Anna Stella, Founder of global outsourcing marketing agency BBSA, has won the Stevie® Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Services – 11 to 2,500 Employee category in the 20th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Anna Stella has won the Stevie® Best Female Entrepreneur in Business Services in the 20th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run– worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world’s premier business award.
More than 1,600 entries were submitted this year for consideration in more than 100 categories, including Entrepreneur of the Year, Executive of the Year, Company of the Year, Startup of the Year, Women Helping Women, and Women Run Workplace of the Year. Anna Stella, BBSA, won the Best Female Entrepreneur category for 11 to 2,500 Employees.
“Vision gets the dreams started, but it takes consistency to keep going.” Says Anna Stella, “The world needs more women entrepreneurs, and it’s energizing to see the potential of female entrepreneurs recognized by the Stevies Awards today.”
Maggie Miller, president of the Stevie Awards, said, “In its 20th year, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business received an outstanding body of nominations from women in organizations of all types in 26 nations. We are gratified by how meaningful it is to women to win a Stevie Award and how impactful it can be on the futures of their careers and their organizations.”
Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of winners in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Women.
About BBSA
BBSA was founded in 2012 by Anna Stella, a multi award-winning professional and academic with global marketing experience. With a strong background in services marketing, B2C, B2B, and nonprofit, Anna has a proven ability to lead marketing, business development, and product initiatives that deliver major revenue growth. Anna started her career at Volkswagen AG in Germany and has worked on over 2,100 marketing projects. For more information, visit www.bbsa-marketing.com
About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. A ninth program, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence, will debut in 2024. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.
There are nearly five million veterans that have a service-related disability. In addition, an estimated 30% of first responders will suffer a physical or stress-related injury while serving.
“While eligible for a variety of public and private support programs, these individuals also deserve our support for their sacrifice,” continued Exeter. “We choose benefactor organizations on the basis of the quality of their outreach and the proportion of contributions that reach eligible recipients,” he added.
Exeter cited the company’s core values as a driver for its program of giving, particularly the core value of accountability.
“If we ask our employees to take responsibility for their actions and their impact on our clients, as a company we must also act responsibly when it comes to our community,” he explained. “We are grateful for the success we have enjoyed over our 20 years, and we want to share that success through corporate giving that touches those most in need.”
About The Exeter Group of Companies
The Exeter Group of Companies includes businesses that offer diversified financial services designed to help investors build and preserve wealth through various tax deferral or tax exclusion strategies.
Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC is headquartered in San Diego, California, and serves as a Qualified Intermediary. Exeter 1031 administers Forward, Reverse, Improvement and Zero-Equity 1031 Exchange transactions nationwide, and is one of the few Qualified Intermediaries that has any kind of regulatory oversight.
Exeter Trust Company is headquartered in Cheyenne, Wyoming and is licensed, regulated, and audited by the Wyoming Division of Banking. Exeter Trust administers separate, segregated, dual-signature Qualified Trust Accounts for 1031 Exchange transactions, IRAs and Individual 401(k) Plans with an emphasis in non-traditional or alternative assets, Title Holding Trusts (Land Trusts), Specialty Holding Escrows and Custody Services.
Exeter Asset Services Corporation is headquartered in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and services as an Exchange Accommodation Titleholder. Exeter Asset acquires and holds, or “parks” legal title to real property for investors’ Reverse and Improvement 1031 Exchange transactions. Exeter Asset Services Corporation administers safe and non-safe harbor Reverse and Improvement 1031 Exchange strategies.
Dana Hetrick, President of Lucas Commercial Flooring and chair of the Kansas City Young Enterprising Women Mentoring Forum stated, “It’s exciting to bring this to Kansas City’s next generation of women leaders. The programming was incredible, and our committee’s hearts are full after hearing the wonderful conversations that were held between the students and mentors and witnessing how committed these young women are to setting and achieving career goals”.
