(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — Black In Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) announces its Board of Directors for 2024, reflecting a strategic mix of industry veterans who bring fresh perspectives. The newly appointed Board members are poised to contribute to the advancement of BIJC’s mission of fostering diversity, representation, equity, and inclusion within the gem, jewelry, and watch community.
In 2024, the current BIJC Board President and Chief Financial Officer at Jewelers of America Annie Doresca will transition to Treasurer, and current BIJC Treasurer and Jewelry Designer Malyia McNaughton, GIA GG, will become BIJC Board President. Doresca and McNaughton are co-founders of BIJC along with seven other Board members.
“As we reflect on BIJC’s accomplishments in its first three years, I am deeply grateful for the dedication and resilience of our team. Together, we have achieved significant milestones in promoting diversity and equity within the jewelry industry,” said Doresca. “I look forward to witnessing and being a part of BIJC’s continued growth under the exceptional leadership of Malyia. With her at the helm, I am confident that BIJC will reach new heights, making an even greater impact on our industry.”
The newly appointed BIJC Board Members include Jeffery Bolling, District Manager at Signet Jewelers, with more than 30 years of industry experience; Thomas Davis, Director of Business Development at Select Jewelry, Inc., who brings a wealth of experience in corporate management, specialty retail, manufacturing, merchandising, sales and celebrity branding; and Pat Dambe, Director of Marketing and Brand Development within Ministry of Minerals and Energy for the Botswana Government, who brings over 30 years of executive experience working for corporations and luxury brands in the U.S. and Africa.
Continuing BIJC Co-founders and Board Members include:
- Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, Director of Membership & Marketing at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, will serve as BIJC Board Vice President.
- Lisa Jones, Vice President of Human Resources at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), will serve as BIJC Board Secretary.
- Nellie Barnett, GIA Manager of Corporate Communications, will serve as BIJC Communications Chair.
- Reginald Johnson, Chief Diversity Officer & Senior VP NA Human Resources at Signet Jewelers, will serve as BIJC Nominations Chair.
- Adrianne Sanogo, GIA Graduate Gemologist, will serve as BIJC Education Chair.
- Miya Owens, Corporate Counsel at Amazon, will serve as a BIJC Board Member.
- Lisette Scott, Founder of Jam + Rico, will serve as a BIJC Board Member.
The 2024 Board of Directors are prepared to guide BIJC towards a future marked by increased inclusivity, educational initiatives, and advocacy for Black professionals within the jewelry sector. For more information about BIJC, visit: Blackinjewelry.org.