Majors

BIJC Launches New Education Fund

MajorsMay 13, 2025

BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
Jewelry designer Malyia McNaughton (left) will transition out of her role as BIJC president to lead the new BIJC Education Fund, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez (right) will take over as the organization’s new president.
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has announced the establishment of the BIJC Education Fund, as well as two leadership changes.

The new 501(c)(3) foundation is focused on expanding educational access, mentorship, and career pathways to empower youth and underserved communities interested in the jewelry industry, said BIJC. 

It will be led by jewelry designer Malyia McNaughton, who will transition out of her role as BIJC board president. 

With a strong background in philanthropy and workforce development—including service with AmeriCorps and Club Esteem—McNaughton brings a unique combination of creative and community leadership to her new role, said BIJC. 

She regularly serves as a keynote speaker and panelist at educational institutions, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), using her platform to inspire the next generation of jewelers.

Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, head of North American development at the Responsible Jewellery Council, will succeed McNaughton as the new president.

The BIJC Education Fund aims to ignite passion, cultivate creativity, and unlock career pathways by providing hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities for skill development, said the organization.

It will also include collaborations with industry professionals and educational institutions to create a more inclusive and diverse future, said BIJC.

Currently, the foundation partners with the Brooklyn STEAM Center in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and the Baldwin High School at Shubert in Long Island, two places where BIJC hosts the Future Jewelers Academy, its jewelry-focused education program for high school students.

The academy, launched last spring, has served more than 30 students and continues to expand its reach, said BIJC.

Joining McNaughton on the BIJC Education Fund board of directors are gemologist Adrianne Sanogo as vice president; Lisa Jones, vice president of human resources at GIA, as secretary; and board members Jenkins-Pérez and Reggie Johnson, SVP, North America, field human resources and chief diversity officer at Signet Jewelers. 

The leaders bring experience and passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion and will guide the foundation in scaling its programs and impact, said the organization. 

“The jewelry industry is at a critical crossroads. With thousands of skilled bench jeweler positions going unfilled, we’re witnessing a growing gap that threatens the future of American craftsmanship,” said McNaughton.  

“As traditional training pipelines disappear and fewer young professionals enter the trade, our foundation is committed to addressing this labor shortage head-on—by investing in education, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development that will sustain and strengthen the industry for generations to come.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

To her new role as BIJC president, Jenkins-Pérez brings experience in membership engagement, operational knowledge, and marketing.

BIJC said her strategic leadership will support the organization’s continued focus on community-building, education, and industry transformation.

“As the founding vice president of BIJC, it’s an incredible honor to now serve as president as we enter this exciting next chapter,” said Jenkins-Pérez.

“From the beginning, BIJC has been about building something bigger than ourselves. Our theme for this year, ‘Rooted in Community, Rising Together,’ reflects the legacy we’ve built and the future we are shaping. I’m committed to continuing our mission of advancing equity, opportunity, and representation across the gem, jewelry, and watch industry.”   

With Jenkins-Pérez, the current BIJC board of directors includes Jones as secretary; Johnson as nominations chair; Sanogo as education chair; Donovan Tomlinson, CPA and partner at SAX LLP, as treasurer; Nellie Barnett, founder of Nellbells Fitness, as communications chair; and Thomas Davis, director of merchandising and business development at Select Jewelry Inc., as sponsorship chair.

Board members include McNaughton; Miya Owens, corporate counsel at Amazon; Lisette Scott, founder of Jam+Rico; Jeffery Bolling, founder of Jeffery B Jewelers; and Pat Dambe, executive secondment, director of marketing and brand development for Botswana’s Ministry of Minerals and Energy.

For more information about the BIJC Education Fund and upcoming initiatives, click here

The Latest

Boucheron Impermanence Boucheron Dragonfly Earrings and Wisteria Hair Piece
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s Impermanence

The “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.

Eric Ford, Couture’s new brand director and former fine jewelry buyer at Neiman Marcus
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director

Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.

Bench jeweler holding a ring and a tool
IndependentsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic Manufacturing

In addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Guzema Celestial Blue
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone Jewelry

The “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.

Weekly QuizJul 10, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Long’s Jewelers Summer of Love promo
IndependentsJul 14, 2025
It’s the Summer of Love at Long’s Jewelers

The New England jeweler is hosting a bridal event for the month of August.

Ethical Gem Fair
SourcingJul 14, 2025
Ethical Gem Fair Heads to Seattle

The trade-only event will host its debut fair in the Emerald City later this month.