The following Kansas City non-profit and for-profit women business leaders served as panelists, mentors and/or committee members:
Christian Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens
Audrey Navarro, Clemons Real Estate
Rebecca Stowe, Design Supply Doors
Michele Markham, EAG Advertising & Marketing
Jeanette Prenger, ECCO Select
Erin Merrill, Eskie & Associates
Julie Pierce, Henderson Engineers
Ava Amirahmadi, International Architects
Nina Kimbrough Johnson, Johnson County Christmas Bureau
Dana Hetrick, Lucas Commercial Flooring Group
Arielle Nash, the Nash Group
Elizabeth McFadden, Novella Brandhouse
Asia Jones, ReStart, Inc.
Leslie Kohlmeyer, Show Me KC Schools
Maria Landoni, Sur Landscape Architecture
Michelle Suter, Suter Commercial Law
At the conclusion of the event, four students were awarded scholarships to attend the Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration & Conference in Orlando, Florida in April, 2024, for networking, workshops, and leadership training with women entrepreneurs. These students were selected by school leaders out of the nearly 100 girls that attended from DeLaSalle, Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy, Ewing Marion Kauffman School, and Lincoln College Preparatory Academy.
Kansas City’s first annual Young Enterprising Women Mentoring Forum was sponsored by EAG Advertising & Marketing and WWMB 2018, NAWBO Kansas City, ECCO Select, Lucas Commercial Flooring, and Show Me KC Schools, in coordination with the Young Enterprising Women Foundation and Institute of Consumer Money Management.
About Enterprising Women Foundation
The Enterprising Women Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization and sister organization of Enterprising Women magazine, is hosting a series of mentoring events around the U.S. to connect outstanding high school girls with an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) with outstanding women entrepreneurs in their local community. Learn more at https://www.enterprisingwomenfoundation.org/.
Media Contact
Dana Hetrick, Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc., 1 8167527091, [email protected]
Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Kansas for 2023
NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Kansas for 2023. Frequently referred to as the epitome of the American heartland, there is no shortage of reasons to fall in love with Kansas. As many people know, the state is famous for being the air and wheat capital of the world, a prominent beef supplier, and Dorothy’s home state in The Wizard of Oz. But what some may not realize is how much Kansas’s economy is flourishing. In addition to its strong agriculture sector, the state also benefits from a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, energy, military, finance, manufacturing, and real estate, among others.
Central to this booming economy, there has been a notable rise in the representation of women in leadership positions, especially within leading companies located in Wichita and Topeka. Women now occupy prominent roles across diverse sectors, introducing fresh perspectives, innovative concepts, and inclusive decision-making approaches. This not only enhances organizational effectiveness but also fosters a more dynamic and thriving economy for the state of Kansas.
Among the honorees for this year, we have Rochelle Stringer, who serves as the General Counsel overseeing North, Central, and South America operations for Huhtamaki. In this capacity, Stringer is responsible for the management of all legal and corporate compliance affairs for 21 manufacturing facilities, encompassing approximately 4,500 employees and generating $1.5 billion in sales.
Another notable awardee is Raechel Peters, the President of BenefitsMe. With a background deeply rooted in marketing, Peters has garnered recognition from the Wichita Business Journal as a nominee for the 40 Under 40 award and is now a distinguished member of the 2023-2024 WBJ Career Women cohort. This year’s honors also extend to Pamela Breuckmann, who currently holds the positions of CEO and President at Ferrell Capital. Prior to her tenure at Ferrell in 2007, Breuckmann served as the Chief Financial Officer for a specialty finance company with a $500 million loan portfolio.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Kansas for 2023.
