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Diamonds Do Good Announces 2022 Inaugural Next Gen Awards April 14, 2022 (0 comments)
New York, NY--Diamonds Do Good, a global non-profit that relates the positive impact of diamonds in Southern Africa, has announced the first “Next Gem Awards,” honoring the future leaders of the diamond industry.
The first four award recipients will be honored at the Diamonds Do Good’s annual gala on June 9 at the Venetian Hotel, Palazzo Ballroom Las Vegas, NV.
“Our goal is to recognize leaders who represent the future for our industry. These individuals span the mining, manufacturing and retail sectors and we will highlight their accomplishments in their respective fields and support of the communities where they do business” says Diamonds Do Good’s President Anna Martin.
The four Inaugural recipients are:
Feriel Zerouki: First elected female incoming President of the World Council (WDC), Feriel is SVP Corporate Affairs, De Beers Group. She was instrumental in developing and leading ethical programs at De Beers Group all aiming to raise industry standards and push the sustainability agenda forward in the diamond industry.
Kealeboga Pule: A member of the Young Diamantaires, Pule is the founder, manufacturer and bespoke diamond Jeweler of Nungu Diamonds, based in South Africa. His commitment to his community extends beyond providing jobs for young South Africans as he seeks to change the world diamond narrative by refocusing consumers to diamonds unique origin and their impact on socio-economic development at producer countries and manufacturing centers around the world
Kecia Caffie: As president of Banter by Piercing Pagoda since 2017, Kecia has helped the brand connect with their millennial and Gen-Z customer base who are fiercely independent, tech-savvy, creative and non-conformist in their style choices and identities.
Alexis Padis: Next generation jeweler of the Padis family and president of Padis Jewelry since 2019, Padis has had first-hand experience successfully pivoting through the pandemic years embracing an omnichannel approach while taking risks that proved fruitful for her business and community. President-elect for the American Gem Society, she received the 2021 Young Titleholder of the Year Award and was recently recognized as one of the “20 under 40” by Jewelers of America.
“The recipients of these awards reflect the importance of engaging community around the world," says DDG co-founder and civil rights leader, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr. “Now more than ever we need to reaffirm and share this commitment with consumers everywhere."
For more information and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, please visit: https://www.diamondsdogood.com/nextgenawards/