DEF to honor Gizenga, Chow Tai Fook

New York--The Diamond Empowerment Fund has named two more honorees it will recognize at its “Diamonds Do Good” gala scheduled to take place in Las Vegas this June.

Dorothée Gizenga, head of the Diamond Development Initiative, will receive DEF’s Diamonds Do Good Award for Sustainable Practices.

The Diamonds Do Good award for Community Development will go to Chow Tai Fook.

Gizenga is the first executive director of the DDI, which is working to transform artisanal mining into a source of sustainable development. DEF said her commitment to the organization and its mission epitomizes the ideal of what its Sustainable Practices award is all about--recognizing commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in the diamond industry.

Now a Canadian citizen, Gizenga was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and holds degrees in chemistry and economics. She took the helm of DDI in 2008.

The Community Development Award is given for the development of impactful community programs to empower individuals and future generations. DEF said Hong Kong-based retailer and manufacturer Chow Tai Fook is committed to helping promote positive changes for communities in China. One example is its commitment to UNICEF, whose programs in the nation focus largely on healthcare for children and mothers in rural villages.

DEF’s Diamonds Do Good Awards gala is scheduled to take place on June 2 at the Four Seasons Ballroom in Las Vegas.

Gizenga and Chow Tai Fook join former Sterling Jewelers CEO Nate Light in receiving Diamonds Do Good award at this year’s gala. Light is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Premier presenting sponsors of the gala include Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, De Beers Group of Companies and Signet Jewelers Ltd. Patron sponsors include JCK.

For more information and to purchase tickets/sponsorships, visit DiamondsDoGoodAwards.org.