WeSpeak Bermuda’s annual Teen Boot Camp returned for its third successful year, continuing its mission to empower Bermuda’s young women with the confidence and skills to express themselves boldly.
Hosted at AXA XL headquarters, the full-day workshop brought together 35 students from across the island for an immersive public speaking experience. The event was led by a team of WeSpeak’s volunteer coaches, including senior women executives, who guided the participants through a series of engaging exercises and breakout discussions designed to build confidence, communication skills and personal presence.
Energy levels were high as WeSpeak coach and Bermuda celebrity Patrina ‘Powergirl’ O’Connor-Paynter once again emceed the day, making a dynamic entrance, setting the tone for a day of empowerment. The boot campers were immediately encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, receiving an enthusiastic round of applause for their participation.
A highlight of the day was a special panel discussion featuring past winners of WeSpeak’s Teen Video Competition – Keante’ Simmons, Sophie Kulkarni, and Zarah Siddiqi. These young speakers shared valuable insights with their peers, offering practical tips on overcoming stage fright, embracing authenticity, and learning from mistakes.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive exercises, from power poses to breathing and visualization techniques, designed to help them manage nerves and project confidence. Breakout coaching sessions provided individualized feedback, helping students refine their public speaking skills in real-time.
Sarah Dunstan, Chair of the WeSpeak Teen Committee, reflected on the event’s success, stating:
“It’s incredible to witness the transformation in these young women over the course of just one day. Many started off feeling nervous, but by the end, they were standing tall, speaking clearly, and owning their voices. WeSpeakis so proud to be part of their journey toward confidence and self-expression.”
The WeSpeak Teen Boot Camp is an extension of the organisation’s well-established Boot Camp series for adult women, which has been running since 2019. The non-profit is dedicated to enhancing women’s confidence in public speaking, equipping them with skills that benefit their personal and professional growth.
The 2025 boot camp welcomed students aged 15 to 17 from eight local schools, including:
To celebrate their participation, students received certificates of achievement, along with a special gift bag from boot camp sponsor OneComm and Brava, as well as ‘Under-the-Seat’ prizes donated by local businesses Tuck Shop, Cassine and The Retreat Spa.
Students who attended the Boot Camp had the exciting opportunity to enter a competition by sharing photos of their experience on social media. To participate, they simply had to tag our generous sponsor, OneComm, in their posts, showcasing their favorite moments from the event. This contest not only captured the energy and impact of the Boot Camp but also gave students a chance to win an incredible prize—an iPhone 16!
Sue Khan, Executive Director of WeSpeak Bermuda, emphasised the long-term impact of the programme:
“The Teen Boot Camp provides an invaluable opportunity for young women to develop the ‘3Cs’ of public speaking: confidence, competence, and calm. These skills will serve them in countless situations— from school to their future careers. It’s inspiring to see them supporting and uplifting each other in such a positive, collaborative environment.”
The event was made possible through the generous support of corporate sponsors including Athene Life Re Ltd., Brava, One Communications, and Mosaic Insurance. WeSpeak’s huge thanks also goes to AXA XL for providing the venue, which played a key role in making the workshop a reality.
For more information on WeSpeak’s programs and upcoming events, visit www.wespeak.bm.
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