MajorsMay 01, 2025
Jewelers of America Opens Applications for 2025 ScholarshipsMajorsMay 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.
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 …
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.”
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.
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
