MELISSA WOLFGANG
Melissa Wolfgang
Melissa Wolfgang is the Co-founder of the nonprofit association The Glitterati, aimed to create synergy amongst women in the jewellery and watch space through support, education, and mentorship. “We felt there was a need to create community and synergy amongst women in the watch and jewellery industries. There was a real need for solidarity amongst women,” explained Wolfgang.
The gem and jewellery industry is notoriously known to be dynastic where knowledge and savoirfaire are often passed down from one generation to the next. Wolfgang, a 6th generation precious gems and jewellery dealer, described that “creating The Glitterati was also a way to give back to other women. This was particularly important to me as I have been very privileged in my career.”
Wolfgang believes that gender equality, and specifically, diversity, can be improved in every industry. “Tolerance, whether it be for women, racial diversity, or LGBTQ issues should be met with inclusivity, compassion, and tolerance across the board. It’s 2021! This is a global issue, not only pertaining to the jewellery industry,” she explained. “I think the #Metoo movement has shone a very bright light on things that had been problems for a long time and has led to a louder call to action.”
Wolfgang supports members of The Glitterati in various ways, by providing mentorship, advisory, and education. “Whether it be through the quarterly newsletter or webinars with special guests, I love being able to connect people together who can potentially help one another, personally or professionally.”
Sustainability, ethics, and inclusivity are big topics. According to Wolfgang, although there are many tools available, “the background or ability to comprehend the language and terminology is not given to all. I hope this becomes more fluid so that others can learn and apply these practices.”
“I THINK THE #METOO MOVEMENT HAS SHONE A VERY BRIGHT LIGHT ON THINGS THAT HAD BEEN PROBLEMS FOR A LONG TIME AND HAS LED TO A LOUDER CALL TO ACTION.”
– Melissa Wolfgang
“OUR ORGANIZATION WAS FOUNDED TO PROVIDE WOMEN WITH RESOURCES AND A PLATFORM TO ELEVATE THEIR VOICE. WE ADVANCE THE PROFESSIONAL GROWTH OF OUR MEMBERS THROUGH LEADERSHIP TRAINING, NETWORKING AND MENTORSHIP.”
– Jennifer Markas
Jennifer Markas of The Women’s Jewellery Association (WJA)
It all started from a small group of women with a belief that women networking with each other could change the world. For over 35 years, the Women’s Jewellery Association (WJA) has grown into a premier empowerment organisation for women with over twenty chapters around the US and worldwide. Today, it has become ubiquitous in the jewellery world for being the biggest advocates for addressing the industry’s gender imbalance.
At the helm of this organisation is Jennifer Markas, the Executive Director of the Women’s Jewellery Association, Inc., “Our organization was founded to provide women with resources and a platform to elevate their voice. We advance the professional growth of our members through leadership training, networking and mentorship.”
The WJA is also deeply committed to embracing and celebrating diversity. “We recognize that many professionals, including women of colour and the LGBTQIA+ community, have been left out of decision-making processes and left behind when it comes to their advancement in our industry.” WJA launched a dedicated Diversity Committee in January 2020 to help set strategic goals for their community. They regularly host conversations and share how they can best support professionals and grow diverse talent in the jewellery sector.
The WJA is continuously working to make it easier for women to grow their leadership skills, gain access to capital to support their businesses and education and connect with industry professionals. “One of our goals is to build more empathy across our organization and the industry overall, and we look forward to continuing this important work with the support of our board, our members, and our partners.”