March 10, 2022
Royann Dean managing director of ONWRD Advisors Ltd., a digital solutions, communications and design company, is one of thirty-three participants in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Virtual Women and Entrepreneurship cohort.
Dean, a marketing communication strategist with a specialization in digital transformation, is the only Bahamian selected to join participants from around the world and from a variety of private sector industries including finance, trade, technology, engineering, media, consumer goods, hospitality and higher education. Participants also include government officials and social enterprise entrepreneurs.
The IVLP program is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program and was established in 1940 to build mutual understanding between the United States and other nations through carefully designed professional visits to the United States for current and emerging foreign leaders. The program creates opportunities for participants to expand their professional networks and knowledge base, develop leadership skills and enjoy cultural exchanges.
Each year 4,500 IVLP participants travel to the United States to meet with their professional counterparts. Over 320 current and former heads of government and state and many other distinguished world leaders in the public and private sectors have participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program.
IVLP cohorts reflect the professional interests of the participants. Visitors represent government, politics, the media, education, nongovernmental organizations, the arts, public health, international security, business and trade, and other fields.
In 2020, IVLP Virtual was launched to ensure the continuation of the program during the pandemic. During the 3-week IVLP Virtual Women and Entrepreneurship cohort, the group will meet with business and community leaders in Washington, D.C., Alabama, Ohio, North Carolina and California.
“I am honored to have been selected to participate in the Women and Entrepreneurship IVLP and to have the opportunity to meet and learn from female leaders who are driving incredible initiatives around the world,” said Dean. “Each time a Bahamian participates in a program for women who are making a mark in their respective countries, it helps to make the world aware of The Bahamas and the talent that we have here. I look forward to sharing my experiences and lessons learned for the benefit of female entrepreneurs in our community.”