The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has announced the addition of five new members to its Board of Directors.
The appointments reflect the organization’s continued efforts to support Black professionals in the gem, jewelry, and watch sectors. The new board members bring backgrounds in business development, communications, international engagement, and corporate leadership.
New Appointments
The following individuals have joined the BIJC Board:
Thomas Davis, Vice President of BIJC and Director of Business Development at Select Jewelry, Inc., and Simone I. Smith have experience across retail, manufacturing, merchandising, and branding. Davis has led collaborations with figures such as designer Korto Momolu and television personality Leeza Gibbons.
“This role represents both responsibility and opportunity, and I look forward to continuing our work to advance equity, visibility, and meaningful change across the jewelry industry,” said Davis.
Monalisa DePina, Secretary of BIJC, is Retail Account Manager for JCK Las Vegas and JIS Miami. DePina has over 20 years of experience in retail and event management.
“Stepping into a BIJC leadership role is both meaningful and humbling. Much of my career has been shaped by the relationships and shared commitment that define this community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back by supporting BIJC’s mission and continued growth,” said DePina.
Jamie Batiste, Communications Chair of BIJC, brings a background in media and over a decade in the jewelry industry. Batiste is the founder of Rejected Hearts Club, a jewelry brand that incorporates personal storytelling.
“Stepping into the role of Communications Chair for Black in Jewelry Coalition is deeply meaningful to me. I’m excited to amplify the voices, stories, and impact of Black professionals across our industry while helping BIJC continue to build connection, visibility, and opportunity. This work matters, and I’m honored to contribute to the growth ahead,” said Batiste.
Namwezi Nicole Batumike, International Committee Chair, is a Gender and Responsible Sourcing Specialist at Panzi Foundation, a nonprofit based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She has worked on traceable mine-to-market sourcing initiatives and holds degrees from the University of Oxford, the University of Cape Town, and the University of Applied Sciences in Geneva.
“I am deeply honored to join the Board of the Black in Jewelry Coalition and serve as International Committee Chair. I look forward to working with a team committed to meaningful inclusion, shared opportunity, and responsible engagement, and building stronger connections between jewelers, artisans, and mining communities across Africa and its global diasporas,” said Batumike.
Lavina Hunt-Lewis, BIJC Board Member, is Vice President of Regional Operations at Signet Jewelers. Her background includes store-level management, field operations, and involvement in Signet’s Black Employee Network Resource Group.
“I believe a seat at the table belongs to anyone who works for it; the BIJC has created its own table. To be a part of a movement and mission like the BIJC, I find myself in a place of gratitude and also ready to work for a cause that has the ability to close the gap in the jewelry industry,” said Hunt-Lewis.
Strategic Focus
According to BIJC, the new board members will support its national and international programs, including professional development efforts, events, and initiatives to increase access for Black professionals in the jewelry industry.
“Black in Jewelry Coalition was founded on the belief that community is our greatest strength. Welcoming these new board members builds on our ongoing work to strengthen partnerships, deepen representation, and create real, lasting pathways for professional growth across the jewelry, gem, and watch industry,” said Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, President and Co-Founder of BIJC.
