Cartier announced the seven laureates of its annual Women’s Initiative, a global program that supports women-owned business that are driving strong and sustainable social and environmental impact.

Since the Cartier Women’s Initiative launched in 2006, the initiative has provided 240 entrepreneurs from 56 different countries with resources

By  for TheCut

Photo: Courtesy of Cartier

Some numbers: Since it launched in 2006, the initiative has provided 240 entrepreneurs from 56 different countries with resources — including over $3 million — to grow their businesses and leadership skills. This year, Cartier Women’s Initiative selected 21 finalists and seven laureates from 1,200 applications from 162 countries. While each of the seven winners are awarded $100,000 each, the 14 runners-up will still receive $30,000. All 21 women will additionally benefit from mentoring, networking opportunities, and media exposure to help with business development. Below are the laureates:

• North America: Stephanie Benedetto, New York – Queen of Raw: An online marketplace where businesses can buy and sell deadstock fabrics and textiles, as a sustainable alternative to destroying them.

• Latin America and the Caribbean: Adriana Luna Diaz, Mexico  Tierra de Monte: A technology that relies on bacteria and fungi to rejuvenate plant and soil fertility, regulating diseases and pests in a safe, effective, and affordable manner.

• East Asia: Chunguang (Charlotte) Wang, China  Equota Energy (Technology) Shanghai Co. Ltd.: A data analytics-driven energy efficiency solution provider. They help clients understand their energy consumption in real time and make recommendations for reductions that create cost and environmental impact savings.

• South Asia and Oceania: Joanne Howarth, Australia – Woolpack Australia – Planet Protector Packaging: A manufacturer of environmentally responsible insulated packaging (made of sheep’s wool) for temperature sensitive goods in transit.

Continue reading about the initiative…