#JWLV India Glitters at "Diamonds in the Sky" Gala for Diamond Empowerment Fund During Jewelry Week Las Vegas

India Shines at Diamond Empowerment Fund Gala, "Diamonds in the Sky"

Featured Performance by Kelly Rowland

Amidst the festive and sensationally colored backdrop of the Four Seasons Hotel Ballroom, Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India received the Diamond Empowerment
Fund’s (D.E.F) highest recognition last night, the 2015 Global Empowerment Salute. 

Presented for India’s global leadership and contributions to democracy, development and the growth and expansion of the international diamond industry, the Gala celebrated diamonds and the positive impact made by the diamond industry worldwide. 

Taking center stage were student scholars representing D.E.F.’s “Diamonds Do Good” mission of developing the next generation of leaders in diamond communities around the world through access to higher education. 

Chantal Uwiringiyimana, one of D.E.F.’s scholars from the African Leadership Academy and currently a University of Arizona undergraduate, said “Having grown up in a poor Rwandan community, education has been the key to opportunity...I am now on track to become one of the few African female engineers.” 

Ashna Mehta, student ambassador for Veerayatan—a D.E.F. beneficiary based in India—said “Without access to education, the cycle of poverty is perpetuated and difficult to break free from...Veerayatan enables youth to reach their full potential and become leaders and change-makers in their communities.”

De Beers Group CEO Philippe Mellier, a co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, stated, “A diamond is a rare and powerful symbol for both those who give and receive one. A diamond is also a powerful symbol for those who work with them. Our diamond communities are committed to furthering the building blocks for long-term prosperity through healthcare, infrastructure, access to education, and employment. De Beers thanks D.E.F for helping make diamond moments by showing the world how ‘Diamonds Do Good.”

Accepting D.E.F’s Global Salute was Home Minister of India Rajnath Singh who said “It is good to know that the Diamond Empowerment Fund is actively working to help create education programs for children and for people working in the diamond industry in India”. 

D.E.F. co-founder Russell Simmons helped introduce a live auction of four exclusive experiences that brought the evening’s total amount raised to close to one million dollars. These funds will support D.E.F.’s beneficiaries.

Dignitaries present included David Ramsay, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment for Canada’s Northwest Territories; Peter Vician, Deputy Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment for Canada’s Northwest Territories; Robert Bouchard, Minister Legislative Assembly for Canada’s Northwest Territories, Nkoloi Nkoloi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Botswana to the United Nations; and Masego Nkgomotsang, First Secretary of Economic Affairs for the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana in Washington, DC.  

Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Rowland, who rocketed to fame as part of Destiny’s Child, helped close out the evening with her performance. Says Phyllis Bergman, D.E.F.’s President and CEO of Mercury Ring, “We are thrilled with the success of the evening and look forward to growing D.E.F.’s mission”. 

Joining Premier Presenting Sponsors Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, Inc., De Beers Group of Companies, Rio Tinto Diamonds, and Signet Jewelers Limited (Kays Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, Zales Jewelers) were Partner Sponsor Rosy Blue Group, Patron Sponsor Le Vian Group, Benefactor Sponsor KP Sanghvi and Empowerment Circle Partners Forevermark, Asian Star, Exelco, and Leo Schachter. 

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund: 

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global non-profit based in New York City and co-founded by Russell Simmons and leaders in the diamond industry in 2007 to empower
diamond communities around the world. 

Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree. CIDA has an 80% employment rate among graduates; the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa; Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development; and Veerayatan, a model for encouraging the development of responsible citizens who are educated, have strong integrity, and a motivation to give back to their community. 

D.E.F supports students attending the Colleges of Pharmacy, Engineering and Business Administration.  You can find more information at:   www.diamondempowerment.org

DEF ANNOUNCES MUSIC LEGEND FOR SOLD OUT ‘DIAMONDS DO GOOD’ LAS VEGAS

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND ANNOUNCES LEGENDARY MUSIC ICON 

TO PERFORM 

AT THE SOLD OUT ‘DIAMONDS DO GOOD’ CELEBRATION IN LAS VEGAS

 

Ten-time GRAMMY® Award winner Chaka Khan will be the headline performer at the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s (D.E.F) Diamonds in the Sky Las Vegas Gala to take place at the Four Seasons Ballroom on May 29. The sold-out event starts at 6:30 p.m. and will honor President Khama and the Government of Botswana with the Global Diamond Industry Achievement Award and celebrate the good diamonds do for communities around the world.

Ms. Khan understands the importance of ‘doing good while doing well.’ In 1999 she established the Chaka Khan Foundation, which focuses on programs and initiatives that 
assist women and children at risk. A musical superstar, Ms. Khan has the rare ability to sing in eight music genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, classical and dance music. She has released 22 albums with ten #1 Billboard magazine charted songs. 

Phyllis Bergman, president of D.E.F’s board of directors, says, “We couldn’t be more 
honored to have such a musical legend perform at this important event that recognizes 
the importance of giving back.”

Premier Presenting Sponsors of the event include Rio Tinto, Signet Jewelers Ltd., The De Beers Group of Companies, Partner Sponsor is Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited, and Patron Sponsors include KGK Group, Le Vian Corporation, and Tiffany & Co.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund was co-founded by Russell Simmons and leaders in the diamond industry in 2007 to empower diamond communities around the world.

Info: www.diamondsinthesky.org

SAVE THE DATE: Diamond Empowerment Fund's GOOD Awards 2014!

SAVE THE DATE - GOOD AWARDS 2014

The Diamond Empowerment Fund established the GOOD Awards to recognize individuals and corporations for outstanding leadership in the area of good corporate citizenship, sustainability, promoting opportunity in Africa and helping to communicate the diamond industry’s commitment to helping individuals through education in African diamond-producing nations. Honorees reflect outstanding achievement and global leadership.

http://www.goodawards.org/

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based International non-profit organization (EIN# 20-5967103)  supporting education initiatives in diamond producing countries.

D.E.F. funds programs that have proven success in providing African youth with higher education opportunities, including leadership development and entrepreneurial skills building.

Currently, D.E.F.’s beneficiary organizations are CIDA City Campus, African Leadership Academy, and Botswana’s Top Achievers.   www.diamondempowerment.org

NYC - This Thursday (June 20th) DEF Debuts "Empowerment Jewelry" At Donna Distefano Atelier

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND DESIGN AMBASSADORS 

LAUNCH NEW YORK DEBUT OF EMPOWERMENT JEWELRY 

AT DONNA DISTEFANO ATELIER 

Continuing the momentum generated by the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) at JCK last month, DEF is showcasing its new line of Empowerment Jewelry alongside each product’s Designer Ambassador. The New York City debut will take place on June 20th from 5:00-8:00PM at 37 West 20th Street, suite 1106. Donna Distefano from Donna Distefano Ltd, Lita Asscher from Royal Asscher and Derrick Holmes from Banneker Watches will be present to share their connection to DEF as designer ambassadors, showcase the new jewelry and watches created as ongoing fundraisers for DEF, and share their vision for how they can further DEF’s mission.

Co-founded by global business entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons along with leaders in the diamond industry including De Beers, the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s mission is to provide higher education opportunities for youth in diamond producing countries in Africa.  Dr. Benjamin Chavis, noted civil rights and business leader and fellow co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, Phyllis Bergman, DEF board president, and Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director will be at the New York debut to discuss the global impact of DEF’s vision.

Donna Distefano will present her new line of “Illumination” bracelets depicting symbolic African designs in sterling silver with diamonds. Each bracelet represents core values of DEF: transformation, tranquility, and strength. Collaborating with Russell Simmons for the benefit of D.E.F. is a natural fit for Distefano’s business. Says Simmons, “I share these designers’ vision of transformation. It is important to support and encourage the youth of Africa to make a positive change in the world. DEF Empowerment Jewelry will contribute to this vision.”  

Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher will present the DEF Green Tsavorite and Diamond Pendant, part of the Shining Stars of Africa Collection by Royal Asscher. This stunning and unique pendant contains green tsavorite and diamonds encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome allowing the jewels to fall freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. The design won ‘best in show’ at the world famous JCK jewelry show and is an example of the Asscher family’s long-standing commitment to integrity, quality and giving back. With every pendant purchase, a $125 donation is made to the Diamond Empowerment Fund.  

Derrick Holmes of Banneker, Inc. will present three new Benjamin Banneker watches designed to raise awareness and funds for DEF. These watches feature a Royal Asscher diamond at 12 O'Clock, green crystals on the face and bezel, and natural Ebony wood from Indonesia or Mahogany wood from Madagascar on the face and band. All Banneker watches contain real wood as a way of paying homage to our namesake Benjamin Banneker who, in 1753, engineered and built the first working clock in America constructed entirely from parts he carved of wood. Benjamin Banneker is an American Legend and these watches are designed to help educate about his numerous amazing achievements. 

About Diamond Empowerment Fund 
The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global, non-profit organization focused on supporting education initiatives in diamond-producing African nations. With the help of our international partners, we strive to empower the next generation of African leaders.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is supported by and works exclusively with jewelers that adhere to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and System of Warranties.

