For Immediate Release                                    Contact: Nancy Orem Lyman

January 11, 2012                                             Phone: (917) 229-7231

n.lyman@diamondempowerment.org

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND’S

FIRST ANNUAL GOOD AWARDS LIGHTS UP MANHATTAN

New York, NY; January 11, 2012—Atop the Empire Rooftop Hotel the Diamond Empowerment Fund held its inaugural GOOD Awards on January 5, 2012. The festive affair kicked off a weekend filled with annual industry luncheons and gala dinners.

Four individuals received GOOD Awards for outstanding leadership in the area of good corporate citizenship, sustainability, and helping to communicate the diamond industry’s commitment to helping individuals through education in African diamond-producing nations. The four were:

1. Ms. Varda Shine, CEO and the Diamond Trading Company  (A De Beers Group Company)
2. Mr. Edward Hrabak, SVP General Merchandising Manager and Sterling Jewelers Inc
3. Ms. Rebecca Foerster, U.S. Manager Marketing and Sales and Rio Tinto Diamonds:  
4. Ms. Ivanka Trump, Founder and Principal and  Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry (Under the ‘New and Brightest’ category )

Videos of the honorees and their good works can be found here.

A highlight of the GOOD Awards’ evening was a jaw-dropping performance by Grammy-nominated singer Melanie Fiona, who almost brought the roof down with the incredible range of her voice and her R&B themed song choices. Another highlight was the rhythmic beat of music played throughout the evening by New York’s famous DJ M.O.S.

Russell Simmons, co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund and chair of its Advisory Board summed up the evening by stating “The Diamond Empowerment Fund is unique to the diamond industry. It’s about action and empowerment on the ground in Africa. The first-ever GOOD Awards is also unique and was designed to shine on a light on those within the diamond and jewelry industry who understand the importance, urgency and impact education can have. I’m happy to say the event was a success.”

Added Board President Phyllis Bergman, “The GOOD Awards allowed us to put the Diamond Empowerment Fund on the map for the industry. We had an amazing turnout and the feedback has been incredibly positive. We are grateful for the sponsorship from industry leaders, Sterling Jewelers, Inc, Rio Tinto Diamonds, Julius Klein and Ritani, and Gemological Institute of America (GIA)  whose support helped us put together such a wonderful event. With additional support from the industry moving forward, we can further our mission of building and strengthening diamond producing nations through the education of their youth”

Honoree Ivanka Trump reinforced this message affirming “it’s just good business to care about everyone involved in the various layers of production…especially when the end product is such a beautiful symbol of love”.

With Gratitude to our Generous Sponsors

Join us in empowering the next generation of African Leaders:

Help further DEF’s mission of supporting education initiatives in diamond producing nations. Your contributions help to pay for tuition and learning for deserving students.

Your generosity will be acknowledged on the DEF website and other future opportunities.

Born and raised in Arlington, VA, Kafia always had an affinity for Africa. Her parents moved from Somalia in the early eighties to Virginia to raise her family. With acceptance letters from notable universities such as George Washington University and University of Maryland, Kafia decided to attend Old Dominion University in Southeastern Virginia.

After graduating magna cum laude with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Public Law, Kafia decided to dedicate a year service and served with City Year in New York City tutoring and mentoring children in East Harlem. During her time as a corps member, Kafia found time to volunteer and first began work at the Diamond Empowerment Fund in 2009.

After completing more than 1700 hours of service with Americorps & City Year, Kafia then joined the staff of the Diamond Empowerment Fund in 2010, and currently serves in the role of Projects and Events Associate. This fall, Kafia began her graduate studies at New York University.

The event I’m here for, Diamonds in Sky: Hong Kong is already off to an amazing start!

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The Diamonds in the Sky event is a benefit dinner and auction that is supporting The Diamond Empowerment Fund and The China Charity Federation. After the huge successes of DEF London last fall, we are excited to be apart of Diamonds in the Sky: Hong Kong and with the full support from the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) and Chow Tai Fook (CTF), DEF is honored to be a beneficiary.

We kicked it off with great press conference announcing the event. When Cheng Yu-Tung, Chairman of Chow Tai Fook, said “The more that I give, the more happiness I gain,” I immediately knew this was going to be a special event.

While in Hong Kong I am keeping up with my yoga and meditation regimen. On the way out of Pure, a yoga spot in Hong Kong, I got the news that Swizz Beatz was in the area as well. Immediately I contacted him to see if he was available join me at the benefit. Without hesitation, Swizz agreed not only to attend but to make a $50,000 donation to empower African youth. Hip-Hop unites to change lives.

The benefit dinner and auction was hugely successful! DEF Angel Rahma M. raised $115,000 for @DEF_Africa at Diamonds in the Sky: Hong Kong. Megaupload.com won Rahma M for $115,000 in a bidding war against Swizz Beatz who bid a just as incredible $100,000.

