April 17 2012, New York, NY—The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) will host a special ‘Diamonds at the W’ party at the W Hotel South Beach in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, April 26 from 8:30pm to 11:30 p.m., during the American Gemological Society’s (AGS) Conclave. Transportation to and from Conclave headquarters Doral Hotel and the W South Beach will be provided free of charge, as is the party.

A ‘Raffle for Education’ will be held during the event, to support DEF’s mission of empowering African youth through education in diamond producing nations. Among the prizes are two highly-sought-after tickets to Russell Simmons’ famed, celebrity filled ‘Art for Life’ benefit at his home in Southampton, New York; a four-night stay during JCK Las Vegas at THEHotel, complete with a luxurious spa treatment, donated by JCK; two tickets to the 51st Rolex 24 at Daytona including a ‘behind the scenes garage tour’ by the Chip Ganassi Racing team, 2 dinner tickets for The Grand Marshal dinner and two seats in a special “hot lap” ride around the track compliments of Rolex and the Gordon Company. Unique raffle items will also be available by media sponsor Haute Living. Attendees can purchase raffle tickets at the door or through DEF’s website, diamondempowerment.org.

Cathy Calhoun, a DEF governing board member and president of AGS, says, “Both the AGS and DEF understand the importance of education and promoting ethical business practices. AGS members develop superior skills and knowledge that ultimately helps protect the consumer. Through our industry’s support of DEF, student scholars are developing the skills and knowledge to be the next generation of leaders in Africa.”

Russell Simmons, DEF founder and advisory board chairman adds, “Access to education is critical for sustained progress, economic growth and prosperity in diamond producing countries. Diamonds are a precious resource, and through good governance by the industry they can contribute to the development of Africa’s other precious resource, its people.” Simmons was recently voted as the number one Social Change Agent in JCK’s Top 50 Power List of Movers, Shakers and Tastemakers in the Jewelry Industry.

Phyllis Bergman, DEF president, adds, “We are so pleased to be able to offer AGS attendees an opportunity to get to know DEF a bit better in such a fun, ‘ready for spring’ venue…and to aid our three beneficiaries is a wonderful statement to the industry’s generosity.

DEF’s beneficiaries include: 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. The second is the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg that draws students from all 54 countries in Africa, and emphasizes leadership skills, African History, and entrepreneurial skills. DEF provides scholarships to all students from diamond-producing nations. The third beneficiary is the Botswana Top Achievers program that selects the top high school students countrywide in Botswana, and affords them the opportunity to study at a university of their choice anywhere in the world. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.

Sponsors for the event include, W Hotel South Beach, Bombay Sapphire, Haute Living, JCK, RideCentric and special thanks to the GIA. DEF is proud to share part of the proceeds from the ‘Raffle for Education’ with Jewelers for Children…together making a difference.

Thursday
April 26th, 2012
8:30PM – 11:30PM
At the W Hotel, South Beach, 2201 Collins Ave
Music by World Famous: DJ Fly Guy
Shuttle buses run every 30 minutes from 6PM to midnight
between the Doral and the W Hotel

Art for Life

Russell Simmons, Danny Simmons and NYC Mayor Bloomberg

Win 2 tickets to the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation 12th Annual ART FOR LIFE Benefit in East Hampton on July 28th, 2012 at the home of Russell Simmons and get a chance to rub shoulders with celebrities who make a difference in the world.

VALUE: $3,500

THEHotel Package

A chance to win a 4 night stay at JCK Las Vegas at the exclusive and ultra luxurious THEHotel. After a long day on the showroom floor, pamper yourself with a spa treatment worth $150 and enjoy.

VALUE: $1,000+

Rolex 24 at Daytona ‘Champion’s Club’ Package

Win 2 tickets for an exciting adventure at the 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona January 26 and 27th in Daytona Beach, Florida. You’ll be a member of the Champion’s Club which entitles you to watch the race in leisure and luxury. Included in this exclusive package is a special garage tour by the Chip Ganassi Racing Team, 2 dinner tickets for The Grand Marshal dinner Friday evening January 25th (in honor of Hurley Haywood) and two seats in a special “hot lap” ride around the track prior to the race on Saturday.
Donated by Rolex and The Gordon Company.

VALUE: $2,500+

Thanks to our sponsors for making this event possible!

See us at the AGS Conclave Fashion Show, April 25th, 6-9PM

The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) is doubling its initial allocation of support for the “Top Achievers Program” in Botswana. DEF awarded $50,000 to the program in September 2011; and has allocated another $100,000 this month, furthering its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in diamond producing countries in Africa. DEF’s grant empowers students from Botswana with tuition support at universities around the world. According to Russell Simmons, co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund and advisory board chair, “This gift is a commitment from us to empower African youth and further Botswana’s vision of a thriving economy built on the responsible use of its natural resources to benefit its people.” Varda Shine, CEO of Diamond Trading Company, and DEF’s governing board member commended the efforts being made by the diamond industry at large and specifically DEF’s work in Botswana. As the DTC completes its own move to Botswana by the end of 2013, she understands the importance of business and social responsibility to a country’s well being. States Ms. Shine, “The Diamond Empowerment Fund clearly understands that access to education and incubation of future leaders leads to sustained progress, economic growth and prosperity”.

