Varda Shine honoured with WJA Lifetime Achievement Award for 2011

The Women’s Jewelry Association conferred its WJA Lifetime Achievement Award for 2011, upon Varda Shine, CEO of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC), for her leadership role amongst women throughout all areas of the jewellery and watch businesses and for her valuable contribution to the global diamond industry.

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA), formed in 1983 supports initiatives of providing scholarship opportunities, educational and networking activities to further careers of women in the jewelry and watch industries. Today, the WJA is an international organisation with 14 chapters and one affiliate chapter.

Varda has been an active supporter of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA). She was honoured with the award at the WJA’s 28th annual ‘Awards for Excellence’ gala dinner in New York City.

WJA International President, Kendra Bridel Weinman said, “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.” Susan Rothman, co-founder of Hearts on Fire presented the award to Ms Shine adding, “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 Africa sets her apart.”

While noting that “Its a huge honour to accept this award”, Ms. Shine expressed gladness over the growth of the jewelry and diamond worlds during her working life and that “women are now much better represented in all parts of the value chain and at all levels of leading organisations”. She further added that “I view my greatest achievements to be those which promote people, opportunity and development. 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.”