(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK, NY — The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC), the first non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of Black professionals in the gem, jewelry, and watch industry, has established the BIJC Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) foundation focused on expanding educational access, mentorship, and career pathways for youth and underserved communities interested in the jewelry industry. As part of this strategic development, Malyia McNaughton will transition from her role as BIJC Board President to lead the BIJC Education Fund, while Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will assume the role of BIJC Board President, continuing the organization’s mission of industry-wide equity and inclusion.
The BIJC Education Fund’s mission is to empower youth and underserved communities through accessible education and resources in the gem and jewelry industry. By providing hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities for skill development, the BIJC Education Fund aims to ignite passion, cultivate creativity, and unlock career pathways in this vibrant field. Collaboration with industry professionals and educational institutions will create a more inclusive and diverse future where everyone can shine.
The foundation currently partners with two high school programs under the Future Jewelers Academy umbrella: one at the Brooklyn STEAM Center in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and another at Baldwin High School at Shubert in Long Island. Since its inception, the Future Jewelers Academy has served more than 30 students and continues to expand its reach.
The Fund is led by President Malyia McNaughton, G.G., a jewelry designer, GIA Graduate Gemologist, and advocate for education and equity. 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 role. She regularly serves as a keynote speaker and panelist at GIA and FIT, using her platform to inspire the next generation of jewelers.
Joining McNaughton on the BIJC Education Fund Board of Directors are:
- Adrianne Sanogo, GG,GP, Vice President
- Lisa Jones, Secretary – Vice President of Human Resources at the Gemological Institute of America
- Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, Board Member – Head of North American Development, Responsible Jewellery Council
- Reggie Johnson, Board Member – SVP NA Field Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer at Signet Jewelers
These leaders bring a wealth of experience and passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion and will guide the foundation in scaling its programs and impact.
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“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. 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,” siad McNaughton.
In tandem with the foundation’s launch, BIJC announces the appointment of Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez as its new President. Jenkins-Pérez is head of North American Development for the Responsible Jewelry Council and previously served as founding Vice President of BIJC. She brings a wealth of experience in membership engagement, operational knowledge and marketing. Her strategic leadership will support BIJC’s continued focus on community-building, education, and industry transformation.
The current BIJC Board of Directors includes:
- Elyssa Jenkins Pérez, President – Head of North American Development, Responsible Jewellery Council
- Lisa Jones, Secretary – Vice President of Human Resources at the Gemological Institute of America
- Donovan Tomlinson CPA, Treasurer – Partner, SAX LLP
- Nellie Barnett, Communications Chair – Founder of Nellbells Fitness
- Reginald Johnson, Nominations Chair –SVP NA Field Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer at Signet Jewelers
- Adrianne Sanogo, GG,GP, Education Chair
- Miya Owens, Board Member – Corporate Counsel, Amazon
- Lisette Scott, Board Member – Founder of Jam+Rico
- Thomas Davis, Sponsorship Chair – Merchandising and Business Development at Select Jewelry Inc
- Jeffery Bolling, Board Member
- Pat Dambe, Board Member – Executive Secondment: Director of Marketing and Brand Development, Ministry of Minerals and Energy, Botswana
- Malyia McNaughton, G.G., Board Member – past BIJC president
“As the Founding Vice President of BIJC, it’s an incredible honor to now serve as President as we enter this exciting next chapter. 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,” said Jenkins Pérez
For more information about the BIJC Education Fund and upcoming initiatives, please visit here.
