Celebrating Woman International (CWI) a subsidiary of TKHGFI nonprofit organization, announced plans today to award Mrs. Patricia Bazard with the “Woman of Distinction Award” 2015 for her outstanding accomplishments professionally and within the community.

Mrs. Patricia Bazard is a choral conductor, singer, teacher, workshop facilitator and story teller, who has been involved in the Arts since the age of two years. She formed and conducted her first Children’s Choir at the age of twelve at transfiguration Baptist Church.

Since then she has conducted numerous choirs and groups including: The Bahamas National Baptist Mass Youth Choir that toured the United States and Europe; Guest conductor at The national Baptist Congress of Christian Education Pittsburg and Omaha Nebraska; The award-winning Bahamas National Children’s Choir and the National Boys Choir Concert Tours to Poland, Prague, Russia, London, Canada, China, west Africa, South America, The United States and the Caribbean; and The National Independence Choirs.

With the establishment of the ADISA Foundation a programme was developed to mentor at risk boys through the Performing Arts. CHIVIVAL an annual service for children is held every November and is planned and directed by children and teens.

This year The Third Annual Bahamas Island of Praise Festival will be held in May and will provide workshops and special sessions for young Artistes, culminating in a Grand Gospel Concert.

Mrs. Bazard (now retired) was Senior Cultural Officer for The Bahamas Government, responsible for National Celebrations and Chef de Mission for International Conferences and Festivals, and has been a member of The National Independence Committee since 1972. She has written two books of short stories, an initial piano instruction book for very young children and has been the recipient of numerous national and international awards. The Minister of Music for The Salem Union Baptist Church she continues to conduct choral workshops and work with children and young people both home and abroad.

She is married to Mr. Luicito G. Bazard, with eight children and twelve grandchildren.

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!’

Founded in 2013, Celebrating Woman International aims to mobilize and inspire women across the globe, to honor, recognize and celebrate the contributions of women, leveraging their untapped leadership capabilities in order for them to thrive in the world so that they can lead productive lives.

Celebrating Woman International goals are to:

• Unite, connect, engage and inspire women to honor and celebrate themselves and other women worldwide.

• Expand women’s global business and leadership opportunities.

• Create a virtual “Celebrating Woman” Worldwide Center & Hall of Honor by 2020.

• Provide a one-of-a-kind global education initiative focused on honoring differences.

• Inspire a spirit of service and giving among women.

“Celebrating Woman International thinks honoring women for their accomplishments and hard work is a wonderful way to thank and inspire other women within the community. These awards are intended to do that. The selected honourees have demonstrated an untiring zeal for service to the community and inspire us through their selfless commitment to improving the lives of others,” Celebrating Woman International Corporate Secretary, Collin Smith said.

During the month of October, the “Woman of Distinction Awards” will be awarded to women who have made significant contributions in the following categories: arts; business; finance & trade; religion; law; civics; media and sports in The Bahamas.

During the month of September, Celebrating Woman International will announce the names of all the honorees and give more details about the upcoming events.