For Immediate Release

CARIBPR WIRE, Toronto, ON, March 7, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – The 15th Annual University of West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards celebrates the 2024 Honorees of its fundraiser in support of scholarships for Caribbean students on Saturday April 20th, 2024 at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 181 Wellington Street, Toronto at 5:30pm EST. The sold-out gala affair is hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI), top ranked among the world’s best universities, with Scotiabank as Lead Sponsor for the 15^th consecutive year.

“The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has provided 850 scholarships and bursaries to Caribbean students over the years” exclaimed Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Executive Director of University’s Institutional Advancement Division. “We know that education is the pathway to success as is evident with those who graduated and have gone onto great careers because they were able to attend The University of West Indies and get a world class education.”

Primary sponsors for this year’s event include Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Sprott Inc., The Hibbert Family Foundation, and BDO.

Under this year’s theme, Lighting the Way Together, this not-to-be missed night on the Toronto social calendar cultivates a high-profile guest list of corporate executives, public personalities and  community members committed to giving back to the Caribbean diaspora.

The distinguished 2024 Honourees are:

●     Luminary Award: The Honourable Mr. Justice Hugh L. Fraser, O.C., FCIArb., CollArb, OLY - Mediator, Arbitrator and Human Rights Activist

●     G. Raymond Chang Award: Mr. Raj Kothari, FCPA, FCA, MBA – Business Leader and Humanitarian

●     Chancellor’s Award: Air Canada - Global Organization serving the Caribbean

●     Vice Chancellor’s Award: Dr. Pamela Appelt, OD - Court of Canadian Citizenship Justice (Ret.), Humanitarian; Mr. Stanley J. Julien - Head, Special Accounts Management Unit – Canada, BMO Bank of Montreal, Business and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader; Mr. Deland Kamanga, CFA - Group Head, BMO Wealth Management, Financial Specialist and Philanthropist; Dr. Claudette McGowan – Chief Executive Officer, Protexxa, Global Cybersecurity Leader and Human Rights Activist, Business Leader and Philanthropist

The Patrons of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards are Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Mr. Andrew Chang, Ms. Brigette Chang, and joining them this year are Mr. Kevin Hibbert and Mrs. Ann-Marie Hibbert, both passionate supporters of higher education and the UWI Student Scholarship Fund. Mr. Hibbert was a recipient of the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Award.

Lighting the Way Together demonstrates how together, community donations, financial support and inspiration provides a lifeline to students eager to fulfill their educational dreams.

Media Availability: 6:00pm – 6:30pm – 4th Floor (Honourees, Patrons and select VIPs)

MEDIA ACCREDITATION HERE

Honouree Headshots

Red Carpet Cocktail Hour – 5:30pm – 7:00pm – 2nd Floor

Dinner, Awards Program, Entertainment – 7:00pm – 10:00pm – 2nd Floor

Air Canada Lyme (After Party) – 10:00pm – Midnight

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EDITOR’S NOTE: An image for use with this article is available HERE

CaribPR WIRE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Jan. 24, 2023: Bow Valley College is proud to announce one of its recent graduates has been awarded first place in a prestigious design industry competition. Beatriz Hernandez’s recommendations for a kitchen remodel stood out amongst dozens of applicants in Canada and the United States, securing the top prize in the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Student Design Competition.

“I couldn’t believe it. It is an honour to be recognized for something I’m passionate about and that I put a lot of passion into,” says Beatriz Hernandez. “I wanted to provide the clients with a beautiful and functional renovation that will work for them now and in the future. I put together a construction plan and design statement that offers a combination of meeting personal tastes and needs and timeless finishes that will add to the value of their home.”

Beatriz graduated from Bow Valley College in December 2022 with a Kitchen and Bath Design Post-Diploma Certificate. An international student from the Dominican Republic, she chose the program to supplement her degree in architecture, expanding her expertise in residential interior design. She gained practical experience with Krista Hermanson Design in Calgary, where she is now working full-time as a designer assistant.

“Beatriz’s award-winning achievement is an inspiration for all aspiring students in our program,” says Alison Anderson, dean of Business, Technology and the Centre for Entertainment Arts, Bow Valley College. “This post-diploma certificate is a great fit for people like Beatriz, looking for additional specialized credentials and an opportunity for experiential learning. We are thrilled to see her take top honours in this competition and look forward to her journey as an emerging professional in the design industry.”

The NKBA Prairie Provinces Chapter will honour Beatriz at a lecture at Bow Valley College on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Her award includes a $5,000 scholarship and an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas for the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the largest trade show of its kind in the world.

Here is an excerpt from Beatriz Hernandez’s winning design statement:

“It’s about making the kitchen permeable and allowing the stunning views of the beach to penetrate the house; this indicates lots of natural light and big connectivity with the exterior. The renovation will adapt to the proportion of the house and the use of local materials, natural elements, and peaceful colours that will give a sensation far from chaos.” – Beatriz Hernandez

Bow Valley College is a founding school in NKBA’s Affiliated Schools Program. For more information about the Kitchen and Bath Design Post-Diploma Certificate, please visit bowvalleycollege.ca.

