Majors

Nikia Levesque Joins WJA Board as Foundation VP

MajorsFeb 27, 2024

Nikia Levesque Joins WJA Board as Foundation VP

The association also announced five new board members.

Nikia Levesque
Longtime Day’s Jewelers employee Nikia Levesque is the new board vice president for the WJA Foundation.
New York—The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) announced Nikia Levesque has been appointed vice president of the organization’s philanthropic arm, the WJA Foundation. 

Levesque brings a decade of industry experience to the role, as well as a dedication to advancing women’s careers and a proven track record of leadership and innovation, WJA said.

"Nikia brings a dynamic blend of industry expertise and unwavering commitment to empowering women,” said Susan Chandler, WJA president and chief merchandising officer for Citizen Watch America. 

“Her leadership will undoubtedly propel the WJA Foundation's mission forward, inspiring countless women to reach new heights in their jewelry careers."

Levesque is currently the vice president of marketing at Day's Jewelers, where she oversees the company's brand strategy, market development, and advertising initiatives.

She began working with the retailer while in high school, starting out in the service department.

Her expertise today spans marketing strategy, brand management, social media marketing, and customer relationship management.

Throughout her tenure at Day's Jewelers, Levesque has spearheaded projects such as launching the retailer’s new Shopify website, playing a pivotal role in the platform migration and site build.

She has also worked on developing a comprehensive brand book and coordinating strategic partnerships with brands like Maine-based company Sea Bags, which sells accessories made from repurposed sails.   

Her ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive results has been instrumental in elevating Day's Jewelers' brand presence and achieving key organizational objectives, WJA said.

Levesque was also recognized in the 2023 class of Jewelers of America’s “20 Under 40,” which is currently recruiting for its next class.  

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of vice president for the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation Board. This organization has a rich history of empowering women in the jewelry industry, and I am committed to advancing its mission of fostering education, mentorship, and opportunities for women,” Levesque said. 

“Having started in this industry at the young age of 16, I am particularly grateful for the invaluable guidance and support I received from women who paved the way before me. Now, as I step into this leadership role, I am eager to give back and continue learning from the remarkable women in our industry. Together with the dedicated members of the board, I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of WJA, as we continue to inspire and support women in our vibrant and dynamic industry.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

WJA also announced the appointment of the following new board members:

Brittany Merrill, general merchandise manager, DVP for Helzberg Diamonds; 
Elda Fistani, vice president of retail sales for Gabriel & Co.; 
Tracey Carswell, founder of Powerful in Pink and co-founder of Queer Metalsmiths; 
Melissa Rodgers, director of business development at M. Schamroth & Sons; 
and Robert J. Goldberg, senior vice president of business development at Citizen Watch America. 

Two current WJA board members are moving into officer roles. 

Mariel Diaz, founder and managing director of Accounting for Jewelers, will serve as treasurer, and Kendra Bridelle, CEO of The Bridelle Collective and luxury brand strategist at Accelarise, will serve as vice president of chapter affairs.

Since its inception in 1983, WJA has fostered a network of professionals through chapters across the U.S., Mexico and most recently, Toronto, Canada.

The WJA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation, engages the trade to contribute and make an impact through the distribution of scholarships and grants, WJA said, ensuring continued support for women in the industry. 
Gabrielle Grazi, WJA president-elect and vice president of retail strategy and partnerships for the Natural Diamond Council, urged the trade to actively engage with the WJA and the foundation.

"Now is the time for our industry to unite in support of women's advancement. Join us in championing diversity, mentorship, and education within the jewelry community by getting involved and becoming a member. Together, we can create lasting change and opportunities for all," Grazi said.

For more information about the association, or to join, visit WJA’s website or email info@womensjewelryassociation.com.  


The Latest

Colorado jeweler Peter Damian Arguello
CrimeOct 15, 2025
Men Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences for 2023 Murder of Colorado Jeweler

Charles Robinson Shay was sentenced to life in prison plus 120 years while his accomplice, Michael James McCormack, got 75 years.