DEF'S 2nd ANNUAL GOOD AWARDS SALUTING INDUSTRY LEADERS

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND’S

 SECOND ANNUAL GOOD AWARDS SALUTES GLOBAL LEADERS

New York, NY; January 11, 2013 – Last night at the ultra-hip nightclub LAVO, the Diamond Empowerment Fund joined with the international diamond industry to honor leaders committed to corporate social responsibility and promoting education empowerment and prosperity in Africa, where the majority of diamonds are mined.

Check Presentation: Members of the DEF board pose with five students who graduated from two of three DEF-beneficiary schools (the Botwsana Top Achievers Program or African Leadership Academy) and who now are enrolled in various universities in the United States. L to R: student Tebogo Maruping, student Gomolemo Modise, DEF board member Ed Hrabak, DEF president Phyllis Bergman, DEF co-founder Russell Simmons, student Dhavni Tombush, student Joseph Munyambanza, DEF board member Ellen Haddigan, and student Kabo Kula.

DEF’s GOOD Awards were given to diamond industry legends Tiffany & Co. and Leo Schachter Diamonds (creator of the Leo Diamond), and to international model and humanitarian Noella Coursaris Musunka.

Russell Simmons, music mogul/entrepreneur and co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, emphasized the importance of the diamond industry to give back and empower the communities where their precious resources are found. “A strong Africa is an educated Africa. For the diamond industry to be sustainable in the future, empowerment of youth through education is essential.” 

A distinguished and varied audience convened for the GOOD Awards, including celebrities from the music, film, and fashion worlds. Along with Simmons, the event drew celebrities Estelle, Jeffrey Wright, and Selita Ebanks; global industry leaders Varda Shine and Stephen Lussier of De Beers, Mike Kowalski of Tiffany & Co., Mark Light and Mike Barnes of Signet (parent company of the Kay and Jared retail brands); and African ambassadors from the diamond producing countries of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.  

Varda Shine, Executive Vice President of Global Sightholder Sales, De Beers Group and another co-founder of DEF, added, “Education and the incubation of leaders of the future must always be our social priority, as it is this that leads to sustained progress, economic growth, and prosperity. Providing unrestricted access to schooling is the first step in creating a virtuous circle of development.”

Good Awards Party: New York’s hip nightclub LAVO was the site of the second annual GOOD Awards, a successful event honoring Tiffany & Co., Leo Schachter Diamonds, and African model/humanitarian Noella Coursaris Musunka.

Phyllis Bergman, DEF board president, said, “We are encouraged by the fabulous success of the 2013 GOOD Awards. This bodes well for the industry’s future.”

The event was kicked off with an African ceremonial dance by native Botswana dancers. The festivities continued after the Awards presentation by a passionate performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Estelle, and music continued throughout the evening with famed DJ M.O.S.

GOOD Awards sponsors for the evening included Tiffany & Co., Exelco and JCK, and Empowerment Circle inaugural sponsors, the Dalumi Group, Malca-Amit, Sterling Jewelers, and Leo Schachter Diamonds. The Empowerment Circle is DEF’s new annual partnership program.

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based global non-profit organization (EIN# 20-5967103) that raises money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree.  CIDA has an 80% employment rate among graduates; the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, and the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.  www.diamondempowerment.org.

DEF SUPPORTS FLAVIANA MATATA FOUNDATION

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND SUPPORTS

FLAVIANA MATATA FOUNDATION 

The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) has granted $10,000 to the Flaviana Matata Foundation (FMF), which empowers young orphan girls through education, skills training, and micro-finance projects in Tanzania.

Founded by international fashion model and former Miss Universe Tanzania, Flaviana Matata, the FMF (flavianamatatafoundation.org) seeks to create a future through education and improve livelihoods among the youth in Tanzania.  “When you empower a girl, you empower an entire community,” says Matata. “Providing opportunity for these young girls will encourage others to stay in school and vastly improve their chances for employment and productive livelihoods”.

Matata recently received the ‘Face of Africa’ award in recognition for her outstanding leadership and dedicated service to the African community, at the African Diaspora Awards on December 8^th in NYC.

Join the Diamond Empowerment Fund at its upcoming GOOD Awards on January 10^th in New York, as it recognizes other leaders making a difference in Africa. Your participation will help DEF’s mission to empower the next generation of leaders in Africa (goodawards.org).

