Three trailblazing women joined forces to pull off the first-ever Suriname Awareness Symposium (SAS). The symposium, according to the trio, showcases the power of female collaboration in shaping the future of Suriname’s energy sector and beyond.
They are: Ileana Ferber – SAS Director and Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Colibri Business Development LLC; Vanessa Yacoob – SAS Program Manager, Director and Co-Founder of Sheriff Consultancy; and Lucil Drielinger-Fernandes, SAS Program Advisor and co-founder of Elite D’Fam Consultancy.
“I feel empowered, and this is what women can do, and we should never be underestimated,” Ileana shared. Drawing on her 24-year career at ExxonMobil, Ileana is a driving force in the energy industry, specializing in international development, economic growth, and sustainability. Based in Texas but with a global impact, she advocates for diversity and mentors aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Vanessa echoed this sentiment, “I go with the same code as my partner in crime. I feel also empowered, and I believe that this is an example set for every other woman. Collaboration is the key that makes us all stronger.”
Vanessa’s career spans 16 years in the energy sector across more than 10 countries. She spearheaded the creation of Guyana’s first world-class oil and gas training center and is pursuing a PhD in Oil and Gas Management. She combines her expertise with a commitment to societal impact through her Sheriff Foundation, which supports orphans.
Lucil touched on the collective effort. “It’s a beautiful opportunity to let the world see that when women have the same mindset, we can achieve everything we want, and we are unstoppable.”
Lucil, a former army officer with 25 years of service, brings a wealth of experience in leadership and diplomacy. As co-founder of Elite D’Fam Consultancy, she focuses on fostering international relations and entrepreneurship.
Together, these women speak to the power of collaboration and determination and set a new standard for women’s leadership in Suriname.
About SAS
The concept for SAS was born on a rainy afternoon in Suriname, following the conclusion of a major energy conference. Inspired by the event, entrepreneurs Ileana Ferber and Vanessa Yacoob recognized the urgent need to raise awareness among key stakeholders about local content opportunities, fostering alignment, and driving economic diversification.
Determined to meet this challenge, the duo envisioned an “Awareness” event as the ideal platform to unite stakeholders. Their mission included bringing in international leaders who could ignite passion and enthusiasm among the Surinamese people, ultimately creating pathways for sustainable growth and collaboration.
