For 15 years, Cartier has been supporting women via the Cartier Women s Initiative entrepreneurship programme. Its aim? To empower female business leaders and owners who are making a sustainable social and/or environmental impact to make an even greater impact in their respective fields. This year s theme is Ripple Effect, and it explores how these changemakers can sustain the momentum of their work to pave the path for future generations.
Cartier received 876 applicants from over 142 countries for this edition. Each year, Cartier Women s Initiative will choose 24 new fellows to join its community, out of which 8 laureates will be chosen. The laureates receive US$100,000 in prize money; the rest receive US$30,000. All eight laureates and 16 finalists, however, will benefit from a tailored one-on-one training, workshops, as well as the opportunity to join INSEAD Business School impact entrepreneurship programme.
Since 2006, the Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI) has awarded more than US$6 million to female entrepreneurs who lead businesses with a sustainable social or environmental impact. Along with grants, CWI provides mentorship, networking and fundraising support.
Hongkonger Natalie Chan of OWN Academy is one of this year’s 24 fellows selected from a pool of 876 applicants from 142 countries. Chan found her education had ill-prepared her for the realities of the professional world and was inspired to launch OWN as a platform to connect young people to companies with real-world learning.
“I m so grateful Cartier is offering this kind of assistance,” says Chan. “The fact that it’s been 15 years, they are way ahead of the curve. They re not doing this because it’s cool and trendy; they re doing it because they truly believe in the impact.”