MajorsApr 07, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Expands to Australia Via New AcquisitionMajorsApr 16, 2025
WJA Announces Board Members, New Chicago Chapter President
The announcements follow a tumultuous start to 2025 for WJA, which saw a wave of resignations following controversial statements about DEI.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association has announced its 2025 board of directors and two new regional chapter presidents in the wake of a rocky start to the year.
By the end of January, the leaders of four of the 20-plus regional chapters of the Women’s Jewelry Association, along with numerous national board members, had stepped down following weeks of controversy surrounding remarks made by WJA National Board President Gabrielle Grazi regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) during the organization’s national annual membership meeting in December 2024.
On March 25, WJA sent an email listing its board of directors for 2025 as it stands now.
Nicole Fein, senior vice president of marketing at Kwiat and Fred Leighton, is the communications chair; Robyn Fields, vice president of sales at Goldstar Jewellery, is the secretary and membership chair; and Laurie T. Watt, an owner of Mayer & Watt, is the vice president of chapter affairs.
Jacqueline Cassaway, CEO of Diamond Wealth Ventures, returns as the organization’s past president. Cassaway was president of WJA from January 2020 through December 2021.
The email also announced the board members who are continuing their service in 2025.
Robert Goldberg, a global licensing executive, is WJA’s VP of Governance & Development; Melissa Rodgers of M. Schamroth & Sons is chair of Mentoring & Education; Donna DeLucia of National Chain is chair of Inclusion & Belonging; Tanya Parikh, owner of Janvier Diamond Concierge, and Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, director and gemologist at Mina Stones.
Three days later, on March 28, Parikh and Okpukpara sent an email to the national board, which was later forwarded to National Jeweler, announcing their resignations.
They wrote: “We [resign] because we can no longer align ourselves with the repeated and documented pattern and practice of the National leadership to take actions often in our names without proper prior consultation nor the ability to discuss, which violate the WJA National bylaws, policies and fiduciary obligations.
“Further, on numerous occasions, communication from the board has been improperly conducted, deprioritized, and marginalized despite our efforts of involvement.”
Parikh and Okpukpara continued, “As the last two women of color on the National board, and in light of recent events, we are concerned that values to which WJA has ascribed in the past and are important to us are no longer important to this board. We cannot stand by this conduct any longer.”
The email also states that their names and titles were removed from the WJA website before they had submitted a written resignation, which they said is a violation of the National bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.
Neither Parikh nor Okpukpara responded to National Jeweler’s request for comment on their letter.
Grazi said in an email to National Jeweler that WJA does not comment on any details of board director departures.
Related stories will be right here …
By the end of January, the leaders of four of the 20-plus regional chapters of the Women’s Jewelry Association, along with numerous national board members, had stepped down following weeks of controversy surrounding remarks made by WJA National Board President Gabrielle Grazi regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) during the organization’s national annual membership meeting in December 2024.
On March 25, WJA sent an email listing its board of directors for 2025 as it stands now.
Nicole Fein, senior vice president of marketing at Kwiat and Fred Leighton, is the communications chair; Robyn Fields, vice president of sales at Goldstar Jewellery, is the secretary and membership chair; and Laurie T. Watt, an owner of Mayer & Watt, is the vice president of chapter affairs.
Jacqueline Cassaway, CEO of Diamond Wealth Ventures, returns as the organization’s past president. Cassaway was president of WJA from January 2020 through December 2021.
The email also announced the board members who are continuing their service in 2025.
Robert Goldberg, a global licensing executive, is WJA’s VP of Governance & Development; Melissa Rodgers of M. Schamroth & Sons is chair of Mentoring & Education; Donna DeLucia of National Chain is chair of Inclusion & Belonging; Tanya Parikh, owner of Janvier Diamond Concierge, and Lotanna Amina Okpukpara, director and gemologist at Mina Stones.
Three days later, on March 28, Parikh and Okpukpara sent an email to the national board, which was later forwarded to National Jeweler, announcing their resignations.
They wrote: “We [resign] because we can no longer align ourselves with the repeated and documented pattern and practice of the National leadership to take actions often in our names without proper prior consultation nor the ability to discuss, which violate the WJA National bylaws, policies and fiduciary obligations.
