WJA Will Celebrate 4 Award Winners at ‘Future of Forty’ Gala

New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association has slated its annual gala for Nov. 13 at Guastavino’s in New York City.

Dubbed “The Future of Forty,” this year’s gala will honor the accomplishments of the past while paving the way for future thought leadership, and raise money for the WJA Foundation, said the organization.

“Our vision has always been to provide women with the tools, education, and networks they need to succeed, while also developing a community that uplifts and supports each other,” said Susan Chandler, president of WJA and chief merchandising officer of Citizen Watch America.

“The ‘Future of Forty’ gala allows us to honor the legacy of our founders, while continuing to drive our mission forward with vigor, passion, and creativity.”

The highlight of the event is the Awards for Excellence presentation.

This year, the awards will recognize four visionary leaders and trailblazers who are shaping the future of the trade by driving change, nurturing originality, and sharing resources with the industry, said WJA.

The recipient of the Community Award is Annie E. Doresca, chief financial officer of Jewelers of America and founding president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition.

Doresca is being honored for her outstanding dedication to fostering positive change and inclusivity within the jewelry industry and her local community.

WJA said she embodies a commitment to service, collaboration, and innovation, with extensive leadership in nonprofit financial strategy and governance underscoring her deep-rooted dedication to ethical and sustainable practices across all of her professional and personal endeavors.

The recipient of the Legacy Award is Alexis Padis, president of Padis Jewelry.

The Legacy Award honors businesses that have spanned multiple generations and made an enduring contribution to the trade.

Padis Jewelry was founded by Alexis’ father, Steve Padis, in 1974.

Since 2019, Alexis has navigated the family business through challenging times by embracing innovation and an omnichannel approach that has set new benchmarks for the industry, said WJA.

She is president of the American Gem Society’s board, won the organization’s Young Titleholder of the Year Award in 2021, and was a member of the inaugural class of Jewelers of America’s “20 Under 40.”

The recipient of the WJA Innovator Award is Grant Mobley, jewelry and watch editor of Only Natural Diamonds.

Mobley is being recognized for having a transformative impact on the jewelry industry through creativity and visionary leadership by using his platform and writing skills to elevate natural diamonds, said WJA.

The Kaiser Award is being presented to Terry Chandler, best known for his leadership as president and CEO of the Diamond Council of America. 

This award honors a person in the industry who exemplifies qualities of the late Ben Kaiser—wit, wisdom, ethics, leadership, and unwavering support for the trade. 

During his 44-year career in jewelry, WJA said Chandler’s influence has extended beyond education, as a champion of ethical standards and a guiding figure in shaping the future of the industry through mentorship and advocacy.

The “Future of Forty” gala will begin with a VIP welcome and then a red-carpet entry at 7:15 p.m., during which cocktails and canapés will be served.

A buffet-style dinner will follow.

The program will open with remarks from WJA President Chandler and music by DJ Renata.

The Awards for Excellence presentation will follow. Dessert and more music will end the gala.

During the gala, WJA will be selling “mystery boxes” for $100 each, with the proceeds going to the WJA Foundation, the nonprofit arm of WJA that provides scholarship and grant funds for women.

The boxes will contain prizes such as $1,500 Foundrae gift card; watches from Citizen, Bulova, Frederique Constant, or Alpina; a premium cleaning kit from The Kingswood Company; and more.

Tickets for the gala are $395 for WJA members and $495 for non-members.

They are limited and available on the “Future of Forty” gala website. 

For more information on the gala and sponsorship opportunities, email info@womensjewelryassociation.com.