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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