“Further, on numerous occasions, communication from the board has been improperly conducted, deprioritized, and marginalized despite our efforts of involvement.”
Parikh and Okpukpara continued, “As the last two women of color on the National board, and in light of recent events, we are concerned that values to which WJA has ascribed in the past and are important to us are no longer important to this board. We cannot stand by this conduct any longer.”
The email also states that their names and titles were removed from the WJA website before they had submitted a written resignation, which they said is a violation of the National bylaws, Article IV, Section 5.
Neither Parikh nor Okpukpara responded to National Jeweler’s request for comment on their letter.
Grazi said in an email to National Jeweler that WJA does not comment on any details of board director departures.
When the leaders of WJA’s regional chapters began resigning earlier this year, the board of WJA Chicago was the first to go, announcing via social media on Jan. 14, followed by the boards of the Northern California (NorCal), Miami, and Seattle chapters.
WJA San Diego originally was reported as one of the chapters whose leaders resigned and posted on Instagram.
However, Grazi said Tuesday that the chapter is still active, as there are several board members who remained in service.
Last week, WJA announced that Rachel Akmakjian, director of jeweler relations for jewelry insurance company BriteCo, is the new president of the WJA Chicago chapter and Aria Thomas, founder and designer of Eleux Jewelry, has been named president of the WJA Colorado chapter.
Akmakjian told National Jeweler in an email that she was honored and excited to step into the role, and that it was a privilege to serve the community. She deferred any further questions to Grazi.
Following the WJA Chicago chapter board’s resignation in late January, the Chicago chapter listing appeared to have been removed from the WJA website, but as of today, the listing has been restored as one of the 16 regional chapters shown.
Regarding the NorCal, Miami, and Seattle chapters, Grazi said that upon receipt of board nominations (either self-nominated or referral) from members, the WJA National Board Executive Committee will review and consider appointments for board service.
She also said the organization is working with individuals in Houston and St. Louis who have expressed interest in launching WJA chapters in 2025.
“We remain committed to strengthening our community and ensuring that WJA continues to be a welcoming, valuable, and supportive space for everyone in the jewelry and watch industry,” Grazi said.
“We will continue to uphold the mission that unites us—to support the advancement of women in the jewelry and watch industry through networking, education, and professional development. At our core, WJA is about women supporting women, creating space for connection, collaboration, and community, and celebrating the success of all who share a passion for this industry.”
Also, last month, the WJA Foundation launched the inaugural Bench Jeweler Scholarship in partnership with Stuller, valued at $7,500.
Applications remain open until Apr. 30, and more information is available on the WJA website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Pops Up at 2025 US OpenThe pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.
IndependentsAug 20, 2025
Bellman’s Jewelers Opens Second Store After COO's TikTok Takes OffThe New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, RobbedThe latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.
Weekly QuizAug 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster RestorationThe new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2025
Take the Jewelers for Children ‘Trinity of Purpose’ ChallengeParticipants who attend any three Rings of Strength events will be awarded a special medal.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
SourcingAug 19, 2025
Dubai’s Jemora Group Buys Diamond Miner LucapaThe investment company, founded by Dev Shetty, has acquired the struggling miner and its assets, including the Lulo mine in Angola.
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry RetailSmith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.
CrimeAug 19, 2025
Customs Seizes 7,300 Pairs of Fake ‘Alhambra’ EarringsThe counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.
MajorsAug 19, 2025
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Is Nationally RecognizedThe MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program received the Registered Apprenticeship Program designation by the U.S. Department of Labor.
WatchesAug 19, 2025
Casio America Names New Timepiece Division ManagerCasio executive and watch enthusiast Masaki Obu is the new general manager of its U.S. timepiece division.
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on PointOriginally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.
Events & AwardsAug 18, 2025
IJO Announces 2025 Vendor of the YearAllison-Kaufman has received the honor for the fourth year in a row.
FinancialsAug 15, 2025
In Q2 Results, Pandora Talks Tariffs, Q4 Plans The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.
EditorsAug 15, 2025
Piece of the Week: Etho Maria’s Showgirl-Approved Ruby Drop Earrings Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.
WatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in ManufacturerIts investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.
MajorsAug 15, 2025
Rio Grande Names New Marketing DirectorNicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LAThe full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