For details about the upcoming NKBA Bow Valley College lecture, interviews with Beatriz, and additional renderings of her winning design, please see contact information below.

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About Bow Valley College

Calgary and region’s only Comprehensive Community College — with 14,000 full- and part-time students, Bow Valley College helps Open Doors – Open Minds to in-demand jobs in Calgary, Alberta, and Canada. Our graduates contribute to the digital economy, careers in business, TV & film production, and serve on the frontlines of healthcare and social services. One of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Bow Valley College invests in virtual reality (VR), Work Integrated Learning (WIL), micro-credentials, and foundational opportunities.

Attachments

• Beatriz Hernandez design
• Beatriz Hernandez

Within this partnership, Vantage is supporting the “State of the Education Report for India, 2022 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education,” which was launched today in New Delhi, India. The Report covers a number of pertinent issues at the intersection of AI and education, including the potential of artificial intelligence to empower teachers and enhance our understanding of the learning process.

Commenting on the partnership, Marc Despallieres, Chief Strategy & Trading Officer at Vantage, said, “Our global footprint and presence in emerging markets has provided us with a unique perspective into the issues faced by our communities. We aim to foster a long-term, strategic partnership with UNESCO that rests on the foundations of our shared values – inclusion and equity. As a financial services provider, lending our support towards emerging technological developments in education, such as on AI in education and on digital literacy initiatives to students and learners in India, was a natural first step to take on this education journey.”

Talking about the role of artificial intelligence in financial inclusion, Eric Falt, Director and UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, said, “While the world may be on the fence about AI, this much is certain that AI is here to stay. With the rise of ICTs and digital banking platforms, AI has made financial inclusion a reality in India. Financial education and skilling are key to improving the economic and social well-being of people, especially women. In light of the same, we are very happy to partner with Vantage who share our commitments.”

Vantage’s partnership with UNESCO New Delhi brings together two organisations with a shared aspiration to ensure that no one is left behind. In the coming years, Vantage aims to leverage its financial and technological expertise to provide support for UNESCO’s education initiatives in India, by increasing the accessibility of teaching and bringing the benefits of education to those who need it most.

Vantage’s strategic partnership with UNESCO marks another milestone in its corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) journey, which was formally launched in July 2022 . Vantage has been collaborating with popular digital media producer Supercar Blondie to raise awareness on climate change and women’s empowerment during the week of the Extreme E race in Sardinia, Italy. In addition, the company has undertaken several other ESG activities this year, including a dollar-for-dollar matching fundraising exercise in partnership with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and a global blood donation drive across their offices.

About Vantage

Vantage is a global, multi-asset broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading CFDs on Forex, Commodities, Indices, and Shares.

With more than 10 years of market experience. Vantage now has over 1,000 employees/personnel across more than 30 global offices.

Vantage is more than a broker. It provides a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a faster and simpler trading platform that enables clients to take advantage of trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.

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www.vantagemarkets.com

About UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was created in the year 1945.  It seeks to build peace and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. UNESCO’s programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.  As a laboratory of ideas, UNESCO helps countries to adopt international standards and manages programmes that foster the free flow of ideas and the exchange of knowledge.

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●      Additional 5% discount for female students with the goal of diminishing the income disparity with men in similar professions.

CaribPR Wire, MADRID, Spain, Mon. Sept. 19, 2022: The prestigious online training school, Structuralia, together with the Organization of American States (OAS), have recently opened their last 2022 call for applications for 50% master’s degrees scholarships available to engineering professionals in the Caribbean region.

As a matter of fact, the demand for STEM professionals in the Caribbean has significantly increased, hence the need for greater support for specialized education and training opportunities in the industry to find highly qualified professionals.

The Organization of American States (OAS) and Structuralia are greatly committed to strengthen the capacities of Caribbean professionals by means of highly specialized education in different fields and have been doing so in the region for the past 12 years.

For instance, in 2022, 2,500 scholarships covering 50% of the total cost of specialized master’s degrees have been made available to citizens of OAS Member States

All those interested may find the necessary information on this scholarship programme by entering the website http://oasscholarships.structuralia.com, where all the requirements are clearly explained to encourage anyone who wishes to further their education to apply; all applicants must be residents of OAS member states.

The application deadline for these limited scholarships is October 7th, 2022. All interested applicants may complete their application at  https://oasscholarships.structuralia.com, and attach their CV along with their university degree.

Special benefits for women and youths

In order to contribute to the higher participation of women in highly specialized STEM education, the OAS / Structuralia scholarship program offers an additional 5% aid to all female students who successfully obtain their degrees in 2022. This initiative is aimed at reducing the wage gap for similar occupations in the field that will generate the most employment opportunities in the coming years.

Likewise, the OAS / Structuralia scholarship program aims at the internalization of the talent of young students between the age of 20 and 30. All those who successfully complete their master’s degrees will receive the Hague Apostille for their Diplomas at no additional cost, so that they may further their professional development anywhere in the world.

