Twenty outstanding women in six industry categories have been nominated by the Women’s Jewelry Association membership for their 21st Awards for Excellence gala to be held July 25 at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, New York City.
The awards recognize the accomplishments and milestones of women in the jewelry industry. Winners are selected by member ballots. The results are announced at the gala event, creating suspenseful excitement for nominees and the 600 WJA members and industry guests who attend the annual event.
This year’s nominees are:
Design: Cathy Carmendy, jewelry designer, Cathy Carmendy; Judith Ripka, chairperson/CEO, Judith Ripka; Robin Garin, VP of design and merchandising, Verigold, Inc.
Manufacturer/Dealer/Supplier for Fine Jewelry and Watches: Gena Alulis, CEO and co-founder, Superfit, Inc.; Elsa Martinez-Phillips, president and co-owner, Roberto Martinez, Inc.; Joy Toback-Galicki, co-owner and VP of manufacturing; Rachel Wertheimer, executive VP, JewelAmerica, Inc.
Retail: Sissy Jones, CEO, Sissy’s Log Cabin; Laurie Kirkman, senior buyer, Ben Bridge Jewelers; Laura Stanley, VP, Stanley Jewelers Gemologists.
Sales & Marketing: Carol Brodie, global director of communications, Harry Winston; Terri Eagle, COO, David Yurman; Pat Henneberry, Regional Sales Manager, JCK; Marilyn Liebman, Account Executive, AJM.
Editorial/Reporting/Publishing: Carmen Borgonovo, accessories director and editor, W, and W Jewelry; Victoria Gomelsky, senior editor, National Jeweler; Amber Michelle, editor-in-chief, Rapaport Diamond Report.
Special Services & Education: Jenny Luker, director of trade relations, Platinum Guild International-USA; Charlotte Preston, president, Charlotte Preston Catalysts; Irene Spector, VP-Diamond and Jewelry Group, J.P. Morgan Chase.
The “WJA Hall of Fame”awardee, Mary Forté, president and CEO of Zale Corp., was previously announced.
Tickets for the event are $210 for members and $250 for non-members, available by calling WJA headquarters at 973-575-7190 or online at www.womensjewelry.org.
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
