|
RAPAPORT... The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) awarded $12,500 worth of grants to 25 female members who were in good standing and seeking professional growth. Funds were raised by the national organization and by WJA chapters in the U.S. All applications were reviewed by the WJA Member Grant Committee, chaired by Fran Pennella, WJA's co-vice president of membership development, and qualified applicants were then drawn randomly.
"Professional women in the jewelry industry often need funds to explore their chosen fields more fully," said Andrea Hansen, the president of WJA. "Our member grants contribute toward that exploration, often taking our members to higher levels of business success."
In advance of next year's grants and scholarships, WJA intends to raise funds at its annual Awards for Excellence gala, on July 27, 2015, at Pier 60 on the Chelsea Piers in New York City. During the gala, WJA will distribute the Lifetime Achievement Award to Pam Mortensen, the senior vice president and general merchandise manager of fine jewelry for J.C. Penney, the Ben Kaiser Award to C. Clayton Bromberg, the president of Underwood Jewelers and the Corporate Award to GUMUCHIAN.
The 2015 Grant Winners
Boston: Kelly Jean Conroy
Providence: Maria Ruggieri, Tina Snyder
Chicago: Ashley Chan, Kelly Jacobson, Kathleen Hammond, Nancy Hudson
New York Metro: Eva-Michelle Spicer, Mallory Herb, Eve Streicker, Retno Hadiatmodjo
Florida: Victoria Vautherot
Twin Cities: Julie Burkhart-Haid, Mary Kay Mohs, Lisa Christen
Northern California: Kelly Nedderman, Olivia Shih
Los Angeles: Lisa Kim, Harvinder Keila
San Diego: Judy Colbert, Marreena Appleton
Dallas: Diane Eames
Ohio/Kentucky: Megan Powell
Colorado: Andrea Li
Seattle: Samantha Laddin
|