Premier Michael Dunkley and Bermudian entrepreneur Shiona Turini got up close and personal with the Bermuda football team after their 3-0 victory over Bahamas in the first round, second leg of World Cup qualifying on Sunday.

Ms Turini, who had previously been the Premier’s guest, at the Cabinet Office, is a young Bermudian who has been making a considerable name for herself in the international fashion industry.

She has worked for both Cosmopolitan and Teen Vogue magazines, has attended New York and Paris Fashion Weeks, and has been featured by the New York Times, Huffington Post and, most recently, Elle Online. Ms, Turini who is based in New York, was in Bermuda to oversee several projects that she is working on with local organisations, including the City Fashion Festival. Her background is in journalism and public relations, and she was also a successful participant in the former tourism department’s hospitality internship programme.

“It’s always a pleasure to spend some time with Bermudians who are doing impressive things,” Mr Dunkley said today. “Shiona is very talented and creative, and her appeal and knowledge in the fashion industry has garnered the respect and attention of some very high-end global fashion brands and publications. In part, her recent visit to the Cabinet Office served as an opportunity for us to recognise her achievements.

“We also discussed an array of matters such as travel and tourism, and her love for Bermuda. I was very impressed with her passion for the Island and how she shares that wherever she goes internationally. Shiona is emerging as a key influencer and trendsetter in several key demographics. Her global reach has the potential to generate considerable awareness for Bermuda, and we are very keen to follow her progress.”

Her upcoming projects include participating in a diversity panel discussion at Howard University, being featured on Amazon.com and participating in an upcoming United Negro College Fund event.