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

Ellen Serville is a graduate of the Government High School, the University of the West Indies (Mona Campus) where she completed her undergraduate studies and the University of Miami where she completed her postgraduate studies.

She commenced her professional life as a teacher at The Government High School in 1970 later moving on to the College of The Bahamas in 1976 where she served as a Lecturer in the Humanities Division and thereafter as Chairperson of that Division before her appointment as Dean of Academic Affairs of the College.

In August 1981 she changed careers and commenced her legal studies joining the law firm of Seligman Maynard & Co. and in September 1985, she was admitted to practice as a Counsel and Attorney at The Bar of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Mrs. Serville later became a Partner in the law firm of Maynard & Co. and was a founding Partner in the firm of Gibson, Serville & Co., where she practiced for a few years before starting her own law firm, Serville & Co. in 1994.

In August of 2011 Mrs. Serville was appointed a Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrate of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and currently presides over the Civil and Domestic Court which is charged with determining all Family matters in the Magistrates Court in New Providence.

As a part of her community involvement, Mrs. Serville currently serves as a Director of the Cable Bahamas Cares Foundation and also a Director of the Tara Xavier Hepburn Foundation, both organizations committed to the overall development of young persons through their various charitable grants and outreach programmes. She has held both positions for a number of years and considers it an honour to serve her community through those organizations.

Mrs. Serville is married to Brian Serville and they are the proud parents of three (3) sons and the equally proud grandparents of four (4) grandchildren.

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.