October 15, 2014 – In a significant step towards elevating the Lebanese and Arab women’s position in the world among highlighting her effectiveness in the field of innovation and excellence, “The Stevie Awards” announced that Smile Holding Founder and CEO lamice Joujou has been presented with either a Gold or Silver Stevie Award in the “Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Europe, Middle East & Africa” category to become the first Lebanese business woman to gain this honor. This year’s Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners will be announced at an awards dinner at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on Friday, November 14. More than 300 women and their guests from around the world are expected to attend the presentations, which will be taped for a later television broadcast.
Lamice Joujou was recognized for its efficient management role of the Holding and the subsidiaries she owns among her commitment to provide the best services according to the highest standards and specifications, not to mention the individual excellence which is based on the development and empowerment of children through the creation of the most influential factors to enjoy a new pattern of life for their own good and the good of their community.
More than 1,200 entries were submitted this year by organizations and individuals around the world for consideration in more than 90 categories including Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Women Helping Women, and Communications Campaign of the Year, where Mrs. Juojou aims to grab the Gold Stevie Award after resolving the competition with several entrepreneurs and CEOs from other companies as the Stevie Awards committee praised Mrs. Joujou’s outstanding and efficient performance all through providing an innovative growth within the services of Smile Holding’s subsidiaries regardless of the circumstances surrounding the region.
“It is an honor to receive the Stevie Award under Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Europe, the Middle East & Africa and would like to congratulate the other nominees,” said Lamice Joujou, CEO Smile Holding. To be recognized internationally in New York by next month is a giant step which supports my mission to highlight Lebanese business women’s position in the international map. In this line, our companies are committed to maintain international standards, allowing women to participate in their community,” Joujou added. “Receiving such award, enhances efforts to achieve excellence across the Holding’s operations and prove again that women in the region can make a difference.” Joujou explained.
Finalists were chosen by more than 100 business professionals worldwide during preliminary judging. Members of five specialized judging committees will determine the Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award placements from among the Finalists during final judging that begins on October 20.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. All individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The 2013 awards received entries from 18 nations and territories.