Taryn Owen (TrueBlue), Tracey Biles (Ascension), Jane Mandigo (Swiss Re), Laura Lopez (American Heart Association | American Stroke Association), Olivia Law-Delrosso (Building Belonging Consulting), Michelle Boylan (Veterans Administration), Janet Thompson (CBIZ), Vanessa Zambo (Terracon), Julianna Rieschick, RN, MSN, NEA-BC (Providence Medical Center), Jennifer Lindsey (Corbion), Sheryl Wagner (Terracon), Wendy Hill (Netsmart), Lynne Murray (Baker University), Pamela Breuckmann (Ferrell Capital), Dawn Hill (Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care), Christina Beaird (Professional Engineering Consultants), Cori Kohlmeier (Advantage Marketing), Min. Nina Shaw-Woody (Kansas Family Advisory Network), Betsy Sears (ExamOne, a Quest Diagnostics Co.), Raechel Peters (BenefitsMe), Mahathi Reddy (A Golden World Inc.), April Shellhouse (Pfizer), Kelly Hancox (Garmin International), B. Jan Middendorf, PhD (Kansas State University), Marcia Hornung (Kansas State University), and many others.
Women We Admire provides news and information on today’s women leaders in business, entertainment, sports, motherhood, medicine, law, and many other fields. We cover a broad range of topics and areas of interest aimed at recognizing the achievements of exceptional women while inspiring others to aim high and continue their journey towards reaching their full potential. Women We Admire and its affiliates circulate its content to over 32,000 individuals and businesses.
Although hundreds of franchises offer incentives or discounted fees to entice veterans to join their system, Entrepreneur’s Top Franchises for Veterans ranking recognizes the organizations that truly offer the best overall opportunities for veterans interested in becoming franchisees. Each of the 150 franchises to make the 2023 list was selected based on their veteran incentive, how veteran franchisees are attracted to and supported by their company, and how each company scored in the 2023 Franchise 400.
“We are immensely proud to be recognized as a Top Franchise for Veterans for the sixth consecutive year,” stated Paula Pizarro, Senior VP of Franchise Development at PrideStaff. “Veterans bring tremendous assets to our organization, including leadership, teamwork, and a dedication to excellence. These qualities align perfectly with our core values and contribute to the success of our franchise system.
“We are proud to help those who have served our country reach their career and financial goals,” continued Pizarro. “Military veterans have chosen franchise opportunities with PrideStaff for years because of our strong back office support, proven business model, and discounted franchise fees. We remain steadfast in Our Mission to ‘Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most,’ using our national resources, industry-leading technology, and organizational agility to help veterans from all branches of the military achieve career success within our brands.”
About PrideStaff PrideStaff operates over 85 offices in North America to serve more than 5,000 clients. With 40 plus years in the staffing business and headquartered in Fresno, CA, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide, commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated’s prestigious Best of Staffing 10-Year Diamond Awards five years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.
For more information on our services, or for staffing franchise information, click here.
Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Tennessee for 2023
NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Tennessee for 2023. When people envision Tennessee, they typically associate it with its delectable fried cuisine, renowned whiskey, and a rich musical heritage that birthed various genres such as country, blues, and rock. The state is also the proud host of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most frequented national park in the U.S., welcoming over 12 million visitors annually. However, Tennessee offers much more than these well-known aspects, including a diverse and thriving economy. Notably, the area houses several major corporations, such as FedEx, the world’s largest courier company, and AutoZone, the largest retailer of automotive parts in the country.
Fortunately, there has been a significant evolution within Tennessee’s wide range of industries, marked by an increasing focus on women assuming leadership roles. This positive development signifies not only progress in the quest for gender equality but also underscores the invaluable contributions women have made across the various sectors that drive economic health for the Volunteer State — and beyond. In fact, some of the recipients of this year’s accolades are associated with well-known brands in the country, including FedEx, AT&T, Dollar General, and others.
This year’s honorees include Stacy Mill, the VP of IT and CISO at Nashville Electric Service. Globally recognized for her leadership and and technical vision, Mill is accountable for all IT strategy and execution across corporate systems including cybersecurity for the 11th largest public utility in the U.S. Awardee Nicole Bulgarino is an EVP for Ameresco, supporting the company’s mission to mitigate climate change and energize a more sustainable world. An industry veteran with 25 years of experience, Bulgarino’s numerous accomplishments include overseeing the development and implementation of over $3 billion of sustainable solutions in federal and government energy projects.
