Cartier awards US$100,000 grant to 7 women laureates who are changing the world

PARIS, FRANCE — The names of the 7 laureates of the Cartier Women’s Initiative were announced virtually today on both the Cartier and the Cartier Women’s Initiative’s websites and social media channels. These laureates were selected by an independent international jury committee amongst 1200 applicants from over 162 countries. The 2020 laureates are making a positive change in the world by promoting good health and well-being, reducing inequalities, building sustainable cities and communities and encouraging responsible consumption and production. And for the first time since the Initiative’s creation in 2006, we are happy to count Danish and Australian women impact entrepreneurs amongst the laureates.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for people all around the world, and particularly for the 21 Cartier Women’s Initiative fellows as many early stage businesses were deeply challenged and had to step up to survive. The fellows’ ability to leverage their existing business models or to pivot their businesses during this time and new environment was both critical and admirable.

“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,” said Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO of Cartier International.

Here are the 7 laureates of the Cartier Women’s Initiative:

**LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN:** Adriana Luna Diaz from Mexico creates agricultural products that renew biodiversity and soil fertility, fortifies and protects crops, and empowers the farmers who use them. **Tierra de Monte** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oO_GqDQjXA)

**NORTH AMERICA**: Stephanie Benedetto, USA. Built a marketplace to buy and sell unused textiles, keeping them out of landfills and turning pollution into profit. **Queen of Raw** (https://www.queenofraw.com/)

**EUROPE:** Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen, Denmark. Promotes financial gender equality by educating women on investing and personal finances. **Female Invest** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RON1AqyUs08&t=45s)

**SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA:** Temie Giwa-Tubosun, Nigeria. Founded a medical distribution company that uses data and technology to discover and deliver essential medical products to hospitals in Nigeria. **LifeBank** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbRdCiNHaUo)

**MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA:** Nadia Gamal El Din, Egypt. Created an all-inclusive platform to support Egyptian mothers financially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually, both online and in person. **Rahet Bally** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNNfHxUd8D4)

**EAST ASIA:** Chunguang (Charlotte) Wang, China. Founded an energy optimization company that combines artificial intelligence and big data to deliver energy efficiency solutions. **Equota Energy (Technology) Shanghai Co Ltd** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a02v1UiLZew)

**SOUTH ASIA & OCEANIA:** Joanne Howarth, Australia. Manufactures environmentally responsible insulated packaging made from sheep waste wool for transport of temperature-sensitive goods. **Woolpack Australia – Planet Protector Packaging** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdgKgN_N4tQ&t=31s)

Each of the 7 laureates will be awarded a US $100,000 in grant; whereas each of the second and third runner-ups will receive US $30,000. Finally, the 7 laureates and 14 finalists will all receive support on strategic financial thinking, one-on-one strategy mentoring, media visibility and international networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to join an INSEAD executive education programme on scaling social impact.

As a direct result of the pandemic, the annual Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards ceremony was cancelled this year. We look forward to properly celebrating this edition’s finalists and laureates during the next ceremony, in Boston, on May 26, 2021 which will happily coincide with the 15th anniversary of the Initiative.

For information about the programme, visit: www.cartierwomensinitiative.com

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