Nationwide — When Connie Portis, founding father of Sisters & Mates, returned to host the nineteenth girls’s getaway—and the second on the island of Barbados—it started with a convincing affirmation of the group’s impression. The Honorable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and a globally revered chief, prolonged a private message of welcome and gratitude to the ladies touring from throughout the US. In her be aware, Prime Minister Mottley praised the group’s return as “a valued partnership,” emphasizing that by selecting Barbados, the ladies have been “immediately supporting the livelihoods of many, strengthening communities, and reinforcing the deep cultural and financial ties between Barbados and the US.”
Over the five-day getaway, greater than 80 visitors generated an estimated $175,000 in spending by means of resort lodging and native experiences. Furthering their dedication to neighborhood, the group additionally donated dry items to 2 native charities, demonstrating the spirit of giving and solidarity that’s on the coronary heart of Sisters & Mates.
Due to the assist of Go to Barbados, the customer providers arm of the Barbados Tourism Advertising Inc., the Chief Product Growth Officer, Marsha Alleyne, deliberate an exquisite expertise for attendees that left a profound connection to the island, one which honors and preserves its deep African roots.
Throughout an unforgettable historic tour, individuals discovered that Barbados, simply 3,000 miles from the African continent, was a key port within the transatlantic commerce of captured Africans. The tour included a go to to the highly effective Builders Wall in Freedom Park, Bridgetown, the place bricks etched with surnames memorialize those that have been renamed and dispersed, many to North Carolina, throughout that painful chapter in historical past. Most of the ‘sisterfriends’ positioned their household names, making the bittersweet hyperlink between Barbados and their very own American household.
Sisters & Mates is a non-membership neighborhood that gathers each on-line and in particular person to construct connections amongst girls of all ages and backgrounds. “We’ve got a good time assembly girls from round the US for an exquisite mixture of enjoyable, rejuvenating, and studying our historical past,” says Portis. “Some attend with associates, others come alone—we might arrive as strangers, we at all times depart as associates.”
The stress-free, all-inclusive resort expertise supplied the right backdrop for bonding and discovery. A particular spotlight was a Bajan Buffet hosted by an area restaurant, showcasing the richness of Barbadian delicacies and tradition. With hospitality because the island’s main trade, adopted by worldwide finance, the nice and cozy welcome left a long-lasting impression.
“I’m extraordinarily grateful that our monetary impression makes, in some modest approach, a distinction,” stated Portis. “Plans for 2026 embrace deepening our cultural trade and celebrating the twentieth anniversary of Sisters & Mates with much more impression. Our objective is to host 80 girls once more and proceed constructing bonds with the ladies of Barbados whereas displaying honest appreciation to Prime Minister Mottley for her gracious hospitality and assist of Sisters and Mates.” To hitch the group, name (412) 400-8809.
About Sisters & FriendsSisters & Mates is a vibrant neighborhood for African American girls of all ages and life phases who come collectively to chill out, rejuvenate, and encourage each other. Based by Connie Portis, the group gathers each on-line and in particular person for enriching, no-drama experiences designed to foster sisterhood. For 15 years, Sisters & Mates made Martha’s Winery its annual retreat, adopted by two unforgettable getaways to Jamaica, supporting the black female-owned resort, Negril Tree Home. In 2026, the group will return to Barbados for the third time, persevering with its custom of significant journey and making highly effective connections. Study extra at SistersandFriends.com
About Prime Minister Mia MottleyThe Honorable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, has grow to be one of the vital compelling and globally revered voices of our time. She is the primary feminine Prime Minister of Barbados, and her management has captivated the world stage, particularly by means of highly effective speeches delivered on the United Nations. Named one in every of TIME journal’s 100 Most Influential Individuals and honored as a UN Champion of the Earth for her environmental advocacy, Prime Minister Mottley is acknowledged not just for her coverage management but additionally for her unwavering dedication to justice, fairness, and sustainability.
For press inquiries, contact Connie Portis at (412) 400-8809 or caportis@gmail.com