Douriean Fletcher Messenger Collection
Events & AwardsOct 15, 2025
‘Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture’ Opens at MAD

The Museum of Arts and Design's new exhibition features 75 pieces by the designer, best known for her work in the “Black Panther” films.

Logo for Timepieces at Luxury
Events & AwardsOct 15, 2025
JCK, Luxury to Debut New Watch Section in Vegas Next Year

Timepieces at Luxury will take place at The Venetian and, like Luxury, will be invitation-only for the first two days.

LIM-401 2024 National Jeweler Supplier Bulletin- iD100 Web and Eblast FINAL (2) (1).jpg
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your Business

You deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.

Max Fawcett Claibourne Poindexter
AuctionsOct 15, 2025
Christie's Announces New Jewelry Department Leadership

The auction house named a new global head of jewelry, as well as a new head of the jewelry department for the Americas.

Weekly QuizOct 09, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Kathy Corey
IndependentsOct 15, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Kathy Corey

Corey rescued New England chain Day’s Jewelers, preserving its legacy with strong people skills, pragmatism, and a “get-it-done” attitude.

Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon
IndependentsOct 14, 2025
Retailer Hall of Fame 2025: Tom Dixon

As chairman of Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, Tom Dixon has been tasked with honoring the past and shaping the future of the family-run store.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

Katty Villapando Lyte and Mica Rencher of Shimmer LLC
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2025
Here Are the Winners of the BIJC, JA ‘Emerging Jewelers’ Grant

Katty Villapando Lyte and Mica Rencher received a $10,000 grant for their business, Shimmer Culture LLC.

Cooper Flagg family at Day’s Jewelers
IndependentsOct 14, 2025
Day’s Jewelers Crafts Custom Jewelry for No.1 NBA Draft Pick Cooper Flagg

The parents of the Dallas Mavericks rookie bought their engagement ring at a Day’s store in Bangor, Maine, in 1997.

Pragnell Kitulo Garnet collection
SourcingOct 14, 2025
Pragnell Debuts Kitulo Garnet Jewelry

The UK-based brand sourced the gemstones, which are fully traceable, from an artisanal mining community in Tanzania.

Astrid & Miyu 2025 12-Day, 24-Day, Solid Gold Advent Calendars
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Count Down to the Holidays With Astrid & Miyu’s Advent Calendars

The trio of Advent calendars include a version with 18-karat gold and lab-grown diamond jewelry in a red lacquer jewelry box.

Front of Marla Aaron porcelain Nymphenburg Lock
CollectionsOct 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marla Aaron’s ‘Nymphenburg Lock’

Created in collaboration with Nymphenburg Porcelain, the lock is part of a four-piece collection that took two years to bring to fruition.

Feriel Zerouki, De Beers Chief Trade and Industry Officer
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Feriel Zerouki Is Leaving De Beers

The company and industry leader’s two-decade tenure with De Beers will come to a close at the end of the month.

Fabergé Imperial Winter Egg
AuctionsOct 09, 2025
This Fabergé Egg Could Crack $27M At Auction

“The Winter Egg” set the world auction record for a Fabergé piece twice at previous Christie’s sales.

Katkim Men’s Collection Shadow Pendant Necklace and Anerise Signet Band
CollectionsOct 09, 2025
Katkim Launches First Men’s Collection

The line includes a “Shadow” series crafted exclusively for the new men’s offering and reimagined styles from the brand’s core collections.

Gemfields Rough Rubies
SourcingOct 09, 2025
Gemfields’ Mini Mixed-Quality Ruby Auction Garners $11M

The rough on offer was recovered from a newer area at the Montepuez mine.

“Storied Diamond Desert Sands of Eternity” engagement ring and wedding band
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey

The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.

Emily P. Wheeler Ombré Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ Collection

The champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.

MRK x MFA Tsuba Charm Necklace Collection Campaign
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New Charms

Kosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.

Stock image of a gavel and law books
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack Tempest Sapphire Pendant and Tempest Diamond Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ Collection

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.

Stuller 2025 S.E.R.V.E. Star Awards winners
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

All four models of Citizen’s new Rainell watch
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for Rain

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster 1926
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari GIA India
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing Director

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy