The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has established the BIJC Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) foundation created to provide education, mentorship, and career development opportunities for youth and underserved communities interested in the jewelry sector.
The initiative is intended to help address labor shortages in the industry, particularly in skilled trades such as bench jeweling. The fund’s programs will offer practical training and broaden access to career pathways for individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to entry in the gem, jewelry, and watch professions.
Malyia McNaughton, G.G., who previously served as President of BIJC, will now lead the BIJC Education Fund. McNaughton is a jewelry designer and GIA Graduate Gemologist with experience in education and workforce development through organisations including AmeriCorps and Club Esteem.
“The jewelry industry is at a critical crossroads,” said McNaughton. “With thousands of skilled bench jeweler positions going unfilled, we’re witnessing a growing gap that threatens the future of American craftsmanship. Our foundation is committed to addressing this labor shortage head-on—by investing in education, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development that will sustain and strengthen the industry for generations to come.”
Partnerships with Schools and Industry Professionals
The BIJC Education Fund is currently working with two high school-based programs under the Future Jewelers Academy initiative: one at the Brooklyn STEAM Center and another at Baldwin High School at Shubert in Long Island. Together, these programs have served more than 30 students and are expected to grow through additional partnerships.
The fund partners with educational institutions and industry professionals to support training and improve access to technical and design-focused roles.
The Education Fund’s Board of Directors includes:
- Adrianne Sanogo, GG, GP – Vice President
- Lisa Jones – Secretary, Vice President of Human Resources, GIA
- Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez – Board Member, Head of North American Development, Responsible Jewelry Council
- Reggie Johnson – Board Member, SVP NA Field HR & Chief Diversity Officer, Signet Jewelers
Leadership Transition at BIJC
In conjunction with the launch of the Education Fund, BIJC has named Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez as its new President. Jenkins-Pérez, formerly the organisation’s Vice President, also leads North American Development for the Responsible Jewelry Council.
“As the Founding Vice President of BIJC, it’s an incredible honor to now serve as President as we enter this exciting next chapter,” said Jenkins-Pérez. “Our theme for this year, ‘Rooted in Community, Rising Together,’ reflects the legacy we’ve built and the future we are shaping.”
Jenkins-Pérez leads a board that includes professionals from across the industry, with roles at organisations including GIA, Amazon, Signet Jewelers, and Select Jewelry Inc.
The current BIJC Board of Directors includes:
- Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, President – Head of North American Development, Responsible Jewelry Council
- Lisa Jones, Secretary – Vice President of Human Resources, GIA
- Donovan Tomlinson, CPA, Treasurer – Partner, SAX LLP
- Nellie Barnett, Communications Chair – Founder of Nellbells Fitness
- Reginald Johnson, Nominations Chair – SVP NA Field Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer, Signet Jewelers
- Adrianne Sanogo, GG, GP, Education Chair
- Miya Owens, Board Member – Corporate Counsel, Amazon
- Lisette Scott, Board Member – Founder of Jam+Rico
- Thomas Davis, Sponsorship Chair – Merchandising and Business Development, Select Jewelry Inc
- Jeffery Bolling, Board Member
- Pat Dambe, Board Member – Executive Secondment: Director of Marketing and Brand Development, Ministry of Minerals and Energy, Botswana
- Malyia McNaughton, G.G., Board Member – past BIJC president
For more information on the BIJC Education Fund and its programs, visit https://futurejewelers.org.
