WJA Foundation Announces Recipients of PGI USA-Sponsored Responsible Business Education Grant

January 7, 2022 (New York, NY) – The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) Foundation is pleased to announce the first recipients of its new Responsible Business Education Grant: Megan Cochran and Mary Enright. This new grant, sponsored by Platinum Guild International (PGI) USA, will give these two WJA members the opportunity to enroll in a top-rated sustainability course at New York University’s Stern School of Business Executive Education online program.

Megan Cochran

Mary Enright

Megan Cochran is a multi-faceted, independent designer and jeweler based in Oceanside, CA. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY and a Graduate Jeweler diploma and CAD / CAM certification from the Gemological Institute of America. With over fourteen years of experience as a designer and product developer for international brands and retailers, jewelry and design are her unequivocal passions. In 2020, she started her own business, Megan Cochran Jewelry Design, offering design and production services to small jewelry businesses invested in a more ethical approach to design and sourcing. She is a proud member and volunteer with Ethical Metalsmiths and the WJA, serving as Treasurer of the San Diego chapter.

Jewelry Designer and Master Goldsmith Mary Enright has almost two decades experience in the jewelry industry, both as designer and business owner. The success of her boutique style jewelry gallery and workshop in Ireland brought her much critical acclaim both nationally and internationally which led to a successful solo exhibition in New York in 2016. Shortly thereafter Mary moved to New York City and worked at Tiffany & Co as a model maker in their Jewelry Design and Innovation Workshop, Mary is currently a CAD/CAM Instructor at GIA. Mary is a member of the WJA, serving on the Diversity and Communication committees of the New York Metro chapter.

Jennifer Markas, WJA’s Executive Director, commented “WJA Foundation is optimistic about its forward-looking and innovative charitable approach with a focus on sustainability education. A partnership with Platinum Guild International USA extends the opportunity to support and develop more sustainability leaders within the industry.”

“PGI is proud to support WJA Foundation’s Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability Fund and its business education grant towards NYU programs,” shared Jenny Luker, President of PGI USA. “We feel it is important for our industry to make a continued commitment toward sustainable practices in all levels of business, and the first place to start is education. We are excited to see the positive impact these opportunities will have on the recipients’ businesses.”

For more information about PGI USA, please visit www.platinumjewelry.com.

About the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation
WJA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that offers a variety of scholarships and grants to support the career growth and educational endeavors of professionals in the jewelry and watch industries. To learn more and donate to WJA Foundation’s Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability Fund: https://www.womensjewelryassociation.com/foundation