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JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ Class
The program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.
Jewelers of America will have two “20 Under 40” lists this year, one for retailers and one for suppliers. Interested parties have from now through Feb. 19 to nominate themselves or someone else for inclusion on either list.
New York—Jewelers of America announced Wednesday that it is seeking nominations for its “20 Under 40” program and this time, it wants submissions for retailers and suppliers.
JA created the “20 Under 40” program in 2022 to recognize retailers under age 40 who are outstanding leaders and have demonstrated their commitment to the jewelry industry.
This year, the trade organization is expanding the program, and there will be two lists—“20 Under 40: Jewelry Retail,” and “20 Under 40: Jewelry Suppliers.”
Each list will feature 20 individuals who must meet the following criteria:
— They must be under the age of 40 as of Jan. 22, 2025;
— Be a full-time employee at an active JA Member retailer or supplier company;
— Their company must be based in the United States;
— Retail nominees may be a store owner, bench jeweler, manager, sales executive, or serve the jewelry store full-time in marketing, accounting, or other areas of operations;
— Supplier nominees may be a jewelry designer, or an employee of a manufacturer, wholesale firm, or a service provider for the U.S. jewelry marketplace; and
— They must have at least three years of experience in the jewelry industry.
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JA created the “20 Under 40” program in 2022 to recognize retailers under age 40 who are outstanding leaders and have demonstrated their commitment to the jewelry industry.
This year, the trade organization is expanding the program, and there will be two lists—“20 Under 40: Jewelry Retail,” and “20 Under 40: Jewelry Suppliers.”
Each list will feature 20 individuals who must meet the following criteria:
— They must be under the age of 40 as of Jan. 22, 2025;
— Be a full-time employee at an active JA Member retailer or supplier company;
— Their company must be based in the United States;
— Retail nominees may be a store owner, bench jeweler, manager, sales executive, or serve the jewelry store full-time in marketing, accounting, or other areas of operations;
— Supplier nominees may be a jewelry designer, or an employee of a manufacturer, wholesale firm, or a service provider for the U.S. jewelry marketplace; and
— They must have at least three years of experience in the jewelry industry.
“Jewelers of America is proud to celebrate the exceptional talent shaping the future of the jewelry industry through our ‘20 Under 40’ program,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said.
“This year, we are especially excited to introduce a new supplier category, further recognizing the diverse contributions driving innovation and excellence across all areas of the fine jewelry marketplace.”
JA said a panel of judges will review all candidates based on the following criteria: successful in their chosen field, demonstrates leadership characteristics and an innovative mindset, potential to improve their community, and a commitment to JA’s Code of Professional Practices and professional ethics.
Individuals interested in being included on either list can nominate themselves or someone else. JA is accepting nominations now through Feb. 19.
Submit a nomination via SmartSheet or by contacting JA Member Services at 1-800-223-0673.
Individuals named to either list will receive a trophy, national recognition, features on JA’s social media and website, a press release to send to local news outlets, and a free JA Certification Course.
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