By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
In celebration of Black History Month, Nightly News highlights a woman whose life story reads like a masterclass in resilience and humanitarianism. Dr. Joy Agness, a Guyanese-born educator, business coach, and world-renowned wedding planner, is being honored for her decades of service and her unwavering commitment to the development of her homeland.
From the halls of the East La Penitence Government School to the receiving line of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in the United States, Dr. Agness has proven that “small beginnings” are no barrier to global impact.
From Homelessness to the White House
Dr. Agness’s journey was not a straight line to success. She candidly shared the hardships she faced after emigrating from Guyana, including a period of homelessness and food insecurity in North America as she struggled to provide for her two children.
- Academic Grit: Determined to break the cycle of poverty, she furthered her studies to become a Registered Nurse, a profession she practiced for several years.
- The Shift to Celebration: Seeking to bring “pure joy” into the lives of others, she transitioned into the events industry, founding Joy Agness Events International.
- Global Recognition: In December 2022, her life of service culminated in the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from U.S. President Joseph Biden, specifically recognizing her work with the Angels Helping Hands Association.
Fixing the Literacy Gap: A Call to Action
Despite her international acclaim, Dr. Agness remains a teacher at heart. During her meeting with Antonio Dey, she expressed deep concern about literacy levels among Guyanese youth.
“Some of them could not read and I was upset by that… as Mahatma Gandhi said, if you have a problem, fix it,” she remarked.
Rather than offering criticism, Dr. Agness has actively collaborated with local stakeholders to address educational challenges. Her vision for change includes:
- Educational Philanthropy: Providing more than just financial aid, but actual tutoring and resources for literacy.
- Professional Growth: Her recent conference at the World Trade Centre, themed “Reshaping Your Mindset for Success,” aimed to equip Guyanese entrepreneurs with the mental tools needed to scale their businesses.
- Customer Service Excellence: She is currently working with the tourism industry to elevate service standards, ensuring Guyana remains a competitive destination.
Environmental Pride
As Guyana undergoes rapid economic growth, Dr. Agness is also an advocate for environmental stewardship. She frequently highlights the importance of citizen pride, urging Guyanese to take ownership of their natural heritage and keep their communities clean as the nation modernizes.
“Approaching 70 and Just Getting Started”
At nearly 70 years old, Dr. Agness shows no signs of slowing down. Whether she is teaching English to Spanish-speaking students in the U.S. or organizing high-end weddings across the Caribbean, her philosophy remains rooted in her humanitarian foundation: Angels Helping Hands.
