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.
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingDec 04, 2023
David Prager To Leave De Beers in 2024Ryan Perry, who has been with De Beers since 2002, also will be leaving the company next year.
WatchesDec 04, 2023
Chrono24 Debuts the ‘Dow Jones’ for Luxury WatchesThe watch seller’s new index tracks sales data from 14 brands, including Rolex and Patek Philippe.
TrendsDec 04, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent DecemberTanzanite, turquoise, and zircon are all options for December babies, who sometimes “get the birthday shaft,” Amanda Gizzi writes.
Brought to you by
The Most Important “C” in Diamonds: Confidence!Without the ability to instill confidence within the industry and directly to the consumer, a diamond holds very little value.
Lab-GrownDec 01, 2023
Lightbox Teams Up With Brand Founded by Former Tiffany ExecThe lab-grown diamond brand also collaborated with the website The Future Rocks on a collection launching today.
Weekly QuizNov 30, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
FinancialsDec 01, 2023
Movado Lowers Guidance Again After Q3 Sales DipThe company said it is facing a “challenging retail environment” but is prepared for the holiday season.
CollectionsDec 01, 2023
Piece of the Week: Muzo’s Emerald and Argyle Pink Diamond NecklaceIt’s the hero piece of the newest "Green Jewel" collection, a collaborative offering from the two mines.
Brought to you by
If It’s Custom, Make It PlatinumWith holiday proposals right around the corner, encourage your customers to go for platinum when making the big purchase.
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
This Pink Diamond Reigned Supreme in Hong KongThe 15.48-carat fancy intense “Pink Supreme” topped Christie’s fall jewelry auction in Asia, while a Patek Philippe led the watch sale.
AuctionsNov 30, 2023
Sotheby’s To Auction 133-Carat Yellow DiamondThe stone headlining the upcoming sale could fetch up to $5 million.
IndependentsNov 30, 2023
Frank Adams Rolls Out Kwiat’s ‘Mine to Shine’ ProgramThe retail offering lets customers track their diamond’s journey.
SourcingNov 29, 2023
Largest New Diamond Mine of the Decade Coming Online in Angola The Luele mine is expected to eventually make the country the world’s third-largest diamond producer.
SurveysNov 29, 2023
Holiday Shoppers Broke a Record This Weekend, Says NRFFrom Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 200.4 million consumers shopped online and in stores.
MajorsNov 29, 2023
Cast Debuts at Nordstrom, Closes on More VC FundingThe growing company also plans to open more of its own boutiques.
EditorsNov 29, 2023
Warren Buffett on Success, Mistakes and Betting on AmericaThe best quotes from the Oracle of Omaha and his right-hand man Charlie Munger from the 2018 Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting.
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Maine Jeweler to Relocate After 76 YearsJ. Dostie Jewelers will move from Lewiston to Yarmouth this spring.
IndependentsNov 28, 2023
Fink’s Jewelers Opens 10th StoreIt’s the company’s second location in Tennessee.
AuctionsNov 28, 2023
Mary Tyler Moore’s Jewelry Is Up For Auction You can have this jewelry, why don’t you take it?
Events & AwardsNov 28, 2023
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Is Celebrating 60 YearsNext year’s milestone show will be full of educational programming and collaborations.
EditorsNov 27, 2023
10 Tips for Selling Diamonds This Holiday SeasonSales experts and a diamantaire share their best advice on how to send customers home with diamond jewelry.
CollectionsNov 27, 2023
See the New ‘Platinum Born’ JewelryThe brand has released five new collections.
IndependentsNov 27, 2023
Frank Adams Jewelers Named ‘Family Business of the Year’The Albany Business Review recently honored the 100-year-old company.
GradingNov 27, 2023
Dr. John W. Valley Retires from GIA Board of GovernorsTo honor his legacy, GIA has set up a scholarship in his name.
CrimeNov 22, 2023
JSA Warns of Surge in Attacks on Jewelers on the RoadThere have been eight attacks in the last month, spanning from a jewelry store parking lot in Rhode Island to highways in California.
TrendsNov 22, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: November GlowThese 15 pieces of jewelry celebrate November babies and the hues of citrine and topaz that reflect the colors of the season.
SourcingNov 22, 2023
Columbia Gem House Raises $12K for WildlifeThe money will help a nonprofit rehabilitate sea turtles.
MajorsNov 22, 2023
Facet Barcelona Opens New Factory in SpainThe jewelry manufacturer said it can now better serve the North American market.
