Majors

Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board

MajorsDec 09, 2024

Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board

Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.

Grant Mobley and Thomas Davis
Grant Mobley of Natural Diamond Council (left) and Thomas Davis, director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., have joined the board of the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation announced that two industry professionals have joined its board.

Grant Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council, and Thomas Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., a jewelry manufacturer and distributor.

Both bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences aligned with the foundation’s mission of empowering women and fostering innovation in the jewelry and watch industries, the organization said.

Mobley brings 17 years of industry experience to the role.

He got his start in his family’s retail jewelry stores and went on to work in jewelry sourcing and manufacturing in China and Thailand.

He later led sales for international diamond and jewelry company Pluczenik before joining the Natural Diamond Council, where he focuses on diamond-centric content.

Mobley is also a GIA graduate whose expertise has appeared in The New York Times, Brides, Cosmopolitan, and Elle, as well as on television programs such as Fox, NBC, CBS, and others.

He has also conducted red-carpet coverage for the SAG Awards and the Oscars, and he shares his experiences, knowledge, and inspiration on his Instagram account, which has more than 150,000 followers.

“I am incredibly honored to join the board of the WJA Foundation, an organization that has given so much to our industry. The foundation’s work in supporting and empowering careers is truly inspiring, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to its continued growth and impact,” Mobley said.

“I look forward to working with the team to further its mission and make a lasting difference in the lives of so many in our industry.”

Last month, Mobley was honored with the organization’s WJA Innovator Award, which he received at WJA’s annual gala and foundation fundraiser.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Davis brings expertise in corporate management, specialty retail, manufacturing, merchandising, sales, and celebrity branding.

He also joined the board of directors for the Black in Jewelry Coalition last year.

“I am truly honored to join the board of trustees for the WJA Foundation. I am deeply inspired by the foundation’s mission and vision to support the advancement and professional development of those in the jewelry and watch industries through education and leadership opportunities,” Davis said.

“It is a privilege to contribute my experience and expertise to further enhance WJA Foundation’s presence and impact, building upon the incredible legacy of those who came before us. Together, we will continue to enrich and advance the professional lives of those in our industry.”

Davis balances his professional endeavors with personal passions, including cycling and cheering on his alma mater, the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

Nikia Levesque-Meyer, president of the WJA Foundation, is excited about the new additions to the board.

“Both Grant and Thomas bring unique perspectives and remarkable expertise that will undoubtedly enhance our ability to drive meaningful impact,” she said.

“Thomas’ dedication to inclusivity and innovation, combined with Grant’s passion for storytelling and championing the positive impact of natural diamonds, reflect the values at the core of WJA Foundation’s mission. I look forward to the fresh ideas and invaluable contributions they will bring as we continue to empower and support women in the jewelry industry.”

The WJA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that offers a variety of scholarships and grants to professionals in the jewelry and watch industries.

These include the recently awarded scholarship established earlier this year in honor of the late Hedda Schupak and the Helene Fortunoff Women in Retail Scholarship, created in 2023.

To learn more about WJA Foundation, email info@womensjewelryassociation.com.

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