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based non-profit organization (EIN# 20-5967103) that raises money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree, the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, the Flaviana Matata Foundation, based in Tanzania, and supporting young girls and women with grants to cover education, including vocational training,  micro-finance and entrepreneurial activities and the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.  www.diamondempowerment.org.

DEF Honors Supermodel Noella Coursaris Musunka for GOOD

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND TO HONOR

INTERNATIONAL SUPERMODEL AND HUMANITARIAN

NOELLA COURSARIS MUSUNKA

New York, NY: December 4, 2012– The Board of Directors of the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) announced today that Noella Coursaris Musunka, international model and founder of the Georges Malaika Foundation, will be honored at the Second annual GOOD Awards, set for January 10, 2013, 6:30 p.m. at Lavo in New York City.

Musunka, a native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), will be presented the GOOD Award for her outstanding leadership and contributions to educate and empower young girls in the Congo through the Georges Malaika Foundation that she established in 2006.  Noella’s achievements combine the fortunes of a successful global modeling and fashion career with a passion for ensuring education for girls in Africa to lift themselves out of poverty. In her fashion career, she has graced the covers and editorial pages of Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, Essence, GQ, and Esquire, to name just a few.   In her humanitarian role, she has been featured in a 30-minute special on CNN’s African Voices and CNN Connect the World. She has also addressed UNICEF and the Congolese Parliament about issues confronting underprivileged girls and most recently addressed the 2012 Opening Plenary of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York.

Noella Coursaris Musunka will join global luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. and Leo Schachter Diamonds as the three honorees at the 2013 GOOD Awards. There will be a musical performance by Grammy-Award winning artist Estelle with renown DJ M.O.S. providing music throughout the evening.  Expected guests include Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis and Varda Shine, all co-founders of DEF.  Phyllis Bergman, president of the DEF Board, will serve as master of ceremonies.

The GOOD Awards, established by the Diamond Empowerment Fund in 2012, are the highest awards to recognize individuals and corporations in the diamond and jewelry industry for outstanding leadership in the areas of good corporate citizenship, sustainability, and promoting opportunity in Africa.

For more information on tickets, journal ads and sponsorship packages please visit www.goodawards.org.

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based non-profit organization (EIN# 20-5967103) that raises money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree, the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, the Flaviana Matata Foundation, based in Tanzania, and supporting young girls and women with grants to cover education, including vocational training,  micro-finance and entrepreneurial activities and the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.  www.diamondempowerment.org.

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND (DEF) RELAUNCHES WEBSITE

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND (DEF) RELAUNCHES WEBSITE 

WITH A ‘BACK-TO-SCHOOL’ PROMOTION!

New York, NY; August 29, 2012— In the spirit of students going back-to-school, DEF announces today that it is launching its own online ‘back-to-school’ promotion to benefit student scholars from its three beneficiaries, CIDA City Campus and African Leadership Academy, both based in South Africa, and the Botswana Top Achievers Program. Donations as small as $10 can help support student scholars through these institutions. Donations of $199 or more will receive a thank you DEF Green Malachite or Black Onyx Empowerment bracelet. Details can be found on DEF’s newly redesigned website, diamondempowerment.org.

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based non-profit that raises money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree, the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, and the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.  www.diamondempowerment.org

DEF 2ND ANNUAL “GOOD AWARDS” JANUARY 10, 2013

Honoree Ivanka Trump arrives at
Inaugural Event earlier this year

SAVE THE DATE!

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND (DEF) 

ANNOUNCES 2^ND ANNUAL “GOOD AWARDS” JANUARY 10, 2013

Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural 2012 GOOD Awards, the Diamond Empowerment Fund announced today that it will once again light up Manhattan in 2013! The festive affair will be held on Thursday night, January 10^th and will kick off a weekend filled with annual industry meetings and dinners culminating in the annual banquet of the 24 Karat Club of the City of New York.

The GOOD Awards was established to recognize individuals and corporations for outstanding leadership in the area of good corporate citizenship, sustainability, promoting opportunity in Africa and helping to communicate the diamond industry’s commitment to helping individuals through education in African diamond-producing nations. Honorees reflect outstanding achievement and global leadership.

The 2012 Inaugural "GOOD" Awards honored the best in our Industry:

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a New York based non-profit organization (EIN# 20-5967103) that raises money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree, the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, and the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.  www.diamondempowerment.org

July 30th - D.E.F. Day at the J.A. New York Summer Show

        Diamond Empowerment Fund Announces

        ‘D.E.F. Day at the J.A. Show’

        Monday, July 30

         

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is excited to announce it will be at the Jewelers of America show on Monday, July 30. DEF will be housed in a unique ‘pop-up’ space in the Italian Pavilion, showcasing its benefit products, merchandising kit, and message of helping Africans through education, with ways for the industry to get involved.