Lastly, we have the CHRO for Ardent Health Services, Carolyn Schneider, who has worked in the private equity-backed and investor-owned health system sectors throughout her entire career. This includes spending a decade at Capella Healthcare, which consistently received Best Place to Work designations from Modern Healthcare, Becker’s Review, The Oklahoman, and The Tennessean, all while under Schneider’s leadership.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Tennessee for 2023.
Jill Brannon (FedEx), Joelle Phillips (AT&T Tennessee), Emily Taylor (Dollar General), Sara Correa (Bridgestone Americas), Rosslyn Cooper (WSP), Staci Jackson (LPL Financial), Deb Kirinovic (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – ALSAC), Lisa Stinnett (Inhabit®), Pamela Owen (Gallagher), Abby Hamm (Covenant), Lashell Vaughn (Memphis Light, Gas and Water), Cici Ebersole (Ducks Unlimited), Stacy Mill (Nashville Electric Service), Patricia Bible (KaTom Restaurant Supply, INC), Donna Jones (AdvoCap Insurance Agency, Inc.), Julie Henderson (Data Facts), Laura Deleot (Circa Creative Studios), Jennifer Outland (Rand Property Management), Monica Gawet (Tennessee Marble Company), Sherri Brooks (Baptist Memorial Health Care), Michelle Rigsby (Advocate Capital, Inc.), Alexa Voytek (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation), Katherine Briefs (RenUSA.org), Marian Matthis (Blackbird Studio), and many others.
Women We Admire provides news and information on today’s women leaders in business, entertainment, sports, motherhood, medicine, law, and many other fields. We cover a broad range of topics and areas of interest aimed at recognizing the achievements of exceptional women while inspiring others to aim high and continue their journey towards reaching their full potential. Women We Admire and its affiliates circulate its content to over 32,000 individuals and businesses.
The Veterans Ticket Program will allow veterans and active members of the U.S. military with valid documentation to receive two complimentary tickets to select Florida Blue Classical, Paysafe Pops, Concert Organ and Symphony in 60 concerts. Two additional tickets can also be purchased at a reduced price of $15 each.
“We are proud to partner with the Jacksonville Symphony in extending a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our brave active military personnel and veterans through the gift of music,” said Joe Hinrichs, CSX President and Chief Executive Officer. “At CSX, we take immense pride in our commitment to those who have served our nation, and this collaboration with the Jacksonville Symphony is a meaningful extension of our ‘Pride in Service’ initiative. By providing free tickets to the Symphony, we hope to create unforgettable moments for our military families in the Jacksonville area, bringing the joy of music into their lives as a token of our deep appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication to our country.”
To take advantage of this program, participating members must contact the Box Office by either visiting in person, calling 904.354.5547 or emailing [email protected]. Documentation of U.S. military active duty or veteran status must be proved in one of three ways:
Physically present the ID at the Box Office located at 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
About the Jacksonville Symphony The Jacksonville Symphony is North Florida’s leading music nonprofit offering live performances at Jacoby Symphony Hall in the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and other venues throughout the area. Led by President and CEO Steven Libman and Music Director Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony reaches over 113,000 individuals through over 125 performances each season. In addition, the Symphony provides music instruction for youth and operates the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras. For more information about the Symphony, visit JaxSymphony.org.
CSG Provides a Forward Permanent Loan Commitment to The Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village Community which will Provide Affordable Housing to Veterans and Disabled Individuals
CLEARWATER, Fla., Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Churchill Stateside Group, LLC (CSG), a real estate and renewable energy financial services company, is pleased to announce the closing and groundbreaking of Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village, a new affordable housing construction development in Detroit, Michigan. Benjamin O. Davis will provide essential affordable housing and supportive services for both homeless veterans and residents with disabilities. Churchill provided an unfunded forward permanent loan commitment totaling $3,145,000, via Churchill’s Forward Permanent Loan program. Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village will provide 50 one-bedroom apartments. Half of these units will be dedicated to permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, with a specific emphasis on assisting veterans. The remaining 25 units will be available for residents with disabilities. To ensure accessibility for all, project-based vouchers from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Detroit Housing Commission will guarantee that each resident pays no more than 30% of their monthly income towards rent.
Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village is the outcome of a partnership between leaders in affordable housing, behavioral health, and veteran healthcare. Residents will have access to an array of resources, including therapeutic services, nursing services, substance abuse assistance, adult case management, hospital liaison services, mental health services, and employment services. In 2021, approximately 1,120 individuals in the Detroit Continuum of Care were identified as part of the chronically homeless population. This classification applies to individuals who have received a long-term disabling diagnosis and have experienced homelessness four or more times within the past three years, or have been continuously homeless for a year due to a disabling condition.
Dan Duda, Senior Vice President and National Director of Originations and Acquisitions for CSG, said, “Churchill Mortgage Investment is excited to provide an unfunded forward commitment of a $3,145,000 permanent loan on Benjamin O. Davis Veteran Village. The vision of RAD Conversion Specialists LLC, Communities of Hope, and Central City Health, to help end veteran homelessness, is outstanding and much needed in the community. We are very thankful to be a financing partner and looking forward to successful construction of the community.”
The development will boast an array of fantastic unit amenities, such as walk-in closets, dishwashers, central air conditioning, intercoms, and self-cleaning ovens. Building amenities will include an interior camera system, administrative office, two 100-square-foot supportive service offices, an elevator, five units accessible to individuals with physical disabilities, a spacious 1,300 square foot accessible community room, a dining room, a kitchen, a resident lounge, a barber/beauty shop, an exercise room, and both an indoor bike rack and an outdoor patio. Construction for Benjamin O. Davis Veterans Village is already underway, with lease-up anticipated to occur by August 2025.
Keith Gloeckl, Chief Executive Officer of CSG, added, “The Benjamin O. Davis multifamily affordable housing complex is a much-needed facility serving veterans and homeless in the Detroit area. Churchill and our capital partners are pleased to be able to provide financing for this critical need of housing for veterans with long-term health needs. This project honors Benjamin O. Davis JR., who was commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airman and the first African American to become a general in the US Air Force.”
For more information about CSG’s multifamily finance programs and services, please contact Dan Duda, SVP and National Director of Originations and Acquisitions, at (727) 415-9556 or via email at [email protected].
About Churchill Stateside Group Churchill Stateside Group and its wholly owned affiliates (CSG) serve the affordable housing and commercial renewable energy industries. CSG sponsors tax credit equity investment funds for institutional investors and provides a variety of construction, permanent, and bond financing solutions. With over $6 Billion of assets under management, CSG has long-standing and successful investment relationships with numerous corporate investors. The company’s investor and developer clients benefit from our experienced staff, prominent and proactive senior leadership, and attractive debt and equity platforms. The company, through its subsidiary Churchill Mortgage Investment LLC (CMI), is an approved USDA Rural Development and HUD/FHA MAP and LEAN lender and Ginnie Mae Issuer, seller and servicer.
“This event will be one of our most memorable of the year. Here, in our Nation’s Capital, we draw together our greatest supporters, patrons, partners, and of course, the veterans we serve to salute to the great sacrifices our service men and women have made while protecting our freedom. Their brave pursuits deserve our deepest gratitude, as well as our service in return. Events like Salute to SOF allow us to better serve our veterans—increasing our reach, growing our programs, and ultimately improving the post-service lives of these men and women and their families,” said THF CEO Matt Stevens of the event.
The event comes at a time when gaps in the traditional transition programs offered to SOF veterans transitioning out of the military are becoming more evident. Many post-9/11 Special Operators are nearing retirement age, and there is a pressing need to better ensure that they have fulfilling lives after their military careers. The funds raised at Salute to SOF will help THF reach even more of these veterans with their proprietary program.
