The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) is embarking on a transformative year in 2026, rolling out a suite of strategic partnerships and programs. These initiatives are meticulously designed to bolster professional growth, foster mentorship opportunities, and cultivate a strong sense of community among women navigating the dynamic landscapes of the jewelry and watch sectors. This forward-looking agenda is complemented by a comprehensive brand revitalization, signaling WJA's contemporary trajectory and ongoing evolution within the industry.
Gabrielle Grazi, the Executive Chair of the Women’s Jewelry Association, emphasized the organization's enduring commitment to empowering women by creating avenues for advancement, connection, and leadership. She highlighted that these new collaborations are a testament to that commitment, aiming to broaden leadership development pathways, establish structured mentorship programs, and deepen community engagement. The ultimate goal is to equip women at every professional stage with the essential resources, guidance, and networking capabilities crucial for sustained success. The WJA is actively channeling sponsorship funds into programs specifically designed to cultivate the skills and capacities of women poised to become future leaders and contributors in the jewelry and watch industry.
A cornerstone of WJA's 2026 strategy is the alliance with Luminary, a leading initiative that will provide curated programming centered on leadership readiness and peer networking. As a significant benefit, WJA's Professional, Global, and Business Members will gain exclusive access to Luminary's offerings. This collaborative effort was officially inaugurated with a virtual fireside chat on January 14, 2026. The discussion featured prominent figures such as Luminary Founder Cate Luzio, WJA President and Executive Chair Gabrielle Grazi, and Mariana S. Russo, the NYC Metro Mentorship Chair and Founder of Cut + Clarity.
Cate Luzio, CEO and Founder of Luminary, underscored the profound impact of community in stimulating both personal and professional advancement. She expressed Luminary's pride in supporting WJA members through this partnership, which extends access to educational resources, diverse programming, robust networks, and vital tools. These provisions are tailored to enable members to flourish across all phases of their careers and entrepreneurial ventures. The collaboration between WJA and Luminary exemplifies a shared vision for empowering women to achieve their full potential within the industry.
Further enriching WJA's commitment to development, the WJA x Mentoro partnership is set to launch a cohort-based mentorship experience. This program is specifically designed for industry professionals, offering personalized one-to-one mentorship alongside engaging leadership workshops. The initiative will kick off with an exclusive cocktail event and executive panel discussion in March 2026. Aspiring mentees are encouraged to apply, with the application window closing on February 12, 2026. The program boasts an impressive roster of mentors, comprising esteemed professionals from across the jewelry, watch, and supporting industries, ready to share their expertise and insights.
Sandra Abi-Rashed, Co-Founder of Mentoro, eloquently articulated the philosophy behind their collaboration, stating that mentorship, in its simplicity, offers a powerful means of giving back. She emphasized the natural synergy between Mentoro and the Women's Jewelry Association, founded on the shared conviction that authentic leadership involves imparting knowledge to future generations. Together, they are forging meaningful pathways for seasoned executives to transmit their invaluable experiences and wisdom, while simultaneously empowering young professional women in the industry to ascend with confidence, guided by expert counsel and a clear sense of purpose.
In alignment with its evolving mission, the WJA has also unveiled a modernized brand identity, featuring a refreshed website. This contemporary visual overhaul reflects the organization's forward momentum and solidifies its standing as a premier professional resource for women across the jewelry and watch sectors. The website serves as a central hub for members and prospective members, offering streamlined access to information and resources.
Beyond these pivotal collaborations, WJA is also enhancing its community leadership framework, investing in robust digital and communication infrastructures, and broadening its virtual programming offerings. These efforts complement the ongoing educational initiatives, scholarships, grants, and internships managed through the WJA Foundation. This comprehensive strategic groundwork, established in 2025, aims to propel the organization into its next phase of growth and impact within the industry.
The suite of initiatives for 2026, including the Luminary and Mentoro partnerships and the brand refresh, signifies WJA's proactive approach to supporting women in the jewelry and watch industries. By expanding access to development, mentorship, and community resources, the organization reinforces its dedication to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment where women can thrive and lead.