Diamonds Do Good Announces 2022 Inaugural Next Gen Awards
Diamonds Do Good (DDG) has announced the recipients of its 2022 inaugural Next Gen Awards, to be presented at Diamonds Do Good’s annual gala on June 9 at the Palazzo Ballroom of the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.
This year’s honorees are Feriel Zerouki, Kealeboga Pule, Kecia Caffie, and Alexis Padis.
“Our goal is to recognize leaders who represent the future for our industry,” said Diamonds Do Good president Anna Martin in a statement. “These individuals span the mining, manufacturing, and retail sectors, and we will highlight their accomplishments in their respective fields and support of the communities where they do business.”
As the first elected female incoming president of the World Diamond Council (WDC), Feriel Zerouki, who is senior vice president of corporate affairs for De Beers Group, was instrumental in developing and leading ethical programs at De Beers, aiming to raise industry standards and pushing the sustainability agenda forward within the diamond industry.
A member of the Young Diamantaires, Kealeboga Pule is the founder and managing director of the South Africa–based Nungu Diamonds, where a commitment to the community provides jobs for South Africans while asking customers to refocus on the “why diamonds?” narrative.
Kecia Caffie has been president of Banter by Piercing Pagoda since 2017, helping the brand to connect with its millennial and Gen Z consumer base.
The next generation of the Padis family jewelers and president of Padis Jewelry since 2019, Alexis Padis has successfully seen Padis Jewelery through a pandemic, embracing an omnichannel approach and taking risks that proved fruitful for the business. Padis, who is president-elect of the American Gem Society, received the 2021 Young Titleholder of the Year Award and was recently recognized as one of the “20 Under 40” by Jewelers of America.
“The recipients of these awards reflect the importance of engaging community around the world,” said DDG cofounder and civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr. in a statement. “Now more than ever we need to reaffirm and share this commitment with consumers everywhere.”
Top: Image courtesy of Diamonds Do Good
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