(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.
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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Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