CARIBPR WIRE, Bridgetown, Barbados, Aug. 26, 2022: Honorable Kay McConney, Minister of Education for Barbados and the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the “#1 Science Museum in the Country” as voted by USA Today’s 10Best, are coming together to kick off a new initiative to deliver hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) kits, called Learning Lunchboxes, to inspire youth and families.

The Learning Lunchboxes are fun, hands-on kits that provide five, learning activities that showcase the diversity of STEM. COSI distributed over 400 NASA-themed Space kits, which have over 10 hours of content around space, at this event today and will distribute an additional 100 Virgin Hyperloop kits to high school students in the fall. The event featured fun, science experiments for both youth and families in attendance as well as members of the Ministry of Education for Barbados and leaders from the community.

“COSI’s mission is to engage, inspire and transform lives and communities. The importance of STEM education cannot be understated, and COSI is bringing access and exposure to STEM internationally with our STEM education kits and our Learning Lunchbox program,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, president and CEO of COSI. “We are thankful for the partnership with the Barbadian Government, the Honorable Minister Kay McConney and the team at the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training. We are grateful for this first program towards a long-lasting partnership with Barbados, and hope to expand the program throughout the Caribbean, bringing science literacy and fun to more learners through COSI.”

“We have worked hard together smartly, but this partnership only started a few months ago. The partnership with COSI serves to demonstrate how quickly, with the right partners, we are able to make science happen for our students,” said Honorable Kay McConney, minister of education for Barbados. “It doesn’t take years, it only takes a willing government, competent partners and excited children to get you on your path to the next great thing.”

COSI has traditionally distributed kits at local food banks across the U.S. and around the world to help feed hungry lives and feed hungry minds. This innovative, community-based model brings together other informal and formal education leaders to highlight the importance of STEM and to help bridge the education gap.

COSI recently partnered with NASA and the U.S. State Department to showcase STEM innovation through the Learning Lunchboxes at the World Fair in Dubai. COSI has also distributed these kits in London, Paris and other countries.

For more information, please visit COSI.org/connect.

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Media Link Only: To download high-quality images of the event, please click here. Credit all assets, “Courtesy of COSI.”

About COSI
COSI, the “#1 Science Museum in the Country” as voted by USA Today’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio, with all things science for 58 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics and delivering our experiential, “hands-on fun” brand of learning. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our community, engaging more than one million people annually through onsite, offsite and online experiences.

Attachments

• Barbados Ministry of Education and Center of Science and Industry (COSI) Launch STEM Learning Lunchbox Initiative
• Barbados Ministry of Education and Center of Science and Industry (COSI) Launch STEM Learning Lunchbox Initiative

In June 2020, the Vancouver-based UCW unveiled the Women in Leadership MBA Award, an MBA scholarship. This seminar further expands the university’s support of women leaders in this area.  The audience interested in registering for the seminar can sign up at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q5lpT5EnTAyr_4gwgUnIcA

As the talk is virtual, men and women across the Caribbean can log on to view this important and informative seminar. Speaking about the Women in Leadership MBA award, Brock Dykeman, UCW President said, “This is an important initiative for UCW and aligns with our goals to empower women to become business and community leaders. We hope to help develop future leaders through this unique initiative by providing them with the industry-relevant skills that employers are looking for in the fast-changing business and technology landscape.”

Speaker Lasandra Rickards is Founder and CEO of Soul Career, former CEO of the Richard Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship, and a Harvard MBA. As CEO of the Richard Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship, she coached over 220 entrepreneurs, created online programs for over 2,500 entrepreneurs, built a team of 12, and made the Centre a player in the venture capital space. With Soul Career, she helps executives, professionals and entrepreneurs lead authentically, and build powerful legacies.

Research shows that communities thrive and grow when women advance in their careers and run their own businesses.  UCW feels that these virtual seminars will provide women and men with tools to advance their leadership skills.

UCW is also of special interest to the Caribbean community because they offer the Americas Tuition, which provides tuition support for prospective students from North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. With the Americas Tuition award, students save up to 60% compared to regular international student’s tuition fees for UCW’s Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce and MBA degrees. UCW is offering the Americas Tuition Award for students starting in the intakes of January, April, July or October 2021.

Background:

University Canada West is a contemporary independent university located in the heart of vibrant Vancouver. Established in 2004, UCW offers a range of career-focused programs including the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, Associate of Arts and Master of Business Administration. Courses are offered at UCW´s two downtown Vancouver campus locations, as well as online.

The virtual seminar “Risk and Reward: Lessons from Caribbean Women in Entrepreneurship” is part of a Women in Leadership Seminar Series made up of four seminars focused on Mexico, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean respectively. The registration link for the seminar is: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q5lpT5EnTAyr_4gwgUnIcA

PHOTO: Lisandra Rickards – https://www.newsamericasnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SCO_0028-2.jpg