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RAPAPORT... The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) Metro Chapter will host a speed mentoring event at the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) New York campus on April 29. The networking event will provide an opportunity to meet with industry professionals to learn about various vocations in the trade and it is designed for all career levels.
There will be two 20 minute one-on-one sessions for attendees featuring established business owners and group discussions. Maria Tsangaropoulos, WJA's Metro mentorship director, said, “Because of the experience that these professionals bring to the table, it is not just the new people to the industry that benefit. This is an event for any industry professional that has questions or wants to toss around an idea with another pro." WJA has secured the following mentors for the program:
· Gail Brett Levine, GG, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
Expertise: Financial consulting for the jewelry industry. · Jacqueline Cassaway, Helzberg Diamonds
Expertise: retail and merchandising, maximizing your sales in a competitive market. · Peggy Jo Donahue, Donahue & Associates and MJSA
Expertise: all areas of communications (social media, resume writing), jewelry making/custom design questions, responsible practices issues in the industry supply chain (ethical, social, environmental). · Ted Doudak, Riva Jewelry Manufacturing
Expertise: starting a new business, and manufacturing with technology. · Greg Falkner, Carrera Casting
Expertise: CAD/CAM, manufacturing and management. · Deidre Featherstone, Featherstone Design
Expertise: jewelry design. · Cecilia Gardner, Jewelers Vigilance Committee
Expertise: Legal issues and responsible practices. · Myriam Gumuchian, Gumuchian Fils
Expertise: wholesale jewelry sales, marketing and developing your brand on the global market. · Ilaria Lanzoni, Hearts On Fire
Expertise: design, trends and building a brand. · Barbara Modeste, Chanel
Expertise: building sales and increasing revenue. · Ed Peterson, Kwiat/Fred Leighton
Expertise: product development and production management · Rekha-Leigh Punch, executive operating officer of companies such as Temple St. Clair
Expertise: PD, production and operations. · Billie Sutter, Luxe Alliances
Expertise: strategic alliances and business development. · Frank Tavella, Kwiat/Fred Leighton
Expertise: CAD/CAM, manufacturing and management. · Diane Warga Arias, Jewelry Activist
Expertise: brand development. Round table mentors include Tavella, Falkner, Craig Nass of GIA and Steve Workman of GIA's jewelry manufacturing arts department. The event will be held at GIA from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the International Gem Tower, 50 West 47th Street. For more information, visit the event page: http://www.womensjewelryassociation.com/article.html?aid=518.
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