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WJA's Gala Award Recipients
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The highlight of the WJA Gala: Future of Forty, honors visionary leaders and trailblazers who are currently shaping the future of the trade by driving change, nurturing originality, and sharing resources with the industry. In line with this, the evening will spotlight community champions with a re- envisioned Awards for Excellence presentation.
This year’s fresh approach to the Awards for Excellence celebrated four remarkable individuals driving our industry's transformation, innovation, and influence. These awards honor our industry while embracing the future and the next generation of leaders.
Congratulations to our Award Recipients
The Community Award
Annie E. Doresca, Jewelers of America
Annie E. Doresca is the recipient of the evening’s Community Award, honoring her outstanding dedication to fostering positive change and inclusivity within both the jewelry industry and her local community. As Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Jewelers of America and founding president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, Annie’s work embodies a commitment to service, collaboration, and innovation. Her impact extends to her nine-year tenure on the Baldwin Union Free School Board, where she champions educational excellence, equity, and community upliftment.
Annie’s extensive leadership in nonprofit financial strategy and governance underscores her deep-rooted dedication to ethical, sustainable practices across all her professional and personal endeavors, making her a truly deserving recipient of the award.
The Legacy Award
Alexis Padis, Padis Jewelry
The Legacy Award will honor Alexis Padis, recognizing her family's enduring contribution to the jewelry industry and her next-generation leadership in ensuring its continued success. As President of Padis Jewelry since 2019, Alexis has skillfully navigated the family business through challenging times, most notably during the pandemic, by embracing innovation and an omnichannel approach that has set new benchmarks for the industry. The Legacy Award celebrates businesses like Padis Jewelry, which have spanned multiple generations and made an enduring contribution to the trade. Founded in 1974 by Steve Padis and Judy Padis, the San Francisco-based independent jeweler, Padis Jewelry, has built a reputation for excellence in quality, ethical practices, and community involvement. Judy Padis, co-founder of the business, has been an integral part of any success Padis Jewelry has achieved, playing a crucial role in shaping the company’s values, operations, and community engagement.
Steve and Judy’s daughter Alexis, an AGS Certified Gemologist Appraiser, exemplifies the resilience and strategic vision that are hallmarks of the award. Her dedication to upholding the values of the independent jeweler, promoting ethical standards, and fostering a culture of continued education has earned her widespread recognition, including the 2021 Young Titleholder of the Year Award and a place among Jewelers of America’s "20 Under 40". Now serving as Board President of the American Gem Society (AGS), Alexis continues to inspire the industry while carrying forward the legacy of her family’s business. Additionally, Alexis’s commitment to philanthropy is reflected in her position on the executive committee board of directors for Jewelers for Children (JFC), showcasing her dedication to supporting the broader community and advocating for causes close to her heart. Her ability to adapt and thrive in changing times makes her a fitting recipient of the award, which honors those whose businesses have set a standard for quality and influence across generations.
The Innovator Award
Grant Mobley, Natural Diamond Council
Grant Mobley will be awarded with the inaugural WJA Innovator Award, a recognition honoring his transformative impact on the jewelry industry through creativity and visionary leadership. As the Jewelry & Watch Editor for Only Natural Diamonds, Mobley has used his platform, and exceptional writing skills, to elevate natural diamonds, showcasing their beauty and global significance. With roots in his family’s retail jewelry business to overseeing diamond sourcing and manufacturing in China and Thailand, and leading sales for a world-leading diamond sightholder, Mobley embodies the experience behind this award.
His gemological knowledge, paired with his passion for sharing their natural wonder, has made him an industry go-to across mainstream media outlets and red-carpet events. Grant’s Instagram following tunes in for a daily dose of education mixed with playfulness, keeping his audience engaged. His exceptional ability to communicate the magic of natural diamonds across media perfectly reflects the spirit of the Innovator Award.
The Kaiser Award
Terry Chandler, Diamond Council of America
His influence extends beyond education, as a champion of ethical standards and a guiding figure in shaping the future of the industry through mentorship and advocacy— consistently supporting organizations, trade shows, and related events with tireless dedication and a collaborative spirit. Terry's commitment to excellence is evident not only in his professional achievements but also in his personal values, supporting his wife Cindy’s career and being actively involved in the Women’s Jewelry Association as a speaker and sponsor. With a reputation for fairness, charm, and a visionary outlook, Terry Chandler embodies the high standards and character that the Kaiser Award celebrates.