WJA awards 26 educational grants for 2014

New York--In an effort to contribute to the ongoing education of women in the jewelry industry, the Women's Jewelry Association Member Grant Program has awarded a total of $13,000 to 26 members across the country.

The list of 2014 recipients is as follows.

--Kellie Lemmel (Colorado Chapter)
--Tam Nguyen (Los Angeles Chapter)
--Elizabeth Houseknecht, Retno Hadiatmodjo, Nancy Ross, Richelle Wilson, Geeta Kalsaria and Maryann Scandiffio (Metro New York Chapter)
--Nancy Hudson, Susan Crady, Kelly Jacobson and Anne VanderMeulen (Midwest Chapter)
--Marilyn Salvatore and Martha Seely (New England Chapter)
-Lisa Baird, Yoshiko Daigen, Christine Dhein and Gina Fiorentino (Northern California Chapter)
--Pamela Theodotou (Ohio/Kentucky Chapter)
--Irene Wtsman (San Diego Chapter)
--Beth Schmitz (Southwest)
--Dorothy Sherburne, Jeana Lidfors, Margie Mersky, Grace Plaster and Mary Kay Mohs (Twin Cities Chapter)

The WJA Member Grants are awarded to female, professional-level WJA members in $500 increments to be used toward professional growth.

Funds are raised by the national organization and by local chapters around the country. Applications are reviewed by the Member Grant Committee and then placed into a random, also drawing conducted by the committee.

“Professional women in the jewelry industry often need funds to explore their chosen fields more fully,” said WJA President Andrea Hansen. “Our member grants contribute towards that exploration, often taking our members to higher levels of business success.”

RELATED CONTENT: WJA adds element of surprise to annual awards

To raise funds for next year’s member grants and scholarships, the WJA will host its annual Awards for Excellence gala on July 28 at Chelsea Piers in New York City.

The WJA will present awards to three honorees at this year’s gala--Ruth Batson, CEO of American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories, with the Lifetime Achievement Award; David Bonaparte, president and CEO of Jewelers of America, with the Ben Kaiser Lifetime Achievement Award; and the Richline Group, which will be presented with the Corporate Award.

WJA will also bestow Awards for Excellence in categories including design, retail, non-traditional retail, sales, marketing and communication, editorial media and watches.

For more information or to purchase a ticket to the event, visit the WJA website.