Gabrielle Grazi, vice president of retail strategy and partnerships at Natural Diamond Council, has been elected president of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA), the association announced Jan. 22.

As president, Grazi — a Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) member — will oversee the direction of the governing board of the WJA Foundation, the nonprofit arm of WJA that supports the organization’s mission of providing educational and business opportunities that allow women to reach their full career potential.

The announcement comes as WJA and the foundation are collaborating through a new nonprofit affiliation agreement. The move, WJCA said, has been in development since 2022 and “presents a more cohesive organizational structure for the WJA,” with more opportunities to fundraise for member grants and scholarships.

“With the alignment of the association and foundation we will continue to both provide and maximize opportunities for networking, professional development and financial support for all WJA members,” Grazi said.

Prior to joining the Natural Diamond Council, Grazi spent seven years at Signet Jewelers, where she is said to have elevated operations, talent development, and strategic initiatives. Her tenure as chair of the Signet Women’s Business Resource Group, along with her advisory role on Signet’s Diversity Leadership Team, underscores her dedication to creating inclusive work environments. Her career also includes impactful roles at Liz Claiborne, Juicy Couture, and Limited Too, where she honed her skills in retail, leadership, and team development.

Grazi said in the release she aims to further the WJA’s mission by expanding educational initiatives, fostering networking opportunities, and advocating for the professional growth of women in the jewelry and watch industries.