The Cartier Women’s Initiative was started more than a decade ago with a mission: “to shine a light on women impact entrepreneurs and provide them with the necessary financial, social and human capital support to grow their business and build their leadership skills.”
The laureates for Cartier Women’s Initiative 2020 were announced recently and the list of awardees is indeed impressive. Seven outstanding women have been named laureates from among the 1,200 applicants from 162 countries. The laureates are making positive changes in the world by promoting good health & well-being, reducing inequalities, building sustainable cities and communities, and encouraging responsible consumption and production.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone and these laureates had to step up and not only survive, but thrive. As Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO of Cartier International says, “As an international luxury Maison, we are global citizens, aware of and listening to the wider world. More than ever, we remain committed to use our voice and actively support those who are trying to make the world a better place, which is the case of these outstanding women entrepreneurs. It has been incredibly inspiring to witness their determination, resilience and creativity. We are immensely proud of their work, and thankful for their global contribution to our society. “
Adriana Luna Diaz, from Mexico (Latin American & The Caribbean), heads Tierra de Monte, which creates agricultural products to renew biodiversity and soil fertility, protects crops, and empowers farmers..
Stephanie Benedetto, from the USA (North America), created Queen of Raw, a marketplace to buy and sell unused textiles, keeping them out of landfills, thus turning a possible pollutant into a source of profit.
Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen, from Denmark (Europe), started Female Invest to promote financial gender equality by educating women on investing and personal finances. Anna-Sophie is the first Dutch laureate.
Temie Giwa-Tubosun, from Nigeria (Sub-Saharan Africa), established LifeBank, a medical distribution company that uses data and technology to discover and deliver essential medical products to hospitals in Nigeria.
Nadia Gamal El Din, from Egypt (Middle East & North Africa), created Rahet Bally, an all-inclusive platform to support Egyptian mothers financially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually, both online and in person.
Chunguang (Charlotte) Wang, from China (East Asia), established Equota Energy (Technology) Shanghai Co Ltd, a company that combines artificial intelligence and big data to deliver energy efficiency solutions.
Joanne Howarth, from Australia (South Asia & Oceania), started Woolpack Australia – Planet Protector Packaging, to manufacture environmentally responsible insulated packaging made from sheep waste wool for transport of temperature-sensitive goods. Joanne is the first Australian laureate.
The achievements of these laureates are commendable and we have only just begun to see their impact on our world. Though the Awards ceremony for this year has been postponed, next year promises to be an amazing event: two sets of finalists and laureates, and the Initiative’s 15th anniversary. Mark your calendars and make your travel plans for May 26, 2021, in Boston, Massachusetts.
