HAMILTON, Bermuda – 100 Women in Finance (“100WF”), a global network of professionals in the finance industry, has selected The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Bermuda (the "Award") as the charity recipient for its 2021 Bermuda Summer Sunset Gala, as well as securing the local charity as programme partner for its NextGen pathway for the next three years.
As part of a new area of focus under 100WF’s new ‘Impact Pillar, the 100 Women in Finance, Bermuda Committee, are pledging to reach, inspire and support pre-career women who may be considering a career in the finance industry, namely by:
- Encouraging female students to look favorably at careers in finance and investments
- Creating educational opportunities and access points for them to join the industry
- Presenting greater visibility of female role models
This year’s gala is set to take place Friday September 24, 2021 at Coral Beach. Recognised as the 100WF’s flagship event for philanthropy, the SafeKey event will be one of a number of hosted events whose goal is to help establish more purposeful pathways into the finance industry for women of all backgrounds.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Bermuda is a fun-filled and flexible programme for young people between the ages of 14 to 25. The programme fosters personal growth and delivers on teaching motivation, commitment, leadership, teamwork, self-discovery, and achievement of one’s full potential through participation in challenging and non-competitive activities of community service, personal skills, physical recreation and adventurous journeys (see below Bronze Group from Mayvera Wellness on their practice Exploration Adventurous Journey, Snorkeling).
The Award is now playing a key role in supporting young people to be resilient, active and engaged. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and isolation rules, Award participants in Bermuda adapted their activities to continue working on their Volunteer Service, Skill and Physical Recreation (See right Shuntea Dove volunteering for the Bermuda Rose Society). Award training can now be offered online, face-to-face and a hybrid of both. Throughout the pandemic, the programme continued to run at a high standard and became more accessible for those who might not have been able to take part previously for physical reasons. The Award in collaboration with the International Award Foundation has developed virtual Adventurous Journeys (AJ) for all levels. The BHS Award Centre piloted the virtual AJ for their practice journey this year and they were pleased with the positive feedback received.
Alison Morrison, 100WF Bermuda Chair commented:
“The next generation needs to see visible examples of women’s success and expertise in our industry in order to shape their aspirations. These young women will be leaders in the future, so we all need to find meaningful ways to support them now.”
Chair of the Award, Jovanna Douglas added:
“On behalf of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Council, I would like to thank 100 Women in Finance and their members for their continued support of the Award in Bermuda. Their support has helped over 250 young people engage in the Award Programme free of charge, enabled us to grow the Open Award Programme and helped develop our young Award Leaders/Assessors in Training. The Open Award, run by the National Award Office, now offers all three levels of the Award (Bronze, Silver and Gold) to public school students, home-school students and participants at schools without Award Centres such as Bermuda College, Bermuda Institute and Impact Mentoring Academy.”
This will be the first in-person event hosted by 100WF Bermuda since the pandemic – and the SafeKey event has attracted international visitors from 100WF’s global network. Sarah Demerling, Chair of the 100 WF Gala Committee commented:
"Bermuda has done a tremendous job of keeping the Island open for business, we are delighted to be able to reconnect in person with members of our 100 WF network both locally and internationally at such a beautiful location."
Full details of the 2021 Bermuda Summer Sunset Gala can be found below. For more information on sponsorship opportunities contact: galabermuda@100women.org .
Date: Sept 24, 2021
Time: 6:45pm Registration; 7:00pm Welcome Drink – 10.30pm
Location: The Coral Beach and Tennis Club, Longtail Terrace
Attire: Bermuda smart casual/cocktail chic
Beneficiary: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Bermuda
This is a SafeKey event.
Members of Bermuda’s finance and alternative investments industries interested in joining 100WF can learn more about the organisation, networking and education events that are planned throughout 2021 at https://100women.org/membership/become-a-member/ or by contacting Bermuda@100women.org.
ABOUT 100 WOMEN IN FINANCE
100 Women in Finance is a global network of professionals in the finance and alternative investment industries working together to empower women at every stage of their careers. Through peer engagement, philanthropic and educational initiatives, our more than 15,000 members are making connections and creating opportunities that help to advance careers and strengthen our field.
ABOUT THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD, BERMUDA
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Bermuda (the "Award"), which has been running for over fifty years in Bermuda, is provided free of charge to over 250 boys and girls between the ages of 14 - 24 years from across the island. The Award is the world's leading youth achievement award, which fills a much-needed gap in the education system by offering out-of-the-classroom experiential learning opportunities to develop the skills needed to deal with life challenges and the resilience needed to succeed.
The Award is unique because it encourages young people to learn new skills, get physically active, volunteer within their communities and discover a sense of adventure outside the classroom (See right Aaron White and Jelani Simmons volunteering for Eliza Dolittle). Each of the 4 sections are “SMART” goal driven, reviewed and assessed regularly. The programme introduces young people to the benefits of engaging in positive cultural, artistic and physical activities that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.
The Award has never been more important. At a time of exceptional challenge and change, the Award empowers young people with the skills needed to take on whatever may come their way.