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

African Leadership Academy is one of three beneficiary schools receiving funds from Diamond Empowerment Fund, whose mission is to empower Africans in diamond-producing nations through education. The other two are CIDA City Campus, a business college in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the Top Achievers Program in Botswana.

“We’re proud that DEF can play a key role in helping to educate, cultivate, develop, and support future leaders who will provide ethical and productive governance throughout the African continent, especially in diamond-producing nations,” said Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director. “To be able to increase our funding for this outstanding program by 40% is indeed a milestone, and wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support of the diamond industry that we received in Hong Kong and through our fundraising efforts around the world.  In addition to furthering our support of existing programs such as ALA, DEF is also looking to fund additional education programs with a focus on skills training and sustainable job creation.”

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, African Leadership Academy (ALA) was founded by Ghanian-born entrepreneur Fred Swaniker, on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to transforming the African continent.  A residential pre-university institution, ALA is aimed at developing ethical, visionary, effective, and accountable leaders across the entire continent of Africa. To be accepted, students must show extraordinary leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for leading Africa ethically. ALA recruits students from all 54 African nations; at present, 41 nations are represented at the Academy.

“The continued support of African Leadership Academy from the Diamond Empowerment Fund is a true testament to the fact that we are on the right path to empower and develop the next generation of African leaders,” said Bryden Sweeney-Taylor, Executive Director of African Leadership Foundation, ALA’S U.S. partner.

DEF made its first grant to ALA in 2009 to establish the “DEF Scholars” scholarship program for students from diamond-producing nations in Africa. The hugely successful “Diamonds in the Sky Hong Kong” fundraiser last month will allow DEF to not only re-commit to its support of ALA, but also to increase funding for the program by 40%, enabling DEF to help support every single student who comes to ALA from diamond-producing nation. Students enrolled at ALA come from the following diamond producing countries, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Liberia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

ALA’s first graduating class of 88 surpassed all goals, with 92% of students admitted to college, and secured a collective amount of more than $10 million USD in college scholarship funds to schools including Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, Dartmouth College, and Duke University.

Forbes magazine recently featured a profile of ALA founder Fred Swaniker, named, at age 34, to Forbes’ list of Africa’s Most Powerful Men Under 40.

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund
The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based non-profit organization (EIN# 20-5967103) that raises money to support education initiatives 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.

Leaders from across the globe, event co-chairs Dr. Henry Cheng (Vice Chairman of the Chow Tai Fook Group) and Varda Shine (CEO of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC); honourary co-chairs Li Bengong (CCF’s Vice President) and Russell Simmons (DEF’s co-founder and Advisory Board Chairman), joined forces to support social causes in Africa and China. The international gathering of social changers was in aid of both CCF and DEF’s shared mission to empower the economically disadvantaged in, respectively, Africa, where diamonds are a natural resource as well as China, the fastest-growing diamond purchasing market.

The evening started with welcome speeches by event co-chairs Dr. Henry Cheng and Varda Shine. Click here to read a transcription of Varda’s speech (PDF). Han Jingjin (CCF’s Vice Secretary-General) and Russell Simmons also gave speeches later in the evening about the two beneficiaries. The live auction, MC’d by Tim Dabson of DTC, raised US$700,000 with lots consisting of diamond jewellery sponsored by Chow Tai Fook and an exclusive selection of celebrity experiences including travel packages, dining packages, sports packages and a unique one-day fashion photo-shoot in New York with DEF Angel Rahma M.

“CCF is very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful event that will benefit many of those in need in China. Apart from raising money, the event will also help to sustain the traditional Chinese culture of helping others, which is the foundation of CCF. I’m confident that it’ll be a success!”
– Li Bengong, Vice President, China Charity Federation & Honourary Event Co-Chair

“We are grateful for Chow Tai Fook’s leadership in being the main sponsor of this hugely successful fund raiser last night in Hong Kong. The money raised will go a really long way towards benefitting the youth in Africa that DEF supports!”
– Russell Simmons, Advisory Board Chairman, DEF & Honourary Event Co-Chair

The evening also saw two great social changers — Cynthia Carroll (Chief Executive of Anglo American plc) and Dr. Cheng Yu-tung (Chairman of the Chow Tai Fook Group) being honoured for their tireless efforts in improving the lives of individuals in China and Africa.

“I appreciate the recognition given to me by the organisers. I’m glad that there are others out there who are also eager to change the face of corporate social responsibility. I fully support this great cause!”
– Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive, Anglo American plc

“Commitment to corporate social responsibility has always been a top priority to me when running a business. I am happy that the event organisers share the same view. I am so pleased that the proceeds of last night’s event will mean that people in Africa and China will be benefited.”
– Dr. Cheng Yu-tung, Chairman, Chow Tai Fook Group

In addition, traditional Chinese “Mask Illusionists” Master Wai performed to the sold-out audience. Chow Tai Fook also generously sponsored a Diamond Show led by top models Vanessa Yeung and Mikki Yao. Renowned models and actresses Lynn Xiong, Jennifer Tse and Bianca Bai were in attendance to show support for the great cause.

About China Charity Federation (CCF)

Founded in 1994, with the objective of sustaining the traditional Chinese culture of helping others, China Charity Federation has been actively involved in numerous humanitarian activities and charitable endeavours in various aspects. Since its inception, CCF has raised more than RMB18.85 billion benefiting people throughout China.
For more information visit: http://cszh.mca.gov.cn/

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF)

Founded and based in the United States since 2007, the non-profit Diamond Empowerment Fund’s (DEF) mission is to raise monies to support education initiatives in diamond producing countries empowering youth and promoting sustainable economic growth and social change. DEF has three named beneficiary organizations which serve as models for access to higher education – CIDA City Campus based in Johannesburg, South Africa; African Leadership Academy also based in Johannesburg and drawing students from all 54 African countries; and the Botswana Top Achievers Program, based in Gaborone. Sixty percent of the world’s diamonds come from Sub-Saharan Africa. In a land rich in diamonds, DEF’s goal is to help Africa’s most precious diamonds – its youth – have greater educational opportunities that lead to personal and economic empowerment.

Click here for more information about the Diamonds in the Sky Hong Kong Event or the DTC.

New York, NY – The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) announces “The Top Achievers Program” as its first education beneficiary in Botswana.

The Top Achievers Program is DEF’s third beneficiary. The first two are the CIDA City Campus, a business college in Johannesburg, South Africa, that is free to attendees with the requirement that they return to their native villages and teach for a period of time after graduation; and the African Leadership Academy, a secondary school in Johannesburg that draws students from all 54 countries in Africa to teach them leadership skills and the foundations of ethical governance.

The Top Achievers program in Botswana represents a groundbreaking partnership between DEF and the Government of Botswana’s Ministry of Education. Top Achievers is a program that selects the top 30 high school students countrywide in Botswana, and affords them the opportunity to study at a university of their choice around the world.

According to DEF advisory board member Elliot Tannenbaum of Leo Schachter, “The efforts of the Top Achievers Program is an outgrowth of our very positive interaction with the Botswana workforce in the diamond industry. It is therefore in line with our vision of empowering African youth through education, creating a self-sustainable economic future for Africa.”

Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director, added, “DEF’s support of the Top Achievers Program in Botswana signifies our recognition of the importance of this diamond producing nation and the impact diamond beneficiation will have on its future. It marks the initial program based in Botswana DEF will support.”

The program is administered with the government’s strategy and vision to diversify the economy of Botswana through a broader skill base, and position the country as a center of excellence. The Top Achievers are advised to pursue fields of study that include finance, medical research, leadership, entrepreneurship, and many more.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund has unanimously elected Phyllis Bergman president of its governing board. Bergman, CEO of Englewood, N.J.-based Mercury Ring, has served on the DEF advisory board since 2008, and heads its product development committee.

Bergman brings a wealth of industry nonprofit experience to the position. She is currently the chairman of the Twenty Four Karat Club of the City of New York, sits on the board of directors of the Diamond Development Initiative, is the incoming chair of the Jewelers Board of Trade, is a past president of the national Women’s Jewelry Association and currently chairs WJA’s Scholarship Committee, and is a past member of the American Gem Society board of directors.

Bergman has been the recipient of multiple jewelry industry awards, including the American Gem Society Triple Zero Award, the Women’s Jewelry Association Hall of Fame, and WJA’s annual Award for Excellence in Manufacturing.

Outside the jewelry industry, she is active in the Women’s Presidents Organization, the Central Park Conservancy and previously spent many years active with ORT, a global organization that teaches vocational skills.

Of her recent election, Bergman said, “I’m very excited to become president of DEF’s governing board and take the organization to the next level. The jewelry industry has done very well through the resources of Africa, and I believe it’s the industry’s responsibility to give something back.

“DEF’s mission of empowering Africans through education is something I firmly endorse: giving a hand up, not a handout. By giving individuals in diamond-producing nations the tools and abilities to help themselves, it allows the next generation of Africans to emerge from poverty and dependence to economic growth and prosperity.”

Bergman was unanimously elected to office by the DEF governing board, with full support of the non-voting advisory board. Upon her election, she moves from the organization’s advisory board to its governing board.

Members of the DEF advisory board include: Russell Simmons, Rush Communications, chairman; Lita Asscher, Royal Asscher of America; Donna M. Baker, GIA; Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner; Michael Kaplan, Rocket Box; Dilip Mehta, Rosy Blue; The Honorable Festus G. Mogae, former president of the Republic of Botswana; Linah Mohohlo, Bank of Botswana; Scott Rauch, Simmons Jewelry Co.; Hedda Schupak, industry analyst and editor, The Centurion Newsletter; and Elliot Tannenbaum, Leo Schachter Diamonds.

Members of the DEF governing board include: Cathy Calhoun, Calhoun Jewelers; Rebecca Foerster, Rio Tinto Diamonds; Ellen Haddigan, The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering; Edward Hrabak, Sterling Jewelers Inc.; Anna Martin, Standard Chartered Bank; Sally Morrison, Forevermark; Varda Shine, Diamond Trading Co.; Yancy Weinrich, JCK Events; and Jaci Wilson-Reid. Non-board officers include Nashon Craig, secretary, and Rich Slomovitz, treasurer, both of Rush Communications.

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

The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) has appointed Nancy Orem Lyman as its new executive director and vice president, effective August 1. Her appointment comes after a seven-month global executive search.

Nancy Orem Lyman is a 2O-year experienced industry professional in strategic planning, marketing, communications, corporate social responsibility, fund-raising and sustainable development. In the jewelry industry, she served as the director of consumer confidence for the De Beers Group’s marketing, through JWT Advertising, De Beers’ global advertising agency. During this time, she also served as the education outreach director for the World Diamond Council.

Lyman also worked with the United Nations on various programs focused on attaining the UN Millennium Development Goals, and has first-hand experience with such programs in Africa-particularly in the diamond-producing nations of Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Botswana.

Russell Simmons, Diamond Empowerment Fund co-founder and chairman of the DEF Advisory Board said, “We are pleased that Nancy Orem Lyman is our new DEF Executive Director. She brings to this important job the experience of the industry, together with a firm commitment to the empowerment of people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.”

Lyman added, “I’m thrilled to be working with such an action-oriented organization dedicated to empowering youth through education in diamond producing countries in Africa. The diamond industry’s strong support of DEF is indicative of their understanding of the need for sustainable development in areas where their most precious resource is found. I look forward to furthering these partnerships and making an even larger difference for these countries’ most precious resource…the people.”

Phyllis Bergman, CEO of Mercury Ring and DEF board president, said, “Nancy’s knowledge of our industry combined with her activities in diamond producing countries will serve as strong assets in bringing the importance of the DEF cause closer to all segments of our industry and ultimately to the consumer.”

The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) announced today that Nancy Orem Lyman is the new Executive Director and Vice President. The DEF Governing Board with the concurrence of the Advisory Board voted to select Lyman after a seven-month global executive search process.

Russell Simmons, Diamond Empowerment Fund Co-founder and Chairman of the DEF Advisory Board stated, “We are pleased that Nancy Orem Lyman is our new DEF Executive Director. She brings to this important job the experience of the industry together with a firm commitment to the empowerment of people in Africa where diamonds are a natural resource.”

Nancy Orem Lyman is a 2O-year experienced industry professional in strategic planning, marketing, communications, corporate social responsibility, fund-raising and sustainable development. Nancy Lyman has served as the Director of Consumer Confidence for the De Beers Group Marketing while working at JWT Advertising. She has also worked with the United Nations on various programs toward attaining the UN Millennium Development Goals and has first hand programmatic experience in Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, South Africa and Botswana.

Nancy Orem Lyman affirmed, “I’m thrilled to be working with such an action-oriented organization dedicated to empowering the youth through education initiatives in diamond producing countries in Africa. The diamond industry’s strong support of DEF is indicative of their understanding of the need for sustainable development in areas where their most precious resource is found. I look forward to furthering these partnerships and making an even larger difference for these countries’ most precious resource… its people.”

Phyllis Bergman, President of Mercury Ring Corporation and DEF Board member emphasized, “Nancy’s knowledge of our industry combined with her activities in diamond producing countries will serve as strong assets in bringing the importance of the DEF cause closer to all segments of our industry and ultimately to the consumer.”

Click here for more information about Nancy Orem Lyman.

More from JCK 2011:

#DEFrocksJCK: Rahma M. Attends Her 1st JCK
Love Diamonds Empower Africa By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

On May 21st, she will launch the FLAVIANA MATATA FOUNDATION. When asked about her new endeavor, Flaviana said:

“I am happy to announce that on May 21, 2011, I will officially launch the FLAVIANA MATATA FOUNDATION in honor of my beloved mother. As a former Miss Universe Tanzania, and currently, and model based in New York and Europe, I would like to use my fame to help the most vulnerable people in our society.”

Flaviana truly exemplifies what a real role model is. Be sure to catch the rising star at DEF’s upcoming events and activities!

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

(ARISE MAGAZINE/Issue 10. Editorial by Chad Pickard & Paul Mclean. Styled by Sabrina Henry.)