Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership: Karen Darbasie Named Patron of the First Citizens Girls First Festival

Press Release

Where it all started – Group CEO and Girls First Founder Karen Darbasie shares a heartfelt moment with attendees at Girls First Tobago, where the first edition of Girls First was held in November 2017.

In a momentous announcement that blended reflection with celebration, First Citizens proudly honoured the enduring legacy of its trailblazing Group CEO and Founder of the First Citizens Girls First Festival, Ms. Karen Darbasie, by naming her Patron of the Girls First Festival.

The announcement was made during the Trinidad edition of the event held on Sunday, July 13th, 2025 in-front of approximately 300 attendees at the auditorium of Bishops Anstey and Trinity College East. This information was also shared with the young women present at the Tobago edition on July 20th.  As the founding visionary of the Girls First Festival, which began in 2017, the title honours her bold leadership and passion for women’s and girls’ rights sparking, a movement that continues to inspire, uplift, and transform lives. As Patron, Darbasie will continue to lend her voice and vision to the platform she helped build, ensuring its mission not only endures but expands.

Ahead of presenting the commemorative plaque, Neela Moonilal-Kissoon, Group Deputy CEO – Operations and Administration said “Karen’s legacy is woven into the DNA of Girls First.” “It was her belief in the power of young women, her drive for inclusion, and her call for action that helped give this movement its wings. Naming her our Patron is not just symbolic — it is a statement of gratitude and a continuation of her dream.”

In response, Darbasie said “I am honoured and deeply moved.” “Girls First has always been more than a programme, it’s a promise to the next generation. I look forward to supporting this movement in a new way and watching it grow even stronger.”

The 2025 Festival has been hailed as one of the most impactful editions yet, with a spotlight on legacy-building, leadership, and cultivating unshakable self-confidence in young women. As the newly appointed Patron, First Citizens looks forward to Darbasie continuing to shape the Festival’s future, ensuring its mission remains as bold and relevant as ever.

For more information on the Girls First Festival follow @FCGirlsFirst.

A proud moment! First Citizens Group CEO and Girls First Founder, Karen Darbasie, is presented with a commemorative plaque marking her naming as Patron of Girls First by Mrs. Neela Moonilal-Kissoon, First Citizens Group Deputy CEO – Operations and Administration.
A powerful moment of connection: Karen Darbasie and Neela Moonilal-Kissoon share smiles with a few of the bright, passionate young women who attended Girls First 2025 in Trinidad.
A thrilled attendee captures a selfie with Karen Darbasie, showing just how inspiring it is to meet the woman behind the movement.
With grace and purpose, Karen Darbasie delivers a heartfelt address to the Girls First 2025 Trinidad audience, encouraging each girl to "Make Your Mark."
Where it all started – Group CEO and Girls First Founder Karen Darbasie shares a heartfelt moment with attendees at Girls First Tobago, where the first edition of Girls First was held in November 2017.
The "Make Your Mark" Wall quickly became a Festival favourite — a space for attendees, and even Founder Karen Darbasie, to pen their affirmations and inspire others.
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