The summit's 315 ttendees had the opportunity to receive timely and empowering information on finance, career, business and personal and family life from a range of experienced women from the British Virgin Islands, Canada, Bahamas and the United States.

Managing Director of Oyster Global Marketing, Portia Harrigan said the event was timely for all women regardless of background. "We wanted to ensure that summit participants received information that would be relevant to their lives, personally and professionally."

Famed motivational speaker and author of books such as, No Matter What and Chicken Soup for the African American Soul, Lisa Nichols, was the Summit´s keynote speaker. She encouraged attendees to let go of their inhibitions which she says can prevent anyone from achieving. Sharing her life story of growing up in less than ideal circumstances in Los Angeles, California, Nichols spoke of persevering and having a strong belief in self. This she says, can help all women shine their brightest lights for themselves and their communities.

Attending the conference for the first time was Aisha Hill, a 30-year-old Communications Officer in the public service. She says Nichols´ presentation was inspiring. "Ms Nichols is an inspiration to women everywhere. Just by her sharing a bit of what she went through growing up and not letting those experiences deter her from achieving her goals proves that your beginning does not necessarily have to be your ending, you just have to work hard for what you want in life."

Other speakers included, Stacia Williams of the Bahamas, a corporate image consultant. In her session, Becoming the CEO of You, she spoke of the importance of women taking control of their professional lives. In the breakout session Managing Your Personal Brand, she described the need for women to have their image represent their true talents and abilities.

A panel of BVI women gave advice on managing career, personal time and family. Lead by Judy Haycraft, the spirited discussion had input from panel members, Joyce Murraine, Janice Skelton, Judith Vanterpool and Vanessa King. Among other presenters were, Dr Denise de Gayle-Macintyre, who gave a presentation on women´s health and Tanis McDonald, Audit Director of KPMG, who spoke about the importance on managing personal finances.

Commenting on the day´s activity, Hill admits that she was hesitant to attend at first, but is now looking forward to Women of Power 2010. "When I first heard it was an all day seminar I was not happy or looking forward to spending the entire day there, but as soon as the first speaker started, I felt so motivated. All the speakers were excellent, and they made me want to go out and do everything they advised. The summit was very empowering and inspiring for all women. It gave us the extra push needed to conquer the world by living our dreams and succeeding in life. To all the women that missed this year´s summit, I will definitely tell them they shouldn´t miss the next one. I know I definitely plan to be there."

Harrigan says that she hopes from the summit more women will understand and see the value in taking time out to build themselves. She said, "Most of all, I hope women understand the importance of taking some time out to take care of themselves. We play many roles in the lives of our loved ones and often times we neglect ourselves. Whether it´s planning for a better career, advancing your education, taking better care of your health and finances or just taking some time out to reflect and be grateful, when women are empowered, they help to empower their children, family, each other and importantly, our communities."

Continuing the tradition of honouring women who have made contributions to life in the Virgin Islands; Marlene Penn-Trotman and Deborah Reynolds O´Neal were attributed with the Women of Power Awards. Founder of the Family Support Network, the group that supports victims of domestic violence; Penn-Trotman was awarded the Humanitarian Award for her service to the community. Reynolds O´Neal, proprietor of UMI Fashions was awarded the Business Woman of the Year Award for her innovative contributions to commerce in the Virgin Islands.