Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the Red Diamond Pre-Party at the beautiful Ararat La Piazza, and this year I found myself wearing two hats.

On one hand, I was there as Magazine Editor of Cyprus Business Group, covering the event together with CBG founder Tom Britton. On the other hand, I was there with butterflies in my stomach because the finalists for the prestigious Red Diamond Awards were about to be announced. I was absolutely thrilled when my name was called alongside Sveta Chirtoca, Nataly Bolshakova, Ksenia Belolipetskaya, Eleni Toumarides, Cleopatra Hadjikyriakou, Sandra De Silva, Dimitra Rotsa Andreou, Anna Hart and Georgia Solomou.

Needless to say, it was a very special evening.

But let me start from the beginning.

The event was, as always, impeccably organised by the remarkable Elizabeth Friedrich, founder of CrossRoads with Elizabeth Friedrich and the visionary behind the Red Diamond International Business Club. Every time I attend one of her events, I ask myself the same question: how does she do it? More importantly, when does she do it? Her ability to bring together accomplished business leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers, while creating an atmosphere of elegance, warmth and genuine connection, is truly extraordinary. Quite simply, her events are Hollywood-worthy.

This year’s celebration was made even more significant by the presence of a distinguished delegation from the ICC Armenia Women Entrepreneurs Task Force, who were visiting Cyprus to strengthen international cooperation, trade and investment between Cyprus and Armenia. The delegation included Armina Stepanyan, Chair of the Women Entrepreneurs Task Force at ICC Armenia; Vahe Ghazaryan of Euroterm CJSC and NOYAN Food & Beverage, Transportation & Agriculture Services; and Caroline Consten, Project Management Consultant and representative of the Women Entrepreneurs Task Force. The previous days, they had participated in high-level meetings with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry and ICC Cyprus, further reinforcing the growing business relationship between the two countries.

Against this international backdrop, Ararat La Piazza provided the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening. Guests enjoyed exceptional cuisine, wonderful entertainment and, of course, what every great business event is really about, meaningful networking. Conversations flowed effortlessly as entrepreneurs, executives and professionals exchanged ideas, forged new connections and celebrated one another’s achievements.

One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the finalists for this year’s Red Diamond Awards. The finalists were invited onto the stage by Marianna Rosset, a previous Red Diamond winner, while Marianna Hadjiantoniou, last year’s Red Diamond Award recipient, was also present to celebrate the next generation of inspiring women who continue to make a difference through their work and leadership.

Standing on that stage was a surreal moment. Looking around at the extraordinary women beside me, I felt honoured to be counted among such accomplished finalists. Being recognised is, of course, a wonderful feeling, but what touched me most was the spirit of encouragement and mutual support that filled the room. There was no competition in the air, only admiration, celebration and the shared belief that when one woman succeeds, we all move forward together.

As I left Ararat La Piazza that evening, I couldn’t help but reflect on how fortunate I feel to be part of such an inspiring community. Events like these remind us that success is about far more than awards or recognition. It is about building relationships, creating opportunities, supporting one another and celebrating the people who have the courage to dream, to lead and to make a positive impact.

Congratulations to every finalist, and my heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth Friedrich and her incredible team for yet another spectacular evening that brought together elegance, inspiration and the very best of international business and female leadership. I am already looking forward to the Red Diamond Awards and to celebrating with these remarkable women once again.

Author: Elisabeth V. Toufexis

Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis is a woman of resilience and courage, who has navigated life’s turbulences, tamed her fears, and undertaken an incredible...