Latest news with #CWI
Elle
3 days ago
- Business
- Elle
Inside Cartier's Global Mission to Empower Women
Cartier is more than a storied house of the finest jewelry, it's a brand dedicated to platforming women in philanthropy. Since 2006, the Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI) has nurtured women-run and -owned businesses across social, economic, and environmental fields. In its nearly 20 years, the program has championed 330 entrepreneurs and awarded $12.2 million in financial support. CWI is open to any applicant across the globe, offering successful candidates a $100,000 grant for their initiative. In 2020, the house took its mission one step further by honoring former fellows with the CWI Impact Awards. For its second installment, Cartier transported guests and honorees to the World Expo in Osaka, Japan earlier this week to present the 'Women's Pavilion,' the first of which was staged five years ago at the Expo in Dubai. At the pavilion, the nine former fellows shared stories about their inspiring and impressive work. 2013 fellow Nabita Banka has radically transformed India's access to public bathrooms with her Biotoilet. 'We had an idea for a solution, then we proved it worked. However, I knew I couldn't tackle open defecation and lack of access to sanitation facilities by myself,' Banka says in a statement. While living in Nairobi, 2019 fellow Caitlin Dolkart noticed ambulance sirens were rare and that residents rarely called them because of slow response times. 'The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 50 percent of emergency-related mortality and morbidity could be avoided in low-income countries if ambulance response times were faster,' she explains. Through her app Flare, ambulance drivers are now able to have a direct line of communication with local hospitals, filling a crucial gap in the emergency medical system. The winners of the 2025 Impact Awards will receive an additional $100,000, mentorship, and media visibility to continue to expand their work. Applications for the Cartier Women's Initiative are open now through June 24, 2025 at 8:00 A.M. EDT (2:00 P.M. CEST).
CNA
3 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Cartier Impact Awards 2025: These remarkable women are using business to drive social change
'With great power there must also come great responsibility" – this line from a Spider-Man comic has become a defining pop culture moment, symbolising the moral obligation that comes with influence. Reflecting on today's interconnected world, the quote rings especially true – businesses wield huge influence, not just over economies, but over societies and the environment. This principle forms the foundation of the Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI), which was incepted in 2006 to recognise and support women entrepreneurs who are using the power of business to become 'forces for good', driving meaningful change and creating impact in their communities. According to Cartier, the programme has supported 330 awardees (known as 'fellows') from 66 countries, providing over US$12 million (S$15.5 million) in funding and nurturing a growing community of more than 500 changemakers. In 2025, the CWI marked another milestone by holding its second-ever Impact Awards, celebrating nine former fellows of the programme whose ventures have significantly scaled their missions over time. The 2025 Impact Awards Ceremony took place on May 22 at the Sakai Performing Arts Centre in Osaka, Japan, coinciding with the official opening week of Cartier's Women's Pavilion at Expo 2025. The first edition of the Impact Awards was held in 2022 at the Dubai Expo 2020. The Impact Awardees are selected across three categories – Preserving the Planet, Improving Lives, and Creating Opportunities, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Fellows from previous editions of the CWI apply for the awards and undergo a rigorous selection process. 'In this edition, when selecting fellows for the Impact Awards, we looked for those who have created extraordinary impact through their businesses. That impact can be measured in terms of breadth – reaching a large number of beneficiaries – or depth, such as introducing a truly innovative model that transforms how we think,' said Wingee Sin, global programme director of the CWI. The nine awardees each received a US$100,000 grant to help further their mission. They will also take part in a one-year fellowship programme designed to enhance their capacity for impact measurement, refine leadership skills, and scale their operational reach. PIONEERING SOLUTIONS The awardees hail from across the globe, with three representatives operating social impact businesses in India representing those from the Asian continent. Namita Banka is an awardee from the Improving Lives Category. She is the founder of Banka Bioloo, a company that provides sustainable water and sanitation solutions across India, including biotoilets, biodigesters and sewage treatment plants. The former jewellery designer was selling ink cartridges and green office supplies to Indian Railways when she discovered that one of their biggest problems is sanitation. 'An estimated 100 million households do not have access to toilets and 60 per cent of people are forced to defecate in the open, posing health hazards, environmental concerns and leading to water contamination," said Banka. With an average 18 million people travelling by train every day, Indian Railways is 'our lifeline', but its toilets were 'in a pitiful state'. Since Banka Bioloo's inception in 2012, it has installed 3,000 biotoilets for Indian Railways and supplied 30,000 biotoilets to rural areas, impacting millions of people by providing them with a clean, safe and hygienic environment to take care of their needs. Banka's goal is to 'bring a toilet to every household in India'. Also in India, Kristin Kagetsu, an awardee from the Preserving the Planet category, is the founder of Saathi, which produces and distributes 100 per cent all-natural, biodegradable sanitary pads made of banana fibre. Conventional sanitary pads on the market contain toxic chemical agents, and women in rural parts of India commonly dispose of them by burning them due to a lack of waste facilities. Saathi converts banana fibre, a natural byproduct of banana farming, into a soft absorbent pad via a patented fibre-processing technology. The pads degrade within six months of disposal. The company also provides subsidised pads for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) committed to improving access to sanitary pads and health education for women. In the Creating Opportunities category, American Jackie Stenson is the co-founder of Essmart, a social enterprise that aims to bridge the gap between life-improving technologies and underserved rural communities in southern India. Recognising that many innovative products fail to reach those who need them the most, Essmart curates a catalogue of over 350 cleantech and agricultural tools – such as solar dryers and battery-powered sprayers – and distributes them through a network of more than 5,000 local retailers. ROLE MODELS AS BUSINESSES FOR GOOD Other awardees leading innovative companies include Kresse Wesling from the UK. Wesling is the founder of Elvis & Kresse, a company with a mission to convert waste products into luxury goods. It turns industrial and commercial waste, including fire hoses, coffee sacks and scrap leather into luxury bags and other accessories. Hailing from Armenia, Mariam Torosyan created Safe YOU, a mobile application that provides women suffering gender-based violence with emergency support, access to relevant resources and a safe online community. Yvette Ishimwe from Rwanda is the founder of IRIBA Water Group, which created a smart self-service water ATM that makes purified water available, accessible and affordable for low-income communities across Africa. For many awardees, the true value of the Impact Awards goes beyond visibility and funding. It lies in the recognition and affirmation of their efforts to build businesses that drive positive change, said Sin. 'A big part of the initiative is to drive the idea that business is an important force for good. Not only is it possible, but many people are already doing it. Highlighting these individuals as role models is important to us,' Sin shared. CONTINUING THE MISSION Cartier will hold the 20th edition of the CWI in 2026, which will culminate in a global awards ceremony to be held in Bangkok, Thailand. It will spotlight 30 women impact entrepreneurs, selected as top three candidates across nine Regional Awards alongside the Science & Technology Pioneer Award. Singapore's presence in the CWI is steadily growing. In recent years, two fellows have been inducted into the programme. They include Mint Lim, founder of inclusive learning centre School of Concepts, who was a fellow from the 2023 edition. In the 2024 edition, Singapore surgeon Dr Lynne Lim, founder of medtech start-up NousQ, took home the top prize in the Science & Technology Pioneer category. Cyrille Vigneron, chairman of culture and philanthropy at Cartier, emphasised Singapore's important role in advancing Cartier's philanthropic efforts in the region. 'Singapore's strategic location and global connectivity position it as a key regional hub for collaboration and scaling social impact. By forging partnerships with local and regional institutions, such as social enterprises, cultural foundations, and universities, Cartier can amplify its impact across Asia-Pacific,' Vigneron commented. 'The upcoming 2026 Cartier Women's Initiative in Thailand underscores the region's growing role in fostering social change, with Singapore poised to lead in shaping and advancing these efforts,' he concluded.
Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Cartier Thailand Partners with Chula to Celebrate Social Entrepreneurs and Graduates of the Cartier Women's Initiative Entrepreneurial Program
BANGKOK, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cartier Thailand, in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University, hosted a celebration honoring the achievements of social entrepreneurs who completed the Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI) Entrepreneurial Program —a short-term course for female entrepreneurs in Thailand. The event was presided over by Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, who presented certificates to the program's graduates. The opening speech was delivered by Ms. Pornpreya Vivadhnajat, Managing Director of Cartier Thailand, while Ms. Yanina Novitskaya, Chief Executive Officer of Cartier Southeast Asia and Oceania, extended her congratulations. The event was held on May 8, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. The Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI) is a global program reflecting Cartier's long-standing commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs who are driving social change through business solutions. In Thailand, this has been further developed into the CWI Entrepreneurial Program, aimed at equipping social entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge. The program covers fundamental business practices, leadership skills, business tools, and techniques that enable participants to scale their ventures internationally and potentially join the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards in the future. The ultimate goal is to help Thai entrepreneurs create a positive global impact through purpose-driven businesses. Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, remarked that the 26 graduates of the program are not only entrepreneurs but also changemakers. Over the six-week period, they stepped away from their business leadership roles to immerse themselves in this intensive course. The knowledge and experience they gained will prepare them to lead their ventures and discover innovative solutions to drive global change. This collaboration between Chulalongkorn University and Cartier reinforces a shared vision to support enterprises that go beyond profit and strive for social impact. He also invited interested parties to apply for the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards 2026, which will take place in 2026. Ms. Pornpreya Vivadhnajat, Managing Director of Cartier Thailand, stated that the CWI Entrepreneurial Program was designed to empower and build the capabilities of entrepreneurs committed to running sustainable businesses with meaningful purposes. She expressed admiration and inspiration from witnessing the growth of the program participants, who demonstrated creativity, collaboration, and the collective positive energy fostered within the community. Ms. Yanina Novitskaya, CEO of Cartier Southeast Asia and Oceania, shared her appreciation for the dedication and determination shown by all participants in the CWI Entrepreneurial Program. She noted that Thailand is among the leading countries in terms of female leadership, with many women in executive roles—highlighting the strong potential of Thai women. As the Cartier Women's Initiative approaches its 20th year, Thailand will host the awards ceremony in 2026. She encouraged program participants and other female social entrepreneurs to apply for this global initiative, which supports business and entrepreneurial growth within a vibrant community of social impact leaders. The Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI) Entrepreneurial Program is a six-week intensive course co-developed and managed by Cartier and Chulalongkorn University. It includes comprehensive content and practical exercises that span entrepreneurship fundamentals, business operations, and pitching techniques. The program is led by Dr. Preechaya Sittipunt, Chief Global Learning Officer. Female entrepreneurs running social enterprises are invited to apply for the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards 2026, even if they have not participated in the CWI Entrepreneurial Program. Applications are open now through June 24, 2025. Application forms and further information are available at: View the photo album of this article at About Chulalongkorn University "Chulalongkorn University proudly retains its No. 1 position among Thai universities and ranks 132nd in Asia out of more than 2,000 institutions in the THE Asia University Rankings 2025—a testament to the excellence of Thai higher education on the regional stage."
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cartier Thailand Partners with Chula to Celebrate Social Entrepreneurs and Graduates of the Cartier Women's Initiative Entrepreneurial Program
BANGKOK, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cartier Thailand, in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University, hosted a celebration honoring the achievements of social entrepreneurs who completed the Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI) Entrepreneurial Program—a short-term course for female entrepreneurs in Thailand. The event was presided over by Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, who presented certificates to the program's graduates. The opening speech was delivered by Ms. Pornpreya Vivadhnajat, Managing Director of Cartier Thailand, while Ms. Yanina Novitskaya, Chief Executive Officer of Cartier Southeast Asia and Oceania, extended her congratulations. The event was held on May 8, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. The Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI) is a global program reflecting Cartier's long-standing commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs who are driving social change through business solutions. In Thailand, this has been further developed into the CWI Entrepreneurial Program, aimed at equipping social entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge. The program covers fundamental business practices, leadership skills, business tools, and techniques that enable participants to scale their ventures internationally and potentially join the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards in the future. The ultimate goal is to help Thai entrepreneurs create a positive global impact through purpose-driven businesses. Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, remarked that the 26 graduates of the program are not only entrepreneurs but also changemakers. Over the six-week period, they stepped away from their business leadership roles to immerse themselves in this intensive course. The knowledge and experience they gained will prepare them to lead their ventures and discover innovative solutions to drive global change. This collaboration between Chulalongkorn University and Cartier reinforces a shared vision to support enterprises that go beyond profit and strive for social impact. He also invited interested parties to apply for the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards 2026, which will take place in 2026. Ms. Pornpreya Vivadhnajat, Managing Director of Cartier Thailand, stated that the CWI Entrepreneurial Program was designed to empower and build the capabilities of entrepreneurs committed to running sustainable businesses with meaningful purposes. She expressed admiration and inspiration from witnessing the growth of the program participants, who demonstrated creativity, collaboration, and the collective positive energy fostered within the community. Ms. Yanina Novitskaya, CEO of Cartier Southeast Asia and Oceania, shared her appreciation for the dedication and determination shown by all participants in the CWI Entrepreneurial Program. She noted that Thailand is among the leading countries in terms of female leadership, with many women in executive roles—highlighting the strong potential of Thai women. As the Cartier Women's Initiative approaches its 20th year, Thailand will host the awards ceremony in 2026. She encouraged program participants and other female social entrepreneurs to apply for this global initiative, which supports business and entrepreneurial growth within a vibrant community of social impact leaders. The Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI) Entrepreneurial Program is a six-week intensive course co-developed and managed by Cartier and Chulalongkorn University. It includes comprehensive content and practical exercises that span entrepreneurship fundamentals, business operations, and pitching techniques. The program is led by Dr. Preechaya Sittipunt, Chief Global Learning Officer. Female entrepreneurs running social enterprises are invited to apply for the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards 2026, even if they have not participated in the CWI Entrepreneurial Program. Applications are open now through June 24, 2025. Application forms and further information are available at: View the photo album of this article at About Chulalongkorn University "Chulalongkorn University proudly retains its No. 1 position among Thai universities and ranks 132nd in Asia out of more than 2,000 institutions in the THE Asia University Rankings 2025—a testament to the excellence of Thai higher education on the regional stage." Social Media: Facebook: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Chulalongkorn University Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
RTÉ News
7 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Vivid Edge founder wins 2025 Impact Award from Cartier Women's Initiative
Tracy O'Rourke, the founder and CEO of Vivid Edge, an Irish climate action impact company, has been presented with a 2025 Impact Award by the Cartier Women's Initiative. Vivid Edge helps medium and large organisations transition to low-carbon operations through its "efficiency-as-a-service" model. The company provides fully funded, turnkey energy upgrades, removing traditional financial and operational barriers for customers, while its approach delivers fast-track carbon reductions without upfront capital investment. Vivid Edge is headquartered at NexusUCD in Dublin and is supported by Enterprise Ireland as a client company. The Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI), founded by Cartier in 2006, is an international entrepreneurship programme that aims to drive change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs. Ms O'Rourke is one of nine international female entrepreneurs and business leaders and the only Irish entrepreneur, who were presented with their Impact Awards during an event held at Expo 2025 in Osaka in Japan. The CWI Impact Awards, presented only for the second time since 2020, are dedicated to former CWI fellows whose ventures have demonstrated "extraordinary" long-term impact aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Tracy was one of three awardees in the Preserving the Planet category, which recognises innovations advancing climate action and environmental sustainability. Tracy O'Rourke, founder and CEO of Vivid Edge, said it was a great privilege to be included among this group of inspirational female entrepreneurs who are driving social and environmental change around the world through their companies. "At Vivid Edge we are on a mission to make it easy and financially rewarding for large energy users to decarbonise, bringing energy expertise, delivery capability and capital," she said. "In terms of impact, we estimate that the projects we have delivered to date for clients have avoided over 36,000 tons of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting over 100,000 trees and saved over 119 GWh of energy," she said. "Vivid Edge's work is making measurable contributions to global climate goals, and we are proud to be delivering measurable impact contributing to a better future for people and the planet," she added.
