Celebrating Woman International (CWI) a subsidiary of TKHGFI nonprofit organization, announced plans today to award Ms. Mitzie Chipman with the “Woman of Distinction Award” 2015 for her outstanding accomplishments professionally and within the community.
Mitzie Christine Chipman, born October 25th, 1957 in Nassau, Bahamas to cultural legends John and Rebecca Chipman. John Chippie Chipman the godfather of Junkanoo, mastered of the art of making and beating the native goatskin drum. Rebecca “Becky” Chipman, Queen of the Fire dance and Goombay. Mitzie inherited her mother’s charm, grace and her father’s vigor and sturdy acumen. Growing up in such a family, deeply rooted in Bahamian culture, specifically in the entertainment field, she couldn’t miss developing a passion for her Bahamian heritage. In 1969, Mitzie performed with her mother during the Goombay Summer, a Bahamian festival of highlighting local culture, food and music.
In 1972, she was one of the first sets of Bahamians hired as line dancer by the Le Cabaret Theatre, a Las Vegas style performance held in the theatre in Paradise Island Resorts and Casino, presently known at the Atlantis. After four (4) years she was promoted to lead dancer and continued to grace the stage with her elegance and artistic talents for eleven (11) years after. During her tenure she went to Montreal for six (6) months with Tibor Rudas Productions and under Mr Rudas, one of the world’s greatest producers, she mastered her craft though his mentoring. She took her life’s motto from this experience, which is “to love what you do, do it the best you can and always strive for greater”.
Upon her retirement from the Le Cabaret Theatre, she entrenched herself further into her love of Bahamian culture. She opened a business called “Junkanoo and Tings”, which manufactures and retails Bahamian trinkets, jewellery and souvenirs. Presently “Junkanoo and Tings” is located in the world renowned Atlantis in the Marina Village.
Following her passion for Bahamian culture, while taking her experience from the Le Cabaret, this prominent cultural performer presented a world class Bahamian production “Rhythms of Drums”. It was held at The Rainforest Theatre in the Wyndham Resort and Crystal Palace Casino on August 6th and 7th, 2009. “Rhythms of Drums” was like no other the island had ever seen and is legendary in its own right. The production ruptured the audience into a premium “Broadway-styled experience”, but ultimately it was heavily ingrained with Bahamian culture.
Mitzie continues to be active in both Junkanoo and Goombay, continuing the Chipman legacy of Bahamian cultural excellence. She is also a very active member of the St. Agnes Parish and is on the Culture Committee. She is a loving mother to her two (2) sons, Metellus and John, and three (3) grandchildren. Mitzie continues to be a cultural activist.
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.