Check out all of the photos I took with my blackberry. More to come.

~Russell Simmons

Honouring:

Dr. Cheng Yu-tang
Chairman, Chow Tai Fook Group

Cynthia Carroll
Chief Executive, Anglo American plc

Russell Simmons,
Advisory Board Chairman, Diamond Empowerment Fund & Honourary Event Co-chairman

AND

Li Bengong,
Vice President, China Charity Federation & Honourary Event Co-chairman

Dr. Henry Cheng Karsun, Vice Chairman, Chow Tai Fook Group

Varda Shine, CEO, Diamond Trading Company

CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO A BENEFIT DINNER & AUCTION TO SUPPORT THE CHINA CHARITY FEDERATION AND THE DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND

Date: Tuesday September 20th, 2011
Cocktails: 7:00 pm
Dinner & Auction: 8:30 pm onwards
Venue: The Diamond Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
Attire: Business Diamond Chic

Download Your Response Card Here

Fully Supported By:

CHINA CHARITY FEDERATION (CCF)
Founded in 1994, with the objective of sustaining the traditional Chinese culture of helping others, China Charity Federation (CCF) has been actively involved in numerous humanitarian activities and charitable endeavours. Since its inception, CCF have raised more than RMB10 billions benefiting people throughout China.

China Charity Federation Officers
FAN Bajoun, President
LI Bengong, Vice President & Representative of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China
LIU Guolin, General Secretary

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND (DEF)
The Diamond Empowerment Fund is an international non-profit organization (EIN# 20-5967103) that raises funds to support education initiative in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. It was established in 2007 by a group of individuals and businesses in the diamond and jewelry industry, with the belief that education is essential to empower both individuals and society to reach their fullest potential.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) Governing and Advisory Boards are comprised of individuals who believe that education is essential to empower both individuals and society to reach their fullest potential.

Governing Board
Cathy Calhoun, Calhoun Jewelers
Rebecca Foerster, Rio Tinto
Ellen Haddigan, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Edward Hrabek, Sterling Jewelers Inc.
Anna Martin, Standard Chartered Bank
Sally Morrison, FOREVERMARK
Varda Shine, Diamond Trading Co.
Yancy Weinrach, JCK Events
Jaci Wilson-Reid

Advisory Board
Russell Simmons, Advisory Board Chairman
Lita Asscher, Royal Asscher of America Inc.
Donna Baker, Gemological Institute of America, Inc.
Phyllis Bergman, Mercury Ring Corp.
Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner, Angel Ambassador
Michael Kaplan, Rocket Redbox
Dilip Mehta, Rosy Blue Group
The Honorable Festus G. Mogae
Linah Mohohlo, Bank of Botswana
Scott Rauch, Simmons Jewelry Co.
Hedda T. Schupak, The Centurion Newsletter
Elliot Tannenbaum, Leo Schachter Diamonds

Nancy Orem Lyman is a strategic planner and marketing professional with over 20 years experience in both for-profit and non-for-profit organizations. Most recently, Nancy has worked as a strategy consultant developing communications and engagement approaches that connect businesses with relevant social issues and cause organizations. She has been instrumental in working with organizations to drive progress on the UN Millennium Development Goals and has been a driving force around the issues of environmental justice, climate change, and women’s empowerment. Nancy is a strong believer that effectively communicating businesses “triple bottom line” commitment will strengthen their reputation, connection with consumers, brand equity, overall position in the marketplace and long-term profitability.

Nancy has had prior experience in the diamond industry as Director of Consumer Confidence for De Beers Group Marketing while working at JWT Advertising. In fact, it was during this “mine to finger” experience with the diamond industry that Nancy developed her strong interest in and commitment to sustainability and sustainable development. Travel for her position included the developing countries of Sierra Leone, South Africa and Botswana where first hand observations were made on the impact responsible business practices could mean for communities…and businesses.

Nancy is an active participant on both the local and global front giving her time to organizations close to her heart. She is a member of her town’s Sustainability Advisory Board, co-founded the Chappaqua Farmers Market, is a League of Women Voter’s designated observer at the United Nations, sits on the NGO/Committee on the Status of Women’s Sub-Committee on Women and Climate Change and is a strong supporter of Womensphere and the Women’s Network for a Sustainable Future.

(from l-r) Minister of Education, Ms. Pelonomi Venson- Moitoi, His Excellency, President of the Republic of Botswana, Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Permanent Secretary of Education Ms. Grace Muzila and Diamond Empowerment Fund Marketing Manager, Lesego Mathware.