Jewelers of America logo with meetup, State of the Majors, giveaway and massages
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

The Edge and The Edge Retail Academy Logos
Events & AwardsJul 11, 2025
The Edge’s Annual Conference Returns in September

Its sessions will focus on inventory strategies, staff performance, retention and acquisition, emerging market trends, and more.

Miseno Arco Earrings
CollectionsJul 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: Miseno’s ‘Arco’ Earrings

For its 10th anniversary, Miseno designed the “Arco” earrings based on the Arco Felice, an arch conceptualized in A.D. 95 in Miseno, Italy.

James Avery Texas charm
Policies & IssuesJul 11, 2025
James Avery to Donate $1M to Texas Hill Country Relief Efforts

The jewelry company is one of several contributing to relief efforts in the region after the recent floods.

Kelly Osbourne Engagement Ring
TrendsJul 11, 2025
Kelly Osbourne’s Engagement Ring Is Sweet as Honey

Inspired by fiancé Sid Wilson’s nickname for her, the white and yellow diamond ring features a unique honeycomb design.

Penny Preville Anniversary Bangles and Penny Preville
CollectionsJul 10, 2025
Penny Preville Celebrates 5 Decades of Jewelry Design

The brand is marking its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition bangle, high jewelry suites, new collections, and more.

Exterior shot of Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler in Bellevue, Washington
IndependentsJul 10, 2025
Steven Goldfarb to Retire, Close Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler

Goldfarb said changes in the industry, coupled with his age and the updates needed to modernize his business, drove his decision.

LVMH chairman and CEO of the Americas Michael Burke
MajorsJul 10, 2025
LVMH Names New Chairman, CEO of the Americas

Longtime LVMH executive Michael Burke has stepped into the role.

A calligraphy sculptural ring made in 18-karat Fairtrade gold (Photo by: Jamie Trounce)
Events & AwardsJul 10, 2025
IAC Gold and Diamond Conference Returns to NYC

Central topics of next week’s event include climate action, labor rights, artisan preservation, and value retention in producing countries.

Vickie Rokkos
MajorsJul 10, 2025
Hearts On Fire Appoints New Sales Director

Vickie Rokkos has joined the jewelry company as its new national sales director of North America.

Mikimoto The Bows high jewelry necklace
SurveysJul 09, 2025
Jewelry Stays Strong as Luxury Market Slows, Bain & Co. Says

Turbulence will be the new baseline for luxury as it faces its biggest potential setbacks in 15 years, a recent report said.

1 NJ-Supplier-Bulletin-Snake-One.jpg
Supplier BulletinJul 09, 2025
JCK Unwrapped: Trends, Insights & Post-Show Tips

Sponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply

Cece Jewellery For the Love of Fruits Pendants
CollectionsJul 09, 2025
Cece Jewellery’s New Fruit Jewels Celebrate Life’s Sweetness

The “For the Love of Fruits” collection features five fruit pendants, each holding a different meaning.

Graphic showing images from National Jeweler’s top 5 stories 2025
EditorsJul 09, 2025
The Most-Read Stories of 2025, So Far

Diamonds and crimes (some involving diamonds) top the list of National Jeweler’s most popular stories halfway through the year.

 The Dash Diamond Crater of Diamonds State Park
SourcingJul 09, 2025
Florida Couple Finds 3-Carat Diamond in Arkansas

They discovered “The Dash Diamond,” named for their dog, at the Crater of Diamonds State Park earlier this month.

Mikimoto Les Pétales Campaign Imagery and Les Pétales Necklace
CollectionsJul 08, 2025
Mikimoto’s High Jewelry Collection Turns Pearls into Petals

The “Les Pétales” collection imagines roses caught mid-bloom as a tribute to nature’s beauty.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsJul 08, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Jewelers Struggle With Premium Pricing

Luxury brands charge thousands for their shoes and handbags. Jewelers pricing diamond products should take note, Peter Smith writes.

David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers
IndependentsJul 08, 2025
David Rotenberg of David Craig Jewelers Dies at 79

Rotenberg was an active member of the American Gem Society and an accomplished appraiser who also worked with therapy dogs at a hospital.

Diamond Divas Cast
TechnologyJul 08, 2025
‘Diamond Divas’ Brings the Showroom to Social Media Reality Series

It follows New York-based brand Shahla Karimi Jewelry’s all-women team in “Say Yes to the Dress” meets “The Office”-style episodes.

SMO Golden Gala
Policies & IssuesJul 08, 2025
SMO Gold Launches New Foundation

In its inaugural year, the SMO Foundation will focus on supporting two organizations in West Africa and one in South America.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy