DTC's Shine Receives WJA Lifetime Achievement Award
August 04, 11
 Bridel Weinman (left) Shine and Rothman at the WJA Awards |
This award was given in recognition of the remarkable leadership role Varda plays amongst women throughout all areas of the jewelry and watch businesses and for her extraordinary contribution to the global diamond industry, the Association said.
Shine has been an active supporter of the WJA, which was formed in 1983 with the intent of providing scholarship opportunities, educational and networking activities to help further the careers of women in the jewelry and watch industries. Today, the WJA is an international organization with 14 chapters and one affiliate chapter.
WJA International President, Kendra Bridel Weinman said, “Women today are making an astounding difference in our industry, as exemplified by Varda Shine, who has accomplished so much throughout her career and especially on behalf of the DTC. Varda is truly an inspiration to all women in business and a terrific role model to the next generation of young ladies looking to become our industry's next pioneers.”
In presenting the award, Susan Rothman, co-founder of Hearts on Fire said, “Varda, as a central figure in a male oriented industry, has been a great inspiration to many talented women around the world at all stages of the diamond pipeline. Her drive to succeed and the incredible work she has done in promoting beneficiation in southern
"It's a huge honor to accept this award," Shine said. "I am particularly proud of the work the DTC and De Beers have done during my time as DTC CEO in opening up downstream opportunities in the diamond industry for skills transfer and job creation ensuring sustainability of social and economic development.”
“To an outsider, our industry is all about image, glamour and fortune. But the real riches are to be found in the power we have to make people's lives better and to shape the leaders of the future.