ICN Founder Felicia J. Persaud Featured In New Book On Notable Guyanese Women Business Leaders
Originally published by News Americas Now Read the original
News Americas Now, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Mon. October 26, 2026: News Americas Now and ICN’s founder and publisher, Felicia J. Persaud, is among 127 women profiled in a new book documenting the achievements and contributions of Guyanese women in business, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Notable Guyanese Women Business Leaders: Achievements, Success, and Timeless Lessons, by Canada-based author Lal Balkaran, profiles women whose careers span business, finance, communications, public service, hospitality, education, healthcare, and other sectors in Guyana and across the diaspora. Persaud’s profile begins on page 272 under the heading “Building Global Visibility, Capital Access, and Caribbean Influence.”
The profile traces her journey from Georgetown, Guyana, to the United States and her career across media, entrepreneurship, investment advocacy and diaspora engagement. It highlights her founding of the ICN Group and her work across News Americas Now, Invest Caribbean, Hard Beat Communications and other ventures focused on Caribbean visibility, business development and global market access.
The book also notes Persaud’s long-running advocacy for Caribbean representation in the United States, including her founding of CARIB ID, an initiative launched in 2008 to press for greater recognition of Caribbean ancestry in U.S. Census data. Her profile describes communications and visibility as a recurring theme throughout her career, including the creation of platforms aimed at giving Caribbean businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities greater access to global audiences.
Balkaran’s 430-page book brings together profiles of women from several generations, including historic pioneers as well as contemporary executives, entrepreneurs and professionals. Among those listed are women recognized for breaking barriers in banking, accounting, business ownership, public service, media, hospitality, and corporate leadership. The publication describes itself as a record of leadership, innovation, resilience, empowerment, impact and legacy among Guyanese women.
Persaud said being included among so many accomplished Guyanese women carries particular meaning because of the journey that began in Guyana and continued across the wider Caribbean diaspora. “This recognition is especially meaningful because Guyana is where my story began,” Persaud said. “Whatever I have built internationally has always remained connected to the Caribbean, its people and the belief that our stories, businesses and ideas deserve a place on the global stage.”
Balkaran is an award-winning author and internal audit professional whose published work includes books and articles on Guyana, business and related subjects.
