WJA Launches Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability Education Fund

New York—A new fund from the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation will strengthen education in responsible sourcing and sustainability.

The Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Education Fund is designed to support “mindful leaders who will emerge and help innovate the future of the jewelry and watch industries, with the goal of protecting people and the planet for generations to come,” the organization said.

The WJA Foundation will help professionals with their ongoing education in the area by collaborating with leading institutions and organizations.

One of these is NYU’s Stern School of Business Executive Education, offering courses such as “Corporate Sustainability” from Professor Tensie Whelan, director of Stern’s Center for Sustainable Business and former president of the Rainforest Alliance.

Additionally, current WJA members will get a special enrollment rate on all NYU Stern Executive Education sustainability courses with their membership.

Individual donations, corporate contributions, and sponsorships are now being accepted for the new fund. For more information or to donate, visit WomensJewelryAssociation.com. 

Coinciding with its launch, WJA Foundation said it is restructuring its grant and scholarship opportunities under a new framework, which will now have pillars: General Education Fund for students looking to enter or further their careers in the jewelry and watch industries; Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Education Fund; and future pillars to be announced in the future. 

“This level of intention enables us to be more involved in the pressing needs of our industry and equip future leaders accordingly,” said WJA Executive Director Jennifer Markas.

“I’m optimistic in how the WJA Foundation will continue to play a key role in shaping the industry’s future through more targeted giving initiatives like the Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Education Fund.”