The Top Achievers program represents a groundbreaking partnership between DEF and the Government of Botswana’s Ministry of Education. Top Achievers is a program that selects the top high school students countrywide in Botswana, and affords them the opportunity to study at a university of their choice anywhere in the world. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.

Botswana Education Minister, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi emphasized the importance of what these advanced degrees will have on shaping the future growth of Botswana, while Ms. Linah Moholo, Governor of the Bank of Botswana and a member of the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s Advisory Board said, “Affording these young, talented students the opportunity to be exposed to rigorous curriculum focused on development, macro-economics, political theory and social entrepreneurship will further the growth in our country for generations.” Agrees DEF board president, Phyllis Bergman, “The ‘Top Achievers Program’ is in line with the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s vision of creating a self-sustainable economic future for Africa.”

The Top Achievers Program is DEF’s third beneficiary. The first is 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. The second is the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg that draws students from all 54 countries in Africa, and emphasizes leadership skills, African History, and entrepreneurial skills. DEF provides scholarships to all students from diamond-­-producing nations.

Diamond Empowerment Fund © (D.E.F.)
Phyllis Bergman, Governing Board President
Russell Simmons, Advisory Board Chairman
512 Seventh Avenue, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10018 • 917.229.7231 www.diamondempowerment.org • IRS Tax ID# 20-5967103

Visit CharityBuzz to place your bid and help support the Diamond Empowerment Fund.

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.

The 2012 Good Awards will be held Thursday, January 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Empire Hotel Rooftop, 44 West 63rd Street, New York City.

The four inaugural honorees for the 2012 Good Awards will be:

1. Ms. Varda Shine and Diamond Trading Company (A De Beers Group Company): The global leadership of Varda Shine, CEO of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) is unparalleled in the industry. The De Beers Family of Companies continues to make an outstanding contribution to the economic development of Africa, and 2012 will mark the beginning of DTC’s move from its current London base to Gaborone, Botswana, thus furthering beneficiation on the continent. As a founding member of the Board of Directors of DEF, Ms. Shine champions the education, skills transfer and sustainable development of southern Africa, especially in communities where diamonds are a treasured natural resource
2. Edward Hrabak, SVP Merchandising and GMM, Sterling Jewelers Inc.: With considerable support from Sterling, Ed Hrabak has promoted industry-wide product development models benefitting DEF that help fund educational initiatives and leadership development for youths in diamond producing countries in Africa. Mr. Hrabak’s commitment to the DEF mission is further example that ‘diamonds for good’ is not just an industry message, but also opportunity for an industry call-to-action.
3. Ms. Rebecca Foerster and Rio Tinto Diamonds: Together with the Sales and Marketing Team at Rio Tinto Diamonds, Rebecca Foerster, Manager, US Representative Office, has helped communicate…and lead… Rio Tinto Diamond’s commitment to education and sustainability, evident through Rio Tinto Diamond’s contributions to social wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity, all within strong governance systems. Rio Tinto Diamonds demonstrates good corporate citizenship throughout its mining communities in Australia, Canada and Africa by supporting education initiatives, access to healthcare, agricultural skill building, and capacity building programs. Ms. Foerster has supported the Diamond Empowerment Fund for years as a member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Marketing Committee.
4. Ms. Ivanka Trump and Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry: Under the ‘New and Brightest’ category of the inaugural Good Awards, Ivanka Trump has made a commitment to using only sustainable materials in her diamond bridal line – the company is striving towards 100% sustainability in the near future. Ms. Trump uses her celebrity to champion causes, including ‘Girl Up’ and the UN Foundation. Girl Up supports girls around the world by giving them the opportunity to become educated, healthy, safe, counted, and positioned to be the next generation of leaders. As part of this support, Ms. Trump designed a ‘Girl Up’ bracelet with all proceeds going towards the “Girl Up’ organization.

Hosted by Phyllis Bergman, Russell Simmons and the Board of Directors of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, the Good Awards will take place on January 5, 2012 from 6:30pm to 9:30 p.m. at the Empire Hotel Rooftop in New York, and will bring together industry members, celebrity tastemakers, socialites and philanthropists from all walks of life. Grammy nominated singer Melanie Fiona will give a special performance, and music will be played throughout the evening by DJ M.O.S.

“We are thrilled to recognize the good works of leaders in our industry who are helping make a difference both in their own communities and in African communities where diamonds are a natural resource” says Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director.

Adds founding board member Russell Simmons, “Diamonds are a precious resource, and through good governance by the industry they can contribute to the development of Africa’s other precious resource, its people”.

Tickets are $195 and digital journal ads are $400. For ticket and journal information please contact Kafia Ahmed at kahmed@diamondempowerment.org or visit DEF’s website at www.diamondempowerment.org to purchase online.

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.

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.