The Bermuda chapter of 100 Women in Finance, the global network of professionals in the finance industry, has selected The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Bermuda as the charity recipient for its 2021 Bermuda Summer Sunset Gala.

The gala is to be held September 24 at Coral Beach.

The 100WF group has also secured the local charity as programme partner for its NextGen pathway for the next three years.

As part of a new area of focus under 100WF’s new “Impact Pillar”, the 100WF Bermuda committee said it is 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.

All proceeds from the gala will go to 100WF’s named charity, as well as to establish connections and pathways to support the next generation of young women leaders on the island.

Recognised as the 100WF’s flagship event for philanthropy, the SafeKey gala next month 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 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.”

Jovanna Douglas, chairwoman of the Award, added: “On behalf of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Council, I would like to thank 100 Women in Finance and their members for their continued support of the Award in Bermuda.

“Their support has helped over 250 young people engage in the Award Programme free of charge, enabled us to grow the Open Award Programme and helped develop our young award leaders/assessors in training.

“The Open Award, run by the National Award Office, now offers all three levels of the Award (bronze, silver and gold) to public school students, home-school students and participants at schools without award centres such as Bermuda College, Bermuda Institute and Impact Mentoring Academy.”

The gala will be the first in-person event hosted by 100WF Bermuda since the Covid-19 pandemic, and the SafeKey event has attracted international visitors from 100WF’s global network, the group said.

Sarah Demerling, chairwoman of the 100WF gala committee, said: "Bermuda has done a tremendous job of keeping the island open for business, we are delighted to be able to reconnect in person with members of our 100WF network both locally and internationally at such a beautiful location."

For information about sponsorship opportunities contact: galabermuda@100women.org.

To learn more about the organisation, networking and education events that are planned throughout 2021, see https://100women.org/membership/become-a-member/ or contact Bermuda@100women.org.