To showcase how a unique diamond industry organization gives back to communities where diamonds are mined, The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) hosted its first pop-up booth outside JCK Luxury in its ongoing industry efforts to raise awareness for ”Diamonds for Good” campaign. Below Is a re-cap of events that took place during D.E.F’s presence at the jewelry show. JCK TV and Rapaport TV visited the booth and did some interviews with the leadership team including a D.E.F Scholar, Joseph Munyambanza who is an Alumni of African Leadership Academy, an institution supported by D.E.F. In South Africa. Nancy Orem Lyman, the vice president and executive director, explains what industry involvement means to the beneficiaries of D.E.F. programs. Super model Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner, D.E.F. Angel Ambassador, shares how the angels program is expanding and finally, Joseph Munyambanza, a graduate of the African Leadership Academy, which is a benefactor of D.E.F. sponsorship, extols the program creating future leaders in diamond-producing countries.

Additionally, D.E.F held a one of a kind panel discussion moderated by Rob Bates, Senior Editor at JCK Magazine. This panel included, Varda Shine, CEO of Diamond Trading Company; Joseph Munyabanza, DEF leadership student and ALA Alumni; Dr Benjamin Chavis, DEF Board member and Senior Strategic Advisor; David Bouffard, Vice President Public Relations of Sterling Jewelers and Cecilia Gardner from Jewelers Vigilance Committee. All panelists explored different topics ranging from ways diamonds are contributing to the development of individuals and communities in Africa and emphasized the ways you can bring this important message back to your customers.