“We want to offer a space and platform where women can express themselves and tell people how they’ve been fighting hard to reach what they’ve done… stereotypes must disappear. And I think if we can give a stage and voice to these women — that makes a great event,” said Julien Tornare, CEO of Zenith in an interview in April. A champion for gender equality, he was referring to the Zenith Dreamhers platform that is now in its third installation.
Introduced in 2020, Zenith Dreamhers is a global campaign that highlights visionary and independent women who have boldly pursued their passion, forged their own paths, and reached for their star against all odds. In doing so, they have inspired others through their examples and accomplishments.
The first cohort of ladies was announced in September 2020. They included Chinese actress Song Jia, who is also a wildlife advocate and an ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme; and American ballerina Precious Adams, who is a vocal champion of diversity and inclusiveness.
In 2021, six more ladies joined the Zenith family, each with their own inspiring story to tell. Among them is a beauty queen turned surgeon, Laetitia Guarino, Italian entrepreneur Federica Segato, Hong Kong thespian Kearen Pang, and Singaporean model, actress, businesswoman and well-being advocate, Sheila Sim.
Earlier in October, Zenith unveiled the newest members of the ever-growing platform at a dinner event held at one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks, Chijmes. In the heart of the chapel, against its dramatic arches and buttresses, a stage adorned with baby’s breath welcomed four new Dreamhers. They are, Extreme E electric rally racing driver Catie Munnings, television host and radio DJ Chiaki Horan, French violinist Esther Abrami, and transgender model and actress Lola Rodriguez. The fifth Dreamher, Estonian tennis player Anett Kontaveit, was not present at the event.
Together with previously introduced Dreamhers, Sheila Sim and Melody Hsu, the ladies took part in a heartfelt panel discussion moderated by celebrated television presenter Anita Kapoor. Topics discussed ranged from career challenges to gender stereotypes and peer pressure. After the session, each woman spoke of how the others inspired her, demonstrating that despite diverse career paths and nationalities, they stand united in their determination to pursue their goals and empower other women.
The event also highlighted Zenith’s partnership with Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organisation and the largest funder of breast cancer research, outside of the U.S. government. Zenith has helped to raise awareness for breast cancer for several years. Its latest initiative is the launch of the Chronomaster Original Pink special edition, which is based on the seminal retro-inspired chronograph collection launched in 2021. Powered by the latest generation of the El Primero automatic high-frequency chronograph calibre with 1/10th of a second measurement, it boasts a striking metallic pink dial, in honour of the colour globally associated with breast cancer awareness. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the watch will be directly donated to Susan G. Komen®.
“I’m extremely proud to welcome so many inspiring women to Zenith. They are showing the world that no dream is too big and that if you set your eyes on a star and dedicate yourself with passion and integrity, you can reach it. Zenith Dreamhers exemplify women’s empowerment across countless fields, and we look forward to sharing their stories and inspiring other women to chase their dreams,” Tornare declared. He also pledged to further develop the platform by introducing a mentorship program in 2023.
