WJA Foundation Establishes Scholarship in Hedda Schupak’s Honor
It aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.

The Hedda Schupak-Baum Memorial Media and Communications Scholarship aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.
Eligible candidates will be encouraged to apply their skills in the fine jewelry and watch industries.
WJA said the scholarship, launched to coincide with Women’s History Month, is a tribute to Schupak’s legacy and honors “a member who broke barriers and was both recording and making history.”
Schupak graduated from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, with a degree in English and communications.
She started in the production department at JCK Magazine in 1986 and, in 1997, she became the publication’s fashion editor.
She was promoted to editor-in-chief in 2000 and remained in that role until 2009.
After JCK, Schupak remained active in the industry, taking over as editor of The Centurion newsletter, and sharing her knowledge as an industry analyst and speaker.
She died in October 2023 from complications related to lung cancer. She was 62.
“Hedda was a journalist whose coverage of the jewelry industry educated and informed a generation of retailers and designers,” her husband Jim Baum said.
“She was passionate about this industry and proud of the role that women leaders played in its success. WJA was near and dear to Hedda’s heart and to know that her legacy will live on through this scholarship would have meant the world to her, as it does to me.”
Her namesake scholarship, funded for $25,000 over a five-year period, was made possible through contributions from sponsors, who will participate in the recipient selection process.
Contributors include: Jim Baum, Howard and Patti Hauben, Elias World Media, JCK, Instore, Cliq Jewelry, Jewelers of America, National Jeweler, the FIT Alumni Association, Jewelers Collective, Russell Shor, and Bill Boyajian.
“As we launch this scholarship in her memory, we are reminded of Hedda’s invaluable contributions to our industry, her unwavering commitment to storytelling, and her enduring impact on the lives she touched,” said Nikia Levesque, vice president of marketing for Day’s Jewelers and the new WJA Foundation vice president.
“In honoring Hedda’s memory, we honor the power of storytelling to inspire, inform, and connect us all.”
The period to apply for the Hedda Schupak-Baum Memorial Journalism Scholarship is expected to open sometime between April and June. More information will be available then.
Anyone with questions about the scholarship or who would like to inquire about contributing to this fund or other WJA scholarships and grants can email info@womensjewelryassociation.com.
The Latest

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares eight of her favorite jewelry looks from the 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held Sunday night.

It’s predicting a rise in retail sales this holiday season despite economic uncertainty and elevated inflation.

It included the sale of the 11,685-carat “Imboo” emerald that was recently discovered at Kagem.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

The newly elected directors will officially take office in February 2026 and will be introduced at the organization’s membership meeting.


Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.

Fordite is a man-made material created from the layers of dried enamel paint that dripped onto the floors of automotive factories.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.

The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 “Frankenstein” will feature 27 jewels and objects from the storied brand, including pieces from its archives.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.