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Meeting new people and forming meaningful business relationships is the hallmark of the Women's Jewelry Association and its world-wide network of members.

Providence

Pictured, from left:
Programming VP: Julia Prout
Chapter Sponsorship: Susan Derouin
Treasurer: Maureen Murphy
Immediate Past President: Kerilyn Rodi, Armbrust International
Membership VP: Joanne Gadwah, JMT Epoxy
President: Christine McDermott, Tri-Bro Manufacturing
At Large: Regina Ciarleglio, Jewelers of America
Communications VP: Jaclyn St. Laurent (not pictured)

PROVIDENCE CHAPTER NEWS

2020 Shining Star : Susan Derouin

Our Vice President of Sponsorship and Fundraising, Susan is instrumental in bringing in support for our chapter that allows us to keep our exceptional events affordable - and often free - for members. Susan has spent her entire career in jewelry in one facet or another, including more than 20 years in retail jewelry management for Zale Corporation, 10 years in refining and recycling precious metals and diamonds, and four years in manufacturing. Today, she is an independent consultant for Touchstone. "Without certain people in my life, I wouldn't be where I am today," says Susan. "Most important is my son. He does for me what I cannot do, and I am super proud of him."

ABOUT THE PROVIDENCE CHAPTER

The Providence Chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association empowers women to achieve their highest personal and professional goals in the international jewelry, watch and related businesses. Members benefit from educational and networking opportunities, mentorship, scholarships, grants, design competitions and recognition programs.

Each year, we host two signature events: Providence Jewelry Night Out, a celebration of women in our industry held in concert with WJA chapters around the world, and our Annual Holiday Party. In 2019, we also offered a wide array of educational and networking events to empower women and foster community in the local jewelry industry. Those included a paint and wine night; several Rock Your Network cocktail parties; a spring In the Know featuring a guided walking tour of Providence’s Historic Jewelry District; and a fall In the Know, featuring a tour of the Gorham Silver exhibit at the RISD museum, followed by a cocktail party and expert speaker at the University Club. In 2020, our focus shifted to virtual events, such as a Halloween Bingo and a holiday recipe swap.

While we continued to focus on virtual events in the first half of 2021, we were thrilled to welcome you back in person for Jewelry Night Out in September and a tour of the Providence Jewelry Museum in November. We will be planning a full slate of events for 2022. If you ever have any suggestions or questions, please feel free to reach out to any one of our board members.

Because of our affiliation with the national WJA, our members can take advantage of numerous scholarship and grant opportunities. Since 1996, the WJA has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to students in some of the best jewelry programs in the country. These include Fashion Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and Rhode Island School of Design.

CONTACT & Follow US

ProvidenceChapter@womensjewelryassociation.com