WJA Awards $9,700 in Member Grants

By Staff -- JCK Online, 4/1/2004 2:00:00 AM

The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) Member Grant Program recently awarded $9,700 to 19 of its members. The program aims to provide a financial contribution for ongoing education that will empower women in the jewelry, watch, and related industries. Member grants are available to all female WJA members.

Funds for the grants came from the proceeds of WJA's silent auction held during its annual Awards for Excellence celebration in July 2003 as well as from the contributions of companies and individuals who support WJA's mission: Borsheim's Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Omaha, Neb.; Charles & Colvard, Morrisville, N.C.; Myron Tobak Inc., New York; and Movado Inc., Paramus, N.J.

In addition, WJA's New England, Midwest, and San Diego chapters contributed funds so that more of their chapter members might benefit from the educational grants.

Member grants are worth up to $500, although in some cases chapters double this by matching the national grant.

WJA grant recipients for 2003 included Sara Beck, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Susan Hansen, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Angela Hedges, New Rochelle, N.Y.; Bianca Kawecki, Los Angeles; Michele Pealer, Rochester, N.Y.; Yaffa Weisel, New York; Julia Behrends, Needham, Mass.; Kristen Darrow, Southborough, Mass.; Amanda Doumato, Greenville, R.I.; Judith Lee, Providence, R.I.; Mary Walek, Providence, R.I.; Deborah Harvazinski, San Diego; Jennifer O'Connor, Carlsbad, Calif.; Jayne Schultz, San Diego; Peggy Tsiamis, Carlsbad, Calif.; Karen Sandberg-Capps, Skokie, Ill.; Mega Watts, Northbrook, Ill.; Kimberly Zuzenak Westerhold, Omaha, Neb.; and Davena Liepman, The Woodlands, Texas.

WJA also provides scholarships to students enrolled in jewelry study programs.

WJA, founded in 1983, is the preeminent association of professional women in the jewelry, watch, and related businesses. Through the national organization, headquartered in New York City, and a network of nine regional chapters, members benefit from educational and networking opportunities, scholarships, design competitions, and recognition programs, such as its annual Awards of Excellence Dinner. For more information call (973) 575-7190 or visit www.womensjewelry.org.

For information on member grants and student scholarships contact Gillian Schultz, WJA Scholarship Program Chair, Metronet Safe & Sound, 67 E. Madison St., #265, Chicago, IL 60603.