MajorsFeb 12, 2024
WJA Launches First Canadian ChapterMajorsFeb 27, 2024
Nikia Levesque Joins WJA Board as Foundation VP
The association also announced five new board members.
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 …
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.”
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.
More on Majors
The Latest
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
Weekly QuizDec 12, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4MRecent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award WinnersThe competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next WeekIn a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6MThe offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to StudsThe 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. StoreThe Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says AdobeAn Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences StudentsThe inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 ShowA Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ EnvironmentThe retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is ClosingMike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious MousseThe color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ PendantThe Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech IssuesThe jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in NovemberA more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno AwardThe director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair TucsonSponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson
