MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsMajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board Members
The new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
The Black in Jewelry Coalition has welcomed the following new board members: from left, Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, and Lavina Hunt-Lewis.
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has appointed five new members to its board of directors.
The new members are Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, and Lavina Hunt-Lewis.
They bring a diverse range of expertise that spans communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership, said BIJC, with skillsets that bolster its mission to promote representation, professional growth, and opportunity through community, education, and strategic partnerships.
Thomas Davis, who also serves as vice president of BIJC, is the director of business development at Select Jewelry, Inc. and Simone I. Smith.
Davis has worked on high-profile collaborations with notable figures like “Project Runway” designer Korto Momolu and “Celebrity Apprentice” winner Leeza Gibbons, getting their jewelry brands into retail stores.
“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me as vice president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition. This role represents both responsibility and opportunity, and I look forward to continuing our work to advance equity, visibility, and meaningful change across the jewelry industry,” said Davis.
Monalisa DePina, who is the secretary of BIJC, is also the retail account manager for JCK Las Vegas and JIS Miami. She has more than 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry, specializing in retail and events.
“Stepping into a BIJC leadership role is both meaningful and humbling. Much of my career has been shaped by the relationships and shared commitment that define this community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back by supporting BIJC’s mission and continued growth,” said DePina.
Jamie Batiste, who is the communications chair of BIJC, has joined the board as head of the communications team.
Batiste, founder of Rejected Hearts Club, has a background in radio and television as well as sales with more than a decade in the jewelry industry under her belt.
“I’m excited to amplify the voices, stories, and impact of Black professionals across our industry while helping BIJC continue to build connection, visibility, and opportunity. This work matters, and I’m honored to contribute to the growth ahead,” said Batiste.
Related stories will be right here …
The new members are Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, and Lavina Hunt-Lewis.
They bring a diverse range of expertise that spans communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership, said BIJC, with skillsets that bolster its mission to promote representation, professional growth, and opportunity through community, education, and strategic partnerships.
Thomas Davis, who also serves as vice president of BIJC, is the director of business development at Select Jewelry, Inc. and Simone I. Smith.
Davis has worked on high-profile collaborations with notable figures like “Project Runway” designer Korto Momolu and “Celebrity Apprentice” winner Leeza Gibbons, getting their jewelry brands into retail stores.
“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me as vice president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition. This role represents both responsibility and opportunity, and I look forward to continuing our work to advance equity, visibility, and meaningful change across the jewelry industry,” said Davis.
Monalisa DePina, who is the secretary of BIJC, is also the retail account manager for JCK Las Vegas and JIS Miami. She has more than 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry, specializing in retail and events.
“Stepping into a BIJC leadership role is both meaningful and humbling. Much of my career has been shaped by the relationships and shared commitment that define this community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back by supporting BIJC’s mission and continued growth,” said DePina.
Jamie Batiste, who is the communications chair of BIJC, has joined the board as head of the communications team.
Batiste, founder of Rejected Hearts Club, has a background in radio and television as well as sales with more than a decade in the jewelry industry under her belt.
“I’m excited to amplify the voices, stories, and impact of Black professionals across our industry while helping BIJC continue to build connection, visibility, and opportunity. This work matters, and I’m honored to contribute to the growth ahead,” said Batiste.
Namwezi Nicole Batumike, international committee chair of BIJC, is a gender and responsible sourcing specialist at Congolese nonprofit Panzi Foundation. She also helped to develop its jewelry brand, taking "a traceable and inclusive mine-to-market approach," said BIJC.
She works to address the relationship between structural inequalities, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, and the mining sector by partnering with U.S.-based companies and policymakers.
“I look forward to working with a team committed to meaningful inclusion, shared opportunity, and responsible engagement, and building stronger connections between jewelers, artisans, and mining communities across Africa and its global diasporas,” she said.
Lavina Hunt-Lewis serves as the vice president of regional operations at Signet Jewelers and is also an executive sponsor in its B.E.N Black Employee Network Resource Group.
“I believe a seat at the table belongs to anyone who works for it; the BIJC has created their own table. To be a part of a movement and mission like the BIJC I find myself in a place of gratitude and also ready to work for a cause that has the ability to close the gap in the jewelry industry,” said Hunt-Lewis.
The industry knowledge and leadership experience of its new board members strengthens BIJC’s ability to expand its impact, resources, and visibility for Black professionals in the industry, said BIJC.
“Black in Jewelry Coalition was founded on the belief that community is our greatest strength,” said Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, president and co-founder of BIJC.
“Welcoming these new board members builds on our ongoing work to strengthen partnerships, deepen representation, and create real, lasting pathways for professional growth across the jewelry, gem, and watch industry.”
Looking to the year ahead, BIJC said it will continue to expand its national and international programming, including industry events, professional development initiatives, increased membership benefits, and cross-sector partnerships.
She works to address the relationship between structural inequalities, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, and the mining sector by partnering with U.S.-based companies and policymakers.
“I look forward to working with a team committed to meaningful inclusion, shared opportunity, and responsible engagement, and building stronger connections between jewelers, artisans, and mining communities across Africa and its global diasporas,” she said.
Lavina Hunt-Lewis serves as the vice president of regional operations at Signet Jewelers and is also an executive sponsor in its B.E.N Black Employee Network Resource Group.
“I believe a seat at the table belongs to anyone who works for it; the BIJC has created their own table. To be a part of a movement and mission like the BIJC I find myself in a place of gratitude and also ready to work for a cause that has the ability to close the gap in the jewelry industry,” said Hunt-Lewis.
The industry knowledge and leadership experience of its new board members strengthens BIJC’s ability to expand its impact, resources, and visibility for Black professionals in the industry, said BIJC.
“Black in Jewelry Coalition was founded on the belief that community is our greatest strength,” said Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, president and co-founder of BIJC.
“Welcoming these new board members builds on our ongoing work to strengthen partnerships, deepen representation, and create real, lasting pathways for professional growth across the jewelry, gem, and watch industry.”
Looking to the year ahead, BIJC said it will continue to expand its national and international programming, including industry events, professional development initiatives, increased membership benefits, and cross-sector partnerships.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
Weekly QuizJul 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
CollectionsJul 23, 2026
Silvia Furmanovich’s New Collection Travels Back to the 1920s“Art Deco” fuses ancestral techniques, rare materials, and modern perspectives as a tribute to the optimism and curiosity of the movement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
IndependentsJul 23, 2026
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens Casino StoreThe jeweler’s newest store is inside Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort.
WatchesJul 23, 2026
Movado Inks Licensing Deal With Kate Spade New YorkThe watch company will design, manufacture, and distribute Kate Spade New York watches.
Policies & IssuesJul 22, 2026
Trump to Put 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods The higher tax is set to go into effect in August and will apply to loose polished diamonds as well as precious and base metals jewelry.
CollectionsJul 22, 2026
Monica Rich Kosann’s High Jewelry Is FruitfulThe “Enchanted Garden” series features a cherry, lemon, and pear that each hold a little secret inside.
IndependentsJul 22, 2026
Liljenquist Beckstead Opens Rolex New BoutiqueIt’s located in Tysons Galleria, an upscale shopping center in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Events & AwardsJul 22, 2026
NY Now Returns in August Under New OwnershipThe show, recently acquired by Rockview Management Group, will be held at New York City’s Javits Center from Aug. 2-4.
ColumnistsJul 21, 2026
Sherry Smith: Shattering the Illusion of the ‘Either/Or’ Diamond MarketSmith offers retailers guidance on creating an environment where natural and lab-grown diamonds can both thrive.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2026
Apollo Funds Completes Emerald AcquisitionFormer Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky has transitioned to the role of senior advisor.
CollectionsJul 21, 2026
Graff’s New Butterfly High Jewelry Brooches MetamorphosizeThe 12-piece capsule collection transforms from brooches to pendants.
SourcingJul 21, 2026
Anglo Reportedly Selects Gareth Penny’s Consortium as Top Bidder for De BeersA Botswana government official told lawmakers Anglo has selected The Global Diamond Consortium, an entity chaired by Penny, to buy De Beers.
Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
