The Bermuda committee of global networking group 100 Women in Finance is to strengthen its ties with the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Bermuda charity.

The local organisation of professionals in the finance industry has selected the charity as recipient for its annual gala to be held in June, as well as securing it as programme partner for its new Impact Pillar-NextGen Pathway for the next three years.

As part of a new area of focus under 100WF’s new “Impact Pillar”, the 100WF in Bermuda are pledging to reach, inspire and support pre-career women who may be considering a career in the finance industry by encouraging female students to look favourably at careers in finance and investments, creating educational opportunities and access points for them to join the industry, and presenting greater visibility of female role models.

This year’s gala dinner is set for June 5 at Coral Beach. Recognised as 100WF’s flagship event for philanthropy, the event will be one of a number of hosted events whose goal is to help establish more purposeful pathways into the finance industry for women of all backgrounds.

The 100WF organisation said the chosen charity is a fun-filled and flexible programme for young people between the ages of 14 and 25. The programme fosters personal growth and delivers on teaching motivation, commitment, leadership, teamwork, self-discovery, and achievement of one’s full potential through participation in challenging and non-competitive activities of community service, personal skills, physical recreation and adventurous journeys, the group said.

Alison Morrison, 100WF Bermuda chairwoman, said: “The next generation needs to see visible examples of women’s success and expertise in our industry in order to shape their aspirations. These young women will be leaders in the future, so we all need to find meaningful ways to support them now.”

Gillian Kersse, 100WF Bermuda “Impact Pillar-NextGen” chairwoman, added: “With the change of focus to the NextGen and beyond, the impact pillar committee is delighted to continue our partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh Award and to focus on the leadership skills the award offers to its participants.”