Flaviana Matata & Hasheem Thabeet named Russel Simmons' D.E.F Africa Ambassadors

Teddy Kalonga-Haight | Hasheem Thabeet | Flaviana Matata

The Diamond Empowerment Fund™ (D.E.F.), an independent organization founded in 2007 by Russell Simmons and members of the jewelry industry, is pleased to recognize Flaviana Matata, former Miss Universe Tanzania as D.E.F.'s new Africa's Angel Ambassador as well as NBA player for the Memphis Grizzlies Hasheem Thabeet as D.E.F.'s new Athlete for Africa Ambassador.
In her first assignment, Flaviana visited with students at African Leadership Academy and CIDA City Campus in South Africa in the spring, and blogged about her experience for D.E.F. Flaviana intends to blog for D.E.F.'s website and Facebook page regularly, acting as a correspondent for D.E.F. in sharing the stories of the students at the programs D.E.F. supports. In his role, Hasheem will develop a program with D.E.F. to help raise awareness and support for the cause of empowerment through education for Africa, which will also highlight his is philanthropic work to help the people of his native Tanzania.

D.E.F. (diamondempowerment.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money to support education initiatives that help empower economically-disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. Established by individuals and businesses in the diamond and jewelry industries and others committed to the empowerment of Africa, D.E.F. believes education is one of the most critical elements that powers society and empowers individuals to realize their full human potential.