the women featured on this list are based in the BVI and the other is based in Hong Kong. This prestigious list honours 200 of the most powerful women in government, private wealth, private client advisory, education and philanthropy across the International Financial Centres.
From sitting on the board of non-profit organisations to sponsoring the welfare of a child in Kenya, these women have re-defined what it means to be a powerful member of society. They stressed the importance of education, having a good work ethic, and respect. A common theme amongst the women featured, was the significance having a mentor played on their success. Ms. Willa Tavernier recognised the Women’s Offshore Network (WON), a network for professional women at all levels of the financial services industry. Being self-motivated is a quality seen in the women who graced this list. Ms. Rachael McDonald stated how having high expectations for herself played a part in her ability to achieve greatness.
Citywealth posed a question to gauge the women’s views on the necessity of quotas for women to which Ms. McDonald acknowledged the necessity of quotas as a means for providing role models for young women. Ms. Gwenyth Vanterpool stated that “despite their sterling contribution in the work force women are, to this day, still impacted by the glass ceiling”. Also suggested was the need for robust anti-discrimination laws.
The women featured are: Arabella di Iorio, partner, head of litigation, Maples and Calder; Elise Donovan, director, BVI House Asia; Sheila George, managing partner, head of private client, Harneys; Vanessa King, partner, head of commercial department, O’Neal Webster; Rachel McDonald, managing partner, Mourant Ozannes; Cora S. Miller, counsel, Conyers Dill & Pearman; Sharon Mungall, senior associate, Carey Olsen; Willa Tavernier, partner, property and business practice, O’Neal Webster; Gwenyth D. Vanterpool, director of operations, Harneys Fiduciary.
For more information on how the list wass compiled, please visit City Wealth Magazine's Website. To view the full list, please click here.