Look Book

108 www.thejewelrybook.com WJA New York Metro Olga González The CEO of Pietra Communications, Olga González has over fifteen years of experience working within the field of gem and jewelry communications. A certified gemologist (FGA DGA) and appraiser, she specializes in growing companies within the trade, empower- ing through storytelling. Her clients are designers, manufacturers, trade associations, suppliers, stone dealers, and diamond grading laboratories. She currently serves as the President of the Women's Jewelry Association New York Metro Chapter Board, is a Past President of the Public Relations Society of America New York Chapter, chaired the inaugural 15 Under 35 Awards, and is a regular and award-winning contributor to trade and consumer publications on gem and jewelry-related topics. Reimagining the Trade Association Chapter, and the Advancement of Women in Jewelry By Olga Gonzalez, FGA DGA We are approaching the onset of Spring, and the industry is looking up. Since the holiday season, designers and retailers alike have reported a rebound in sales. Yet as the trade navigates the beginning of the end of a worldwide pandemic, there has been a consistent need amongst our likeminded colleagues—the need for community. For a trade association, the past year has offered many challenges. Without trade shows and in-person networking events, how does an association stay relevant? How does it retain and nurture membership? What can be done to attract new members? Recognizing the hardship members may be facing, how does it support the community, and offer community? Within all of this, what can a local chapter of a trade association do? Over the past year, the New York Metro Chapter of the Women's Jewelry Association has been undergoing a transformation. Our chapter was known for hosting lots of fun in-person events, and for our many collaborations on net- working events, but when COVID-19 hit, the industry had to pivot. By research- ing and adopting the use of several technology platforms, streamlined processes were put in place for digital programming and communications. The WJA NY Metro board wanted to use this time to give back to our members, and has decided to not only produce at least three virtual events a month, but to keep them free for both members and non-members, for the duration of the pandem- ic. We invite the readers of The Jewelry Book to peruse our virtual event offer- ings over the next few pages, and join us! All are welcome. For those unfamiliar with the Women's Jewelry Association, in 1983, a group of visionary women were tired of having the doors closed on them—not being allowed to join other jewelry and watch organizations, or attend the industry dinners. For the past thirty-eight years, the Women's Jewelry Association, the organization they founded, has been consistently working towards moving the needle forward. The vision was to create a safe space for women to be mentors, provide scholarships and seed money to each other, and to the recognize accom- plishments. As the founding chapter, which accounts for a quarter of the associa- tion's membership base, WJA New York Metro proactively works behind the scenes to bring this vision to life with an all-volunteer board. We see a partnership with The Jewelry Book readers as an opportunity to engage the industry to join us and support the advancement of all women, from NYC's jewelry district out.

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