Insurance firm Ace has joined forces with the Bermuda Women’s Council to promote community involvement in business.

The Ace Women’s Forum threw its weight behind the Department of Human Affairs drive to increase community-driven development (CDD) and on Friday held a lunch and awards ceremony for the 17 participants in what will become an annual programme.

One of the participants, Cyrika Dowling, said: “The CDD programme has restored my hope and helped with my initiative to move ahead in pursuing what I would like to accomplish in my life.

“I am extremely grateful for the programme and thankful for all its facilitators.”

Ace Bermuda’s Judy Gonsalves said: “The objectives of the CDD programme are directly aligned with the Ace Women’s Forum mission of empowering Ace women to become leaders internally and externally, not only in our insurance/reinsurance industry, but also in the community we serve.

“Ace is proud to be a community sponsor of the CDD programme, partnering with the Bermuda Women’s Council and the Department of Human Affairs in support of this unique and valuable community initiative.”

Ace lent lecture space to the programme and resources to help run workshops, while women staff at the firm donated their time and expertise to teach classes in subjects like strategic planning, customer service training and interview and resume skills.

The Ace team also gave advice on how to “dress for success” in the business environment.

Deborah Blakeney, director of human affairs, said: “We are pleased to have the Ace women’s forum as a partner in our CDD programme.

“We could not have achieved the success we have had without their encouragement and support. We look forward to our continuing partnership in 2014.”

Minister of Community, Culture and Sports Wayne Scott added: “The CDD programme is changing the lives of the participants.

“It has helped them to gain self-esteem and be more productive in our community.

“The contribution that Ace has made to the programme has not only been extraordinarily valuable, but has been key in the overall success of the programme.

“In order for us to truly engage in social recovery for our community, we must have buy-in and partnerships from organisations on the Island.”