Press Releases

WJA Announces International Board Members and 2022 Organizational Theme

Susan Chandler is elected as the president of the WJA International Board of Directors for the 2022-23 term.

Published

2 years ago

January 22, 2022

Press Releases

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) elected Susan Chandler, Chief Merchandising Officer for Citizen Watch America, as the new President of the WJA International Board of Directors.

“I am thrilled to lead WJA through the 2022 – 2023 term. Each board member brings a unique talent and skillset to our organization from business development to digital expertise, and will help us inspire and empower women in our industry toward professional success,” shares Susan Chandler.

WJA’s organizational theme for 2022 is Generating Community Impact. The association will continue to emphasize diversity, equity and inclusion, responsible sourcing and sustainability, and business development in its educational trainings and events. Through thoughtful sponsorships and partnerships, WJA will be able to invest in its membership and enrich the careers of women in the industry.

“As we head into 2022, WJA is focused more than ever on providing value to our members. Our theme this year ensures that our programming and partnerships are optimized for making the most impact on our community,” shares Jennifer Markas, WJA Executive Director.

Joining Chandler on the 2022 WJA Board’s Executive Committee are newly appointed officers: Nan Palmer of FACEts Consulting and LuxeRox, as treasurer; Raquel Alonso-Perez of Harvard Mineralogical and Geological Museum, as vice president of chapter affairs; and Jacqueline Raffi of Hearts On Fire, as corporate secretary. Also serving on the executive committee is immediate past president Jacqueline Cassaway.

Six newcomers have also been elected to the WJA Board. These new members include Aida Alvarez, Senior Vice President at Roberto Coin; Shauna Brook, Founder & CEO of Shauna Brook Marketing & Communications; Donna DeLucia, Vice President of Technical Sales at Guild + Facet; Tanya Parikh, CEO and Founder at Janvier LA; Mark Smelzer, Chief Content Executive at The Zing Report/Jewelers Mutual Group; and Victoria Wieck, Designer/ShopHQ on-air guest and Host of Million Dollar Passion Podcast.

WJA also honored its outgoing board members: Molly Bell of Rio Grande; Monica Elias of Elias World Media; Jenny Luker of Platinum Guild International USA; Craig Selimotic-Danforth; Benjamin Smithee of The Smithee Group; Lauren Thompson of JCK Group; and Tonia Zehrer of Signet Jewelers.

Visit www.womensjewelryassociation.com to see a full list of WJA’s current board members.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”