MajorsDec 07, 2023
24 Karat Club of New York Welcomes New MembersMajorsDec 19, 2023
Malyia McNaughton to Become BIJC Board President
The jewelry designer and GIA G.G. will step into the role next year as the organization welcomes three new members to its board.
PHOTO Jewelry designer Malyia McNaughton is the incoming president of the board for the Black in Jewelry Coalition.
PHOTO She will lead a board that will include three new members, from left, Jeffery Bolling, Pat Dambe, and Thomas Davis.
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition will have a new president and welcome new members to its board next year, the organization announced Monday.
In 2024, current BIJC Board President and Jewelers of America Chief Financial Officer Annie Doresca will transition to treasurer and current BIJC Treasurer Malyia McNaughton, a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist and the designer behind the Made by Malyia brand, will become BIJC board president.
Doresca and McNaughton are among the co-founders of BIJC.
“As we reflect on BIJC’s accomplishments in its first three years, I am deeply grateful for the dedication and resilience of our team. Together, we have achieved significant milestones in promoting diversity and equity within the jewelry industry,” Doresca said.
“I look forward to witnessing and being a part of BIJC’s continued growth under the exceptional leadership of Malyia. With her at the helm, I am confident that BIJC will reach new heights, making an even greater impact on our industry.”
Related stories will be right here …
In 2024, current BIJC Board President and Jewelers of America Chief Financial Officer Annie Doresca will transition to treasurer and current BIJC Treasurer Malyia McNaughton, a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist and the designer behind the Made by Malyia brand, will become BIJC board president.
Doresca and McNaughton are among the co-founders of BIJC.
“As we reflect on BIJC’s accomplishments in its first three years, I am deeply grateful for the dedication and resilience of our team. Together, we have achieved significant milestones in promoting diversity and equity within the jewelry industry,” Doresca said.
“I look forward to witnessing and being a part of BIJC’s continued growth under the exceptional leadership of Malyia. With her at the helm, I am confident that BIJC will reach new heights, making an even greater impact on our industry.”
Also in 2024, three jewelry industry professionals will join the BIJC board.
The new board members are: Jeffery Bolling, district manager at Signet Jewelers with more than 30 years of industry experience; Thomas Davis, director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., who brings a wealth of experience in corporate management, specialty retail, manufacturing, merchandising, sales, and celebrity branding; and Pat Dambe, director of marketing and brand development within Botswana’s Ministry of Minerals and Energy. Dambe has more than 30 years of executive experience working for corporations and luxury brands in the United States and Africa.
Bolling, Davis, and Dambe join the continuing BIJC co-founders and board members in leading the organization.
They are:
— Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, director of membership and marketing at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, who will serve as board vice president;
— Lisa Jones, vice president of human resources at GIA, who will serve as board secretary;
— Nellie Barnett, GIA’s manager of corporate communications, who will serve as communications chair;
— Reginald Johnson, Signet Jewelers’ chief diversity officer and senior vice president for human resources in North America, who will serve as nominations chair;
— Adrianne Sanogo, GIA G.G., who will serve as education chair;
— Miya Owens, corporate counsel at Amazon, who will serve as a board member; and
— Lisette Scott, founder of Jam + Rico, who will serve as a board member.
BIJC’s 2024 board of directors is prepared to guide the organization toward a future marked by increased inclusivity, educational initiatives, and advocacy for Black professionals within the jewelry sector, the organization said.
For more information, visit the BIJC website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
