SourcingJan 12, 2023
Rebecca Shukan Joins Omi PrivéMajorsJan 24, 2023
WJA Announces New International Board Members
The seven newcomers include executives from David Yurman, De Beers, and GIA.
Pictured are the newly elected additions to WJA’s board of directors.
New York—A new year means new board of directors appointments for the Women’s Jewelry Association.
The international board (WJA also calls it the national board interchangeably) has elected seven new members for the 2023 term.
They are: Rebecca Boyajian, director of business development at GIA; Monica Elias, CEO of Elias World Media; Rachel Goldflam, vice president of marketing and communications at David Yurman; Lilly Mullen, president and CEO of Springer’s Jewelers; Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, director and gemologist of Mina Stones; Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos, vice president of Code of Origin and Trade Services at De Beers; and Ted Taylor, director of individual giving at the Harlem School of the Arts.
Additionally, Gabrielle Grazi, vice president of retail strategy at the Natural Diamond Council, has joined the board thanks to her position as WJA Foundation president.
In total, there are 28 board members.
“By launching an open call for board nominations last fall, we were able to attract more diverse leaders from inside and outside our industry,” said WJA President Susan Chandler.
“Our board members are serving the organization at a pivotal time, and we are confident our esteemed board will help WJA continue to advance its fundraising and membership goals, and deliver high-impact programming to the industry in the years to come.”
Content-rich programming has been a focus for the board in recent years.
WJA cited last year’s Women’s Executive Leadership Forum that highlighted research on Gen-Z pertaining to the jewelry and watch industries as one example.
At JCK Las Vegas 2022, the organization hosted a “Generating Community Impact” breakfast centered on diversity education. WJA also has facilitated a series of online masterclasses and a nationwide business development project called the “Jewelry Loupe Project.”
The WJA board is a major part of ideating and executing such educational events and programs.
Departing board members who completed their terms are Brandee Dallow, chief communications and sustainability officer at Grandview Klein Diamond Group; Myriam Gumuchian-Schreiber of Gumuchian; Jen Cullen Williams of Jen Cullen Williams Communications + Consulting; and Sara Yood of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
The full list of board members can be viewed online.
Related stories will be right here …
The international board (WJA also calls it the national board interchangeably) has elected seven new members for the 2023 term.
They are: Rebecca Boyajian, director of business development at GIA; Monica Elias, CEO of Elias World Media; Rachel Goldflam, vice president of marketing and communications at David Yurman; Lilly Mullen, president and CEO of Springer’s Jewelers; Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, director and gemologist of Mina Stones; Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos, vice president of Code of Origin and Trade Services at De Beers; and Ted Taylor, director of individual giving at the Harlem School of the Arts.
Additionally, Gabrielle Grazi, vice president of retail strategy at the Natural Diamond Council, has joined the board thanks to her position as WJA Foundation president.
In total, there are 28 board members.
“By launching an open call for board nominations last fall, we were able to attract more diverse leaders from inside and outside our industry,” said WJA President Susan Chandler.
“Our board members are serving the organization at a pivotal time, and we are confident our esteemed board will help WJA continue to advance its fundraising and membership goals, and deliver high-impact programming to the industry in the years to come.”
Content-rich programming has been a focus for the board in recent years.
WJA cited last year’s Women’s Executive Leadership Forum that highlighted research on Gen-Z pertaining to the jewelry and watch industries as one example.
At JCK Las Vegas 2022, the organization hosted a “Generating Community Impact” breakfast centered on diversity education. WJA also has facilitated a series of online masterclasses and a nationwide business development project called the “Jewelry Loupe Project.”
The WJA board is a major part of ideating and executing such educational events and programs.
Departing board members who completed their terms are Brandee Dallow, chief communications and sustainability officer at Grandview Klein Diamond Group; Myriam Gumuchian-Schreiber of Gumuchian; Jen Cullen Williams of Jen Cullen Williams Communications + Consulting; and Sara Yood of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
The full list of board members can be viewed online.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