The Honor Foundation (THF) is a career transition program for U.S. Special Operations Forces that effectively translates their elite military service to the private sector and helps create the next generation of corporate and community leaders. It achieves this through a three-month program which provides tailored executive education, one-on-one coaching, and access to a nationwide professional network. This program was built by the desire to serve others with honor for life, so that their next mission is always clear and continues to impact the world. Every step is dedicated to preparing these outstanding men and women to continue to realize their maximum potential during and after their service career. The Honor Foundation has 2,200+ graduates to date and has campuses in San Diego, CA; Virginia Beach, VA; Camp Lejeune, NC; Fort Liberty, NC; Eglin, FL; Tampa, FL; JBLM, WA; Fort Campbell, TN and a virtual program (THFv). The Navy SEAL Foundation is a Founding Partner of The Honor Foundation.
About Surefox North America
Surefox North America is a security consulting firm founded in 2016 by combat veterans who saw an industry-wide need for the planning, skills, and support veterans could provide. Our mission is to provide security solutions tailored to individual client needs with discretion, integrity, and professionalism. Our diverse team of professionals has built an inclusive community and culture that differentiates us from our competitors and has directly established Surefox’s personnel retention rate as one of the highest in the security industry. Because of our tenured and skilled team, our clients receive the highest level of professionalism and attention they need to protect their most vulnerable assets.
“The most beautiful part of the evening was seeing WJA members, leaders, founders, and friends celebrating old friendships and forging new ones. When we come together as an industry, we do great things, we create opportunities, and we continue to build our legacy. Thank you all for your support and your presence at our 40th Anniversary Gala. The work we do raising funds for the association and foundation nonprofits is powerful, meaningful, and the key to a brighter future. As we look to 2024, your support remains pivotal to reach more members. Please join us as a member, corporate member, or angel sponsor!” says Susan Chandler, WJA President and Chief Merchandising Officer for Citizen Watch America.
The elevated cocktail reception, featuring gourmet delights presented by Major Food Group, left guests delighted and satisfied. Acclaimed performers, including harpist Lexie Lowell by Élan Artists, a percussionist, duo aerialists by Astarte Creative, and the urban rhythm musicians Drumadics by Élan Artists, provided an unforgettable experience. Astarte Creative dazzled with a glamorous dance act performed to a custom montage of diamond and jewelry-themed tracks— a spellbinding delight with hundreds of crystals and giant burlesque feather fans. Topping off the evening, Lorenzo Laroc entranced all with an electrifying performance on his signature five-string plexiglass electronic violin, playing an array of attractive genres for guests throughout the night. During the evening, current international board members and past presidents were acknowledged for their volunteer work and photographed onstage, while The Pool emanated a sea of dazzling ruby red, from the gowns and jewels of guests in attendance. John Green, President & CEO of Lux Bond & Green, emceed the night with a contagious enthusiasm.
The highlight of the night was the thrilling auction led by Caroline Ervin via Lydia Fenet Agency, showcasing a luxurious five-star corporate retreat package generously provided by Inspirato for Good. The auction raised funds to support the Women’s Jewelry Association International non-profit and its Foundation arm, ensuring women continue to thrive in the industry for generations to come. In addition to the luxurious corporate retreat package provided by Inspirato for Good, a new second priceless experience was unveiled. Generously provided by Balmain, this extraordinary package included a VIP invitation for two to Balmain Paris Fashion Week show (choice of Fall 2024 or Spring 2025), attendance at Balmain’s exclusive party and cocktail reception, a private dinner designed for Balmain’s top clients, and an exclusive opportunity to tour Balmain’s showroom and place a pre-order on the collection. The second auction item also offered a private shopping experience at Balmain’s Madison Ave. flagship store, or a store in the winner’s city. Balmain would close the store for the winner and up to 10 friends to shop for a full look, complete with champagne and styling assistance from a senior sales associate. Additionally, a percentage of sales goes towards a donation.
“We are very grateful to all that came out to celebrate this significant milestone. The energy and the spirit of generosity demonstrated by leaders in our industry further illuminates they believe in all that the WJA does to provide meaningful networking, professional development, and financial support to women in our industry. ‘Belief’ is a powerful motivator, and it was evident in the funds raised for the foundation that the industry truly believes in all that we do,” says Gabrielle Grazi, President of the WJA Foundation and VP, Head Retail Strategy and Partnerships, Natural Diamond Council.
