PartnerRe: Empowering women

PartnerRe’s Women’s 5K & Walk has been raising funds for charities for females for 27 years.

What is it: The PartnerRe 5K Run & Walk 

Who is the supporter: PartnerRe 

Who benefits: PartnerRe is the main sponsor of the 5K and underwrites the full cost of the event, which means all funds go to the selected charity, which always supports women’s initiatives. 

Why does it matter? The annual event has been empowering women  for 27 years. Numerous charities with women’s issues at their heart have benefited from the event. 

PartnerRe has been empowering women’s initiatives for 27 years as the title of the PartnerRe 5K Run & Walk, which is an all-female event. 

The event is organised by Mid Atlantic Athletic Club. It consists of a 5K run, 5K competitive walk, 5K fun walk & a 2K run for girls between 7- and 14-years-old. 

PartnerRe underwrites the full cost of the event so that all of the race fees go directly to the beneficiary charity.  The funds raised from the race fees are also matched by PartnerRe. 

“Each year we select a different charity that supports women’s initiatives,” said a company spokeswoman.  “So the whole theme of the race is Women Supporting Women.  It’s all about women’s empowerment and coming together as women to support the women in our community.”

This year, PartnerRe has chosen two charities as beneficiaries – the Women’s Resource Centre and The Reading Clinic. 

The Reading Clinic supports children with learning differences, such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, by offering structured, multisensory, and strategy-based intervention services designed to teach them how to learn effectively within the framework of their unique needs.

The Women’s Resource Centre was founded in 1987 as the Rape Crisis Centre and has since evolved beyond crisis intervention to prevention, education, advocacy, awareness, and a broad range of support services for women in the community.  

“PartnerRe has proudly sponsored the Women’s 5K Run & Walk for 27 years,” said Amanda Pacheco, PartnerRe culture and communications project manager. “As one of our first community initiatives launched just four years after our company was founded, this event represents our deep-rooted commitment to the Bermuda community, where our headquarters are based. 

“The values of 'Women Supporting Women' align closely with our own company values. Through this event, we’re not only supporting the causes that empower women but also helping to build a stronger community right here in Bermuda.”

Pacheco said the company measures the impact of the event through participation rates and through the level of funds raised. 

“This year, those funds will help programs at The Reading Clinic and The Women’s Resource Centre, providing vital services that impact women and girls in tangible ways,” she said. “Beyond these measures, there’s also an incredible increase in community awareness for the work these charities do. We often see participants and their families become more engaged with these causes, helping to amplify their missions long after the race is over.”

Beyond tangible measures, Pacheco said the atmosphere at the event itself was one of its most impactful aspects.

“It's something that truly has to be felt – to see hundreds of women come together to support each other’s health and well-being, the camaraderie among participants, and the sense of community in support of women-focused charities,” she said. “It’s truly inspiring, and while some parts of the impact are measurable, that shared sense of purpose and empowerment is immeasurable.”

Pacheco said PartnerRe employees play an important role in making the Women’s 5K Run & Walk a success, both through helping with tasks like stuffing goody bags in the office beforehand to helping with race number pick-ups the day before the event. 

“On race day, our employees (along with their families and friends) will be volunteering in roles like race marshals, water stops, and finish line support,” she said. “This brings us together as a company while supporting our community in a meaningful way.”

Tina Harris, executive director of The Reading Clinic, said the funds from the PartnerRe 5K would provide financial assistance to girls in its core reading programme. Each child in the programme receives 3 sessions a week and up to 81 sessions in a school year. Each child receives an individualised programme matched to their learning profile and is provided with a tutor who has received specialised Orton-Gillingham training. 

“This support will directly impact the educational trajectory of girls that learn differently,” she said. “We are grateful to PartnerRe for their recognition of the value of our Core Reading programme and how it positively impacts the lives of the participating students. 

“Their support has helped raise the profile of The Reading Clinic and provided us with opportunities to speak about our programmes with a range of audiences.”

Ms Harris said about half of the children receiving services are eligible for financial assistance through the Clinic’s tiered bursary system, of whom at least half are in the Core Reading Programme. 

“We are committed to equitable access to our programmes and allocate financial assistance to those families with the greatest demonstrated need,” she said. The financial assistance is valued at about $200,000 a year. 

She added: “The Reading Clinic operates as a fee-for-service organisation, with income from intervention services supplemented by grants, community and individual donations, fundraising events, and contributions from our corporate donors. Partnerships, such as the one with Partner Re, play a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness, stability, and continuity of our services.”

By fostering confidence, self-awareness, and effective strategy use, girls enrolled in the programme were able to overcome the cycle of anxiety, self-doubt and depression often linked to untreated learning differences. 

“It also helps them unlock their potential by leveraging strengths commonly associated with dyslexia, such as creativity, problem-solving abilities, and innovative thinking,” she said. 

Emma Ordoña-Pratt, the WRC executive coordinator, said the WRC’s community programmes offer educational workshops where women can develop new skills, gain confidence, and find their voices. Its therapeutic services were designed for women, addressing their unique needs and promoting physical and mental well-being.

“Additionally, enhancing the lives of women in Bermuda involves advocacy for gender equality and pushing for policies that ensure women's rights and protection against violence and discrimination are safeguarded,” she said. “We also foster a sense of community and connection, where women support one another, share resources, and celebrate their achievements.

“Overall, our objective is to embody a holistic approach to uplifting women in Bermuda, leading to a more equitable and flourishing society for all.”

She said PartnerRe’s support would be used to improve the WRC’s full range of programmes. 

“Ultimately, the support from PartnerRe symbolizes hope and possibility,” she said. “It fuels our determination to create a flourishing, equitable space for women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and celebrate their achievements. 

“Together, we can light the path toward a brighter future, not just for individual women but for the entire community. The WRC views this partnership as a vital investment in the empowerment of women, shaping a society where everyone can thrive.”

Ordoña-Pratt said having long-term partners like PartnerRe was essential for WRC. 

“It provides a consistent and reliable source of funding, enabling us to plan and execute our programmes effectively,” she said. “This stability allows our organisation to focus on our mission rather than constantly seeking new financial support, facilitating more impactful and comprehensive initiatives that can evolve and grow over time.”

“Moreover, long-term commitments enable our organisation to engage in strategic planning with confidence, allowing them to adapt to changing community needs and respond effectively to emerging challenges. 

“This continuity is vital for addressing systemic issues that require sustained efforts, creating a legacy of lasting change and ensuring that the organisation can fulfill its mission for years to come.”

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