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

Emily M. Osadebay, wife, mother and grandmother, was to the parentage of the late Irvin and Meneria King in Nassau Bahamas. Emily attends St. Agnes Anglican church and serves her church by her involvement in the senior choir and as the leader of the Mental and Physical Wellness Committee, and as a member of St. Helena’s Chapter.

Emily received her early education at Southern Preparatory, Junior and Senior Schools, Acquinas College for commercial studies, and advanced commercial studies at Nassau Academy Of Business qualifying in advanced typing from the Royal Society Of commerce in the United Kingdom.

Professional studies for Emily began at princess Margaret Hospital in August 1960, qualifying as a registered nurse, followed by seven months training as a pupil midwife. This training continued in the United Kingdom where Emily was among the first five nurses to travel there to compare and contest nurse training with the training provided in the Bahamas by English tutors, and allowed registration of nurses with the Nursing Council for England and Wales. This special arrangement required only one year and included one training block which was successfully completed, Emily was awarded honours.

She then went on to successfully complete midwifery training in parts 1 and 11 and was able to register on the Roll of Midwives. While still in the U.K., Emily undertook training in a course in operating theatre technique and management before returning home.

On her return home, Emily was promoted several times, NO11 in 1970, NO1 in 1980, and to Senior Nursing Office in 1984, after returning from further training in the UK in 1983 at the Royal College of Nursing in Advanced Nursing Administration.

Emily spent most of her nursing career in the operating theatre leaving only to undertake duties as night supervisor, and to assist the Kaiser Permanente group of persons during the construction and completion phase of the ambulatory care department, where operating theatres were also located. She also assisted in research and time and motion studies for the running of the accident and emergency Department under the guidance of Dr. Richards. While in the ACD, Emily embarked upon training for the staff of specialty clinics, general practice clinics and the accident and emergency unit, assisted by Mr. George Forbes and Mrs. Sandra Bain the Infection control officer. Emily returned to theatre in 1980.

Service to her profession saw her serving on the Ministry Of Health Board of examiners for over ten years, writing questions and marking of exam papers.

Emily was instrumental in developing perioperative nursing in the operating theatre, and assisted in the development of goals and objectives and policy for this important event. Emily presently serves as Chairman of the Nurses Appeals Tribunal and external examiner for the Surgical Technology course approved by the Royal College of Nursing London.

Emily’s other pursuits include her involvement in her national nurses association where she served as secretary for three of the presidents, during which time she travelled extensively to attend international and regional nurses conferences in Los Angeles, San Francisco California, Zimbabwe, Johannesburg, and Durban South Africa, Aruba, Curazo, Jamaica, St. Lucia.

Extensive management training was ongoing, as she served on many committees and workshops in her association and in service area for the Ministry Of Health involving strategic planning. Other areas of involvement were her tenure as secretary to the PTA of St. John’s College which lasted seven years and served on the socioeconomic committee, many other fundraisers, and was consistent in working during Mardi Gras for many years.

Emily’s interest in education continued and she attended Templeton Theological Seminary where she studied New Testament Greek Grammar and Philosophy of Religion, before embarking on studies for her BA in Management, her Masters in Human Resource Management, 1st. class honours, and Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. She was class valedictorian Emily recently authored a book of poems and is presently writing on her nursing experiences over 48 years, titled, “My Journey”.

She is married to the Hon. Mr. Justice Emmanuel E. Osadebay J.A. retired, is the mother of three daughters and five grandchildren.

Her hobbies include travelling, gardening, sewing, knitting and crocheting.

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.