New York based Non Profit Organization, Diamond Empowerment Fund founded by entertainment and financial services mogul, Russell Simmons and other diamond industry executives have named the “Top Achievers Program” administered by the Ministry of Education of Botswana as its first beneficiary in Botswana. The ground breaking partnership with the Ministry of Education is the first project the Diamond Empowerment Fund has embarked on in Botswana. “It gives me great pride and pleasure to present a check of P300, 000.00 to the Ministry of Education on behalf of the Board of the Diamond Empowerment Fund. These efforts are in line with our vision of empowerment of African youth through education, creating a self sustainable and empowered future for Africa” said Lesego Mathware, DEF representative.

About Diamond Empowerment Fund

D.E.F is a non-profit international organization with the mission to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

About Top Achievers Program

Top Achievers Scholarship Program is intended for a select number of students with outstanding academic performance to pursue careers that are of strategic importance in terms of driving the economic diversification agenda of Botswana. The fields of study for the scholarship include Finance, Business, Engineering, Medical, Health, ICT and Science. Initially the focus will be on undergraduate level but over time the scholarship will cover post graduate training in key areas. This initiative is aimed at motivating young people to excel in their studies, gain recognition, learn at the best environments to realise their potential, and create a pool of exceptional leaders for the country over time.

Left to Right: Kristen Kenney, Flaviana Matata, Venance Ndibalema, and Rhama Jama. Photo by Jarrett McGovern.

TANZANIA: A FRIENDSHIP JOURNEY, produced and directed by Emmy Award winning director Sylvia Caminer, chronicles the intimate journey through Tanzania of two best friends from vastly different worlds. Kristen, an all-American blue-eyed blonde-haired girl travels with Tanzanian native, Venance, to his homeland after a 10-year absence. Her naivety evolves as Kristen experiences the day-to-day life struggles of Tanzania, which ultimately inspires her to dedicate her life to making difference.

“My life will never be the same after experiencing the realities of what the people of Tanzania and most of Africa face day in and day out. My eyes are open, and I am now dedicated to doing what I can to make a difference. I was a nobody yet all it takes is a nobody to make someone smile and change someone’s life. This documentary is a tool to bridge the gap between our daily lives here in America and the emotional struggles of those in Africa…and mobilize us into action!”
-Kristen Kenney, Founder of MALAIKA FOR LIFE

The Diamond Empowerment Fund Africa’s Angels Flaviana Matata (Miss Tanzania, 2007) and Rahma M. (International Super Model) were in attendance at the SOHO premiere and were deeply moved by the film’s powerful message.

“TANZANIA: A FRIENDSHIP JOURNEY reminds us that some of life’s most precious gifts are priceless. When we allow our hearts and minds to be open, the possibilities are endless.”
-Flaviana Matata, DEF Africa’s Angel

“The documentary explores a land of beautiful nature, traditions, and the lust for life of Tanzanians, despite their unfortunate circumstances. Despite all the smiles and laughter, we must remember that extreme poverty and diseases is the reality of many people across the globe, which kills every second.”
-Rhama Jama, DEF Africa’s Angel

While filming in Tanzania, Kristen was suddenly struck with the all too common disease, malaria. Fortunate to have the minimal finances necessary to treat the disease, Kristen recovered. However this trauma left with her an indelible impression about the lack of resources available to those who can’t afford the medication. Her journey, captured in this documentary, became the genesis of MALAIKA FOR LIFE – a non-profit organization that has provided malaria medicine to over 20,000 Tanzanians since its inception in 2009.

TANZANIA: A FRIENDSHIP JOURNEY screened at the Florida Film Festival and the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival.

About MALAIKA FOR LIFE

Founded in 2009 by malaria survivor Kristen Kenney and financial advisor Anna Wascher, MALAIKA FOR LIFE is dedicated to saving lives and empowering communities, ONE bracelet at a time. Proceeds from every bracelet purchased provide life-saving medication to a child with malaria. For the widows and HIV-positive women who craft the products, the organization provides a sustainable income that in turn facilitates economic development for their local Tanzanian community.

Connect with MALAIKA FOR LIFE:
Website: MALAIKAFORLIFE.org
Facebook: facebook.com/MALAIKA4LIFE
Twitter: MALAIKAforLIFE
YouTube: youtube.com/user/MalaikaChannel

About The Diamond Empowerment Fund

Founded in 2007, The Diamond Empowerment Fund™ (D.E.F.) is a non-profit international organization with the mission to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

Kickstarter.com/TanzaniaAFriendshipJourney is providing audiences and supporters the unique opportunity to back this budding film as it makes its way across the nation

Connect with D.E.F.:
Website: diamondempowerment.org
Facebook: facebook.com/Diamond-Empowerment-Fund
Twitter: twitter.com/DEF_AFRICA

CONTACT:

Ashley Hall
MALAIKA FOR LIFE
Communications Coordinator
(440) 227 – 3631
MALAIKAFORLIFE.org
ashley.gardner.hall@gmail.com

Click here to read a short biography of Neal Goldberg