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WJA Hosts Inaugural Women Executives Forum on International Women’s Day

Women industry leaders come together to strengthen category growth and drive collaborative partnerships.

Published

7 years ago

March 15, 2019

INSTORE Staff

WJA Hosts Inaugural Women Executives Forum on International Women’s Day

Pictured are L to R: Event Co-Chair, Caryl Capeci, President, Chow Tai Fook North America, Event Co-Chair, Gina Drosos, CEO, Signet Jewelers, Bernadette Mack, Executive Director, Women’s Jewelry Association and Jenny Luker, President, Women’s Jewelry Association and President, Platinum Guild International.

(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK – The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) hosted the inaugural Women Executives Forum in New York City to build purposeful relationships among top women leaders across the jewelry and watch sectors.

Held in celebration of International Women’s Day, nearly 25 leaders discussed ways to:

Identify and develop female leaders
Prepare for the future of jewelry retail – and the rise of the female self-purchaser
Create partnerships within the industry to achieve those goals

The forum’s co-chairs were Gina Drosos, CEO, Signet Jewelers, sponsor of the event; and Caryl Capeci, president, Chow Tai Fook North America. Jenny Luker, president of WJA and president of the Platinum Guild International, facilitated the focused discussion.

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WJA will take a leading role in planning future forums to continue to grow additional networks and partnerships.

“The purpose of our discussion was to challenge current thinking and brainstorm how to drive the future success of our businesses, says Luker. “This group of women represented a depth and breadth of leadership and experience that will allow us to achieve our goals.”

WJA Executive Director, Bernadette Mack, adds, “The association was delighted to bring together the industry’s top women leaders – who found synergy around some of the most important issues facing the industry today. This forum sparked discussions that will make meaningful progress for women’s leadership and areas of business growth.”

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When Trey Bailey, President and CEO of Bailey's Fine Jewelry, decided to close the Crabtree location in Raleigh, North Carolina after 15 years, he knew the decision needed to be handled with intention and professionalism. The goal was clear: exit the location while maintaining financial strength and honoring the store's legacy. Having worked with Wilkerson successfully in the past, Bailey understood the value of their comprehensive approach. "They understood both the emotional and financial sides of the store closing sale," Trey explains. "Their reputation for professionalism, results and care made it a very easy decision." The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson helped Bailey's sell through significant inventory while maintaining the dignity of the closing process. "They don't just run a sale, they help close a chapter in the best way possible," Bailey says, strongly recommending Wilkerson to any jeweler facing a similar transition.