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

Sonia Cox-Hamilton has extensive background in the Hospitality Industry as well as the Credit Union Movement. She has served in numerous managerial positions in Hotels in the Bahamas, having attained top positions such as Financial Controller of Lucayan Bay & Lucayan Harbour Inn in Freeport and later of Emerald Beach Hotel in Nassau, General Manager of Carnival Crystal Palace Resort & Casino as well as Vice President of Human Resources at the same resort. Sonia has developed a passion for the Financial Cooperatives (Credit Unions). She worked as Managing Director at National Workers Cooperative Credit Union for almost seven years. She has served as Supervisory Committee Chairman, Secretary of the Board of Directors and presently as Chairman of the Board of Directors for National Workers Cooperative Credit Union Ltd. Being the first female Chairman of the Board has its’ challenges which she has embraced as opportunities. She has served on various committees in Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions. She obtained an Associate degree in Business Administration from College of Bahamas. She also pursued studies at College of St. Benedict and University of Miami.

Sonia has “broken the glass ceiling” several times: 1st Female secretary to Board of Hotel Employers Association; Founding President of Bahamas’ International Association of Hospitality Accountants; 1st Bahamian female to attain designation of Certified Hospitality Administrator from American Hotel & Motel University in Michigan; Leadership Award from Credit Unions in Bahamas. She was also awarded “Business Woman of the year 1985. She is the first female Chairman of National Workers Cooperative Credit Union and most recently, in January 2015 she was awarded the top hospitality recognition in the Bahamas, the Cacique Award for Human Resources Development.

She presently serves as President of the Bahamas Cooperative League Ltd., the Apex body that oversees all Cooperatives in the Bahamas. She is deeply involved in community work and serves as Chairman of the Fundraising Committee of the Maritime Museum, a member of the Development Council for the Benedictine Nuns in the Bahamas, and President of the Sea Breeze Neighborhood Watch.

She conducts training sessions for corporate clients. Her hobbies include dramatic art, travel and writing. She is an original member of ‘James Catalyn Friends”. She has also written several skits and short stories. She loves her church family and welcomed the opportunity when presented to serve on the Fund raising Committee for the Church’s Annual Ball whose proceeds were to assist in the new St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Building Fund. She attends St. Francis Xavier Cathedral as well as St. Cecelia’s Roman Catholic Church. She is the mother of three daughters, Sydnell, Sonja and Serena and one son, Sean (deceased). She values family and friends and goes to great lengths to make them comfortable.

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.