Monica Elias, CEO and Executive Producer of Elias World Media, curated the evening as WJA Gala Event Chair, which celebrated the beauty, creativity, and passion of the jewelry and watch industries. Susan Chandler was Sponsorship Chair of the WJA Ruby Gala, with both Monica and Susan being supported by WJA committee members: Aida Alvarez, Kendra Bridelle, Gabrielle Grazi, and Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos, as well as by Anna Samsonova, Jen Cullen Williams, Rachel Jurisz, and Jacqueline Cassaway. The gala brought together prominent names in jewelry, fashion, entertainment, and philanthropy, including Kimberly and Steven Rockefeller, Kayla Rockefeller, Angel Pai, Julia Haart, Lucy Horowitz, Isabelle Bscher, and Janna Bullock. Industry VIPs included: Jack Gabriel, David Kellie, Matthijs Braakman, Howard Hauben, Anne Russell, Caryl Capeci, Adam Black, Esther and Ruth Fortunoff, Annie Doresca, Nancy Orem Lyman, Grant Mobley, Rob Bates, Jill Newman, and Adrianne Sanogo. Acclaimed jewelry designers were in attendance, including: Stephanie Gottlieb, Monica Rich Kosann, Lorraine West, Malyia McNaughton, Joan Hornig, Lorraine Schwartz, Ofira Sandberg, Olivia Landau, and Kyle Simon, Maria Valim, and Steven Lagos.
“The evening was magical and a testament of what can be achieved when thought leaders and industries come together to support a good cause. We were determined to create an evening that was big, bold, and unique. Taking a chance, we incorporated many new elements not seen before, like bespoke dance and musical performances, an auction featuring luxury packages generously donated by famed brands, and the invitation of notable names in philanthropy, fashion, and entertainment,” says Monica Elias. “Yielding publicity leading up to the event from high-profile outlets, this level of exposure is good for the entire industry, putting everyone on the map for the fundraising of important causes. The excitement and energy that filled the room was lifting. Guests were thrilled to be a part of the evening and motivated to give back. We honored the past and present, and toasted to the future. We are grateful for the support of the industry and everyone who helped make this night a big success.”
The Women’s Jewelry Association would like to extend heartfelt thanks to its gala sponsors: De Beers, Jewelers Mutual, Citizen Watch America, GIA, Elias World Media, JCK, Krainz Creations, Platinum Guild International, Stuller, The Centurion Jewelry Show, BOSS Logics, Chrysmela, Goldstar, Heritage Auctions, Instore, Lux, Bond & Green, Marco Bicego, Richline Group, Sheetal, Uni-Design, V&A Group, and Casadevall Group.
The WJA 40th Anniversary Gala not only celebrated the organization’s achievements but also raised critical funds to support women in the jewelry and watch industries. The gala was a testament to the enduring impact of WJA in advancing and empowering women professionals in the field.
About the Women’s Jewelry Association: The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) is a trailblazing organization dedicated to empowering and advancing women within the jewelry and watch industries. In 1983, WJA was founded on the belief that women could create lasting change by connecting, mentoring, and recognizing one another’s accomplishments. Today, WJA stands as a global network of professionals spanning diverse roles, from designers and manufacturers to retailers and media representatives. The organization’s mission is to facilitate professional growth through networking, education, leadership development, and a wide range of member services. Through its numerous chapters across the U.S. and around the world, WJA offers a spectrum of benefits, including networking events, educational programs, mentoring initiatives, scholarships, and grants.
About the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation: The WJA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA), dedicated to furthering the organization’s mission of providing women in the jewelry and watch industries with educational and business opportunities to help them achieve their full career potential. The Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) corporation, actively engaging individuals and corporations to contribute and make meaningful impact through the distribution of scholarships and grants.
