The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF), a not-for-profit international organization held it very first ‘GOOD Awards’ on January 5, 2012, further grounding its commitment to promote Africa’s beneficiation. The organization was set up in 2007 with support of individuals and businesses in the diamond and jewelry industries and others who are committed to the empowerment of Africa, to raise money to support education initiatives and as such empower the people of African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

The GOOD Awards honoured four individuals for outstanding leadership in good corporate citizenship, sustainability, and helping communicate the diamond industry’s commitment to D.E.F’s commitment. The recipients include: Ms. Varda Shine, CEO and the Diamond Trading Company; Mr. Edward Hrabak, SVP General Merchandising Manager and Sterling Jewelers Inc; Ms. Rebecca Foerster, U.S. Manager Marketing and Sales and Rio Tinto Diamonds; and Ms. Ivanka Trump, Founder and Principal and Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry (Under the ‘New and Brightest’ category ). The event took place atop the Empire Rooftop Hotel. The awards evening unfolded with a performance by Grammy-nominated singer Melanie Fiona, and music played by New York’s famous DJ M.O.S.

Russell Simmons, co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund and chair of its Advisory Board stated; “The Diamond Empowerment Fund is unique to the diamond industry. 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.” Phyllis Bergman, Board President, further added that “The GOOD Awards allowed us to put the Diamond Empowerment Fund on the map for the industry.”

The event was sponsored by Sterling Jewelers, Inc, Rio Tinto Diamonds, Julius Klein and Ritani, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and BlackAtlas.com (American Airlines).