Recipients

"My name is Karina Mogha, and I am an entrepreneur passionate about revolutionizing the jewelry industry. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University and a Graduate Diamonds credential from the Gemological Institute of America. With over 4 years of industry experience, I founded Deilya, a jewelry line that aims to transform the industry by integrating advanced technology. My goal is to modernize operations by developing an app that automates manual, paper-based processes, enhancing efficiency and streamlining workflows in the jewelry industry.
 
I am extremely happy to receive this scholarship as it will help me achieve my goals of enhancing the jewelry industry with advanced technology. This support is crucial in my mission to modernize and revolutionize traditional practices within the industry." - Karina

Lillyana has been designing jewelry since childhood, always dreaming of having her own line.  At 13 she started LaLa Line and has be passionately designing since. 
 
"I am so grateful and honored to receive this scholarship. Utilizing it for the CAD/CAM course at GIA will enhance my skills and contribute to the growth and success of my business." - Lillyana

Priya Raj is a journalist & content strategist from the UK. In her short career thus far she contributed to multiple global publications on fine jewellery and watches, as well as attended numerous local and global jewellery events. Priya has also been featured as a content creator by the BBC, Refinery29 & InStyle magazine. Through her work she aims to demystify the world of jewellery, and is committed to spotlighting the stories of marginalised and underrepresented groups in the industry.

"I am honoured and humbled to have received the first Hedda Schupak-Baum Memorial Media and Communications Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship marks not only a milestone in my career, but also the shifting sands of our industry. I look forward to undertaking the responsibility of amplifying the untold stories of the industry." - Priya

From a mixed cultural background minority (Ukrainian and Peruvian) and a 3-time first generation immigrant, and as a woman older than 35 who returned to education to pursue her passion later in life, I feel so inspired to empower all women to pursue their dreams, aspirations even when they think it’s too late. It’s never too late to succeed! Persistence, dedication and resilience have been my pillars to face all challenges and uncertainties that I met in my journey. This support will significantly alleviate the financial pressures of pursuing my studies and enable me to focus on achieving academic and professional milestones. Your generosity and belief in the value of diverse perspectives and experiences inspire me to continue striving towards excellence and contributing meaningfully to my field.

Oksana Membreno is currently completing her Graduate Gemologist degree at GIA with only 3 courses left to finish her program. She is also currently in the process of obtaining an internship at Meierotto Jewelers, a major local high end retailer with many bench jewelers and experienced gemologists onsite.  She continues to grow her online presence and is working towards building brand collaborations on her social media account. She has projects in conjunction with local jewelers for raising awareness about the field in middle and high schools of underserved communities.

"I am incredibly grateful to the WJA and GIA for their support as I complete my graduate GIA studies. Both WJA and GIA have been at the forefront of making the jewelry industry more diverse and welcoming to all, and I look forward to being able to contribute to this mission and pay it forward." - Abiola

Jain Shaneli 

Christine Lopez is an avid entrepreneur, community leader, and GIA Graduate Gemologist based out of Southern California. She is the co-founder of Gem Surprise Box LLC, a STEM-orientated monthly mineralogical experience for all ages, along with fine jewelry company Golden State Works LLC which has a focus on handmade chain manufacturing and bespoke designs that encapsulate joy. She also teaches the art of gemstone cutting in a fully digital environment. Christine sits on the Program Advisory Committee for the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), served as President of the San Diego Chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) from 2020-2021, and was a Director for the United States Faceting Guild (USFG) from 2020-2023. Christine was elected to receive the 2018 WJA Shining Star Award, chosen as the 2019 College of the Canyons Rising Star Alumni Award, selected for the inaugural UCLA Alumni Bruin Business 100 in 2022, received a WJA Diversity & Inclusion Grant in 2022, and won the 2023 Manifest Grant from Alibaba.com.

Andrea Pooler  

 

JEN. is an accomplished jewelry and fashion designer, holding a Master’s degree in Int. Business specializing in luxury goods management & marketing, along with various certifications including GIA Graduate Gemologist and Accredited Jewelry Professional. As the founder of the GIA Alumni Collective Germany Chapter, she actively fosters collaboration and continued education within her international network.

Under her brand JEN.International, she crafts fine jewelry and exclusive fashion accessories, reflecting her passion, creativity, and attention to detail. From minimalist to maximalist, her pieces cater to diverse lifestyles and occasions, offering custom designs and a collection of convertible jewelry meant for everyday wear.

Committed to responsible production and exceptional craftsmanship, JEN. sources materials attentively, ensuring high-quality hand-made fashion accessories that blend seamlessly with her jewelry creations.
 

 

Melanie Otero Torres, a chemistry graduate from the University of Houston and a USAF veteran, transitioned from her role as an analyst at the Environmental Protection Agency to follow her passion for design, leading to the inception of Verde Luz Jewelry. 

A pivotal experience at JCK Las Vegas and training with a Master Jeweler in Houston ignited a spark, prompting her to create Verde Luz Jewelry which began by offering permanent jewelry as a resourceful means to support her ongoing education in the field.

Currently, Melanie is expanding her expertise through courses at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She's also committed to ethical craftsmanship as she takes part in the Ethical Metalsmiths Emerging Jeweler Program. These experiences are laying the groundwork for her goal: to create a sustainable jewelry line that resonates with her core values. 

 

2024 MEMBER GRANT RECIPIENTS

The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) announced that it has awarded approximately $20,000 in member grants to women across North America. Member Grants are awarded to professional-level, WJA members in good standing, in increments of $500 to be used toward professional growth.

Funds for WJA Member Grants are raised by both the national organization and WJA chapters across  North America.  All applications are reviewed by the WJA Member Grant Committee, chaired by Lauren Johansen, Directory of Membership Strategy and Experience at the American Gem Society. All qualified applicants are entered into random drawing to determine the winners.

A portion of the proceeds from WJA's Conversations in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion series helped to fund six additional WJA member grants this year to specifically support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, +) applicants. 
 

Grant Winners are listed by the WJA Chapter that submitted their names:

• Austin: Christine Fail, Haley Lebeuf, Lorenna Najera*, Hima Yalamanchili*
• Boston: Wendy Jo New
• Chicago: Nancy Hudson
• DMV: Catherine Rudacille, Estelle Vernon
• Los Angeles: Sarah Senzer, Kaitlyn Foster*
• Miami: Tracey Carswell
• NY Metro: Mary Enright, Olga Gonzalez, Delphine Leymarie, Stephanie Maslow Blackman, Tamsin Rasor, AnnMarie Sclafani Stewart
• Northern California: Isabel Dennis, Patricia Lauritzen, Wendy Wagner, Olivia Shih*
• Ohio/Kentucky: Olivia Garcia, Rebecca Weatherford
• Philadelphia: Carly Kent
• Providence: Julia Prout
• San Diego: Jennifer DeMoro, Kathleen Lynagh House, Tammy Tresor*
• Seattle: Rebekah Jaramillo, Amara Palmer-Gould*
• Twin Cities: Julie Burkhart-Haid
• No Chapter Nearby: Veronique Goguen*
  

*Indicates recipient of WJA DEI Member Grant