The Diamond Empowerment Fund, an independent organization founded in 2007, named its new board members during the 2010 JCK Show in Las Vegas.

According to a DEF press release, the body's new Advisory Board members include Royal Asscher of America President Lita Asscher, Rosy Blue Group CEO Dilip Mehta and Leo Schachter Diamonds' Elliot Tannenbaum.

The new Governing Board members are Calhoun Jewelers President Cathy Calhoun, Rio Tinto US Representative Rebecca Foerster,Standard Chartered Bank's Managing Director of Diamonds & Jewelry Origination & Client Coverage Anna Martin and JCK Industry Vice President Yancy Weinrich.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund also named Flaviana Matata, former Miss Universe Tanzania as DEF's new Africa's Angel Ambassador, and NBA player for the Memphis Grizzlies Hasheem Thabeet as DEF's new Athlete for Africa Ambassador.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund 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.

"The international diamond jewelry industry has a great opportunity for enlightened self interest to align with the rising global consciousness of consumers," commented DEF Founder and Advisory Board Chairman Russell Simmons.

"With 60% of the world's diamonds coming from Sub-Saharan Africa, helping empower young Africans through access to education is a perfect fit. I am thrilled we have seven industry leaders joining DEF's Board who I know will make a tremendous positive difference for this cause so near to my heart."