A highlight of the day will be a 2 p.m. wine and cheese reception at the Inner Circle Lounge at the JA Show.  DEF will host “Conversations with African Leadership Academy Alumni,” featuring graduates of the academy, one of the schools that receives funding from DEF.  ALA Alumni will tell their amazing stories of rising above challenges to become the empowered future leaders of their countries. The students will share their goals for contributing to the economic and social development of their countries – DEF helps support all ALA students from diamond-producing nations. ALA Alumni will also be at the booth throughout the day to meet industry leaders and visitors.

DEF will also be previewing new sales support materials to accompany its upcoming lineup of DEF-benefit products, including the Empowerment Charm, a collector’s edition charm uniquely crafted in sterling silver with genuine Swarovski Elements, offered by the Richline Group; the Empowerment Green Bracelet, an updated version of the original green malachite beaded bracelet with diamond accents on the bezel, offered by Simmons Jewelry Company; and Empowerment Rings, part of Royal Asscher’s Stars of Africa and Shining Stars Collections. These diamonds are encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome, allowing them to flow freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. Retailers are encouraged to give feedback and suggestions for the sales support materials before the final versions are printed. They will be produced in time for the fall selling season.

DEF’s mission is to raise money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree, boasting an 80% employment rate among graduates.  The second is the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa. It emphasizes leadership skills, entrepreneurial skills, and African history. DEF provides scholarships to all ALA 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. 

Diamond Empowerment Fund at JCK Las Vegas!

For the first time ever,  Diamond Empowerment Fund  will have a booth at U.S. jewelry trade show, and will be raffling off a 51-inch Samsung television. 

Visitors to the DEF booth also will have an opportunity to meet Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner, the renowned international model who is a DEF Angel Ambassador, and meet Joseph Munyambanza, a graduate of the African Leadership Academy and recipient of a DEF scholarship that helped him complete his studies.

        Diamond Empowerment Fund Unveils Retailer Merchandising Kit; Announces First Time Exhibiting at JCK Show

         

New pop-up booth will feature raffle for a 51-inch Samsung TV, plus a chance to meet one of the student recipients of a DEF scholarship to the African Leadership Academy

Support DEF Shop the Empowerment Green Bracelet at:http://www.diamondempowerment.org/shop/green-bracelet/

New York, May 15, 2012—The Diamond Empowerment Fund is excited to announce its first-ever booth at a U.S. jewelry trade show, and a preview of merchandising support materials to accompany DEF Empowerment Jewelry product.

In the DEF booth, #L-200, located in the Shoreline Lobby Level 2 just outside the area encompassing LUXURY by JCK, will be two flat-screen televisions, one of which will feature video from students attending DEF-funded schools in Africa, and the other—a Samsung 51-inch plasma TV—to raise money to support DEF’s mission of funding education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. The raffle winner will be chosen on June 4 at 11:15am at the booth.

Empowerment Charm offered by Richline Group

DEF also will be introducing a preview of new sales support materials to accompany its upcoming lineup of DEF-benefit products, including the Empowerment Charm, a collector’s edition charm uniquely crafted in sterling silver with genuine Swarovski Elements offered by the Richline Group; the Empowerment Green Bracelet, an updated version of the original green malachite beaded bracelet with diamond accents on the bezel offered by Simmons Jewelry Company; and Empowerment Rings part of Royal Asscher’s Stars of Africa and Shining Stars Collection where diamonds are encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome allowing them to flow freely like snowflakes in a snow globe . Retailers are encouraged to give feedback and suggestions on the sales support materials for the final versions, which will be produced in time for the fall selling season.

Stars of Africa Series from Royal Asscher Diamonds celebrates the efforts of the DEF

On Friday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m., DEF will host “Conversation with Joseph,” featuring Joseph Munyambanza, a graduate of the African Leadership Academy, which receives funding from DEF. Munyambanza will be at the booth throughout the day to meet industry leaders and greet visitors, and will be part of the Diamonds For Good panel discussion taking place on Saturday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m.

Also on Saturday, June 2 from 11am – 3pm., visitors are invited to meet International Model of the Year and DEF Angel Ambassador Flaviana from Tanzania, and Angel Ambassador and Top Model Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner from South Africa. Both are committed to the importance of DEF’s mission to Africa and actively advocate on DEF’s behalf.

DEF’s mission is to raise money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree, boasting an 80% employment rate among graduates.  The second is the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, emphasizing 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.