International Day of the Girl (Oct. 11) was celebrated by UNICEF Belize on Oct. 13, 2023, under the theme “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.” The celebration included a town hall for adolescent girls.

Sister Carlette Gentle was invited to take part in the event as a panelist on the Women Trailblazers Panel, as an influential woman in her field. She had the opportunity to speak to over 300 adolescent girls. The event was a huge success with young women taking part from all over the country.

Sister Carlette is the Executive Director of her NGO LIFE (Living Independently in Full Existence) that works to enhance the lives of older persons in Southside Belize City. She was born in Belize City and is a past graduate of Edward P. Yorke High School and the University of Belize before she went away to study at St. Louis University to acquire a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work.

Sister Carlette has worked with several different groups throughout the years including preschoolers, youth, women, families, women in incarceration, immigrants, women fleeing domestic violence, and the elderly.