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

KELPHENE CUNNINGHAM was born in Deep Creek, Eleuthera. She obtained her early education at the Deep Creek All Age School before attending The Government High School in Nassau. She completed her tertiary education in London, England.

She is a Barrister and Attorney-At-Law. She is a member of the Honourable Society of Grays Inn (London) and is a Member of The Bahamas Bar. She was called to both the English Bar and The Bahamas Bar in 1981.

She holds an Honours Degree in Law (LL.B) and a Master of Laws Degree (LL.M) from London University. She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Equity & Trust Law and a Postgraduate Diploma in Commercial & Corporate Law. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London (FCIArb), and a Certified Mediator and a Member of the Executive Committee of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Before completing her Legal Education and entering the Public Service, Mrs. Cunningham worked in the Private Sector in the Off Shore Banking Industry for a few years and has wide experience in that area.

Mrs. Cunningham dedicated over 30 years to Public Service and has had an illustrious career working for the Government and serving the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. She started her career in the Public Service as Legal Adviser to The National Insurance Board. She later joined the Office of the Attorney General and moved through the ranks, firstly as Assistant Counsel, Sr. Counsel and Acting Chief Counsel. She was appointed Registrar General and later Registrar of the Court of Appeal. Her last posting before retiring from the Government Service was Judge of the Industrial Tribunal where she served as Vice-President. In that position she headed the Northern Region (Freeport) for some three years before serving in Nassau.

Mrs. Cunningham believes in giving back to her Country as she herself was a beneficiary of the Sir Lynden Pindling massive educational program of the nineteen seventies. She gives back by participating in the education system. She lectured (part-time) extensively to Bahamian Bankers in the 1980s at the Chartered Institute of Bankers, London; and in more recent times at The Bahamas Institute of Financial Services; Success College in the LL.B Program, The College of The Bahamas University of the West Indies Law Program, as well as a former Associate Tutor at the Eugene Dupuch Law School.

She presently heads the Law Firm of Kelphene Cunningham & Company Chambers where she operates a boutique Law Chambers providing general legal services both domestically and internationally and specializes in Alternative Dispute Resolution with emphasis on Mediation and Arbitration. She also has a vibrant practise in Family Law, Labour Law, Commercial & Corporate Law, Civil Litigation, Probate and Land Law.

She is a Member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church. In her younger days she was an avid speaker at Women’s Group and a Leader in the Church’s Evangelism Program. A former member of the Board of the Ranfurly Homes for Children, a former Samaritan's and a Member of Civil Society Bahamas. Her hobbies are Baking, Cooking and Reading. She is the mother of two sons and has five Grand Children.

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.