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
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
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.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
