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BIJC Names 5 New Board Members
The new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
The Black in Jewelry Coalition has welcomed the following new board members: from left, Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, and Lavina Hunt-Lewis.
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) has appointed five new members to its board of directors.
The new members are Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, and Lavina Hunt-Lewis.
They bring a diverse range of expertise that spans communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership, said BIJC, with skillsets that bolster its mission to promote representation, professional growth, and opportunity through community, education, and strategic partnerships.
Thomas Davis, who also serves as vice president of BIJC, is the director of business development at Select Jewelry, Inc. and Simone I. Smith.
Davis has worked on high-profile collaborations with notable figures like “Project Runway” designer Korto Momolu and “Celebrity Apprentice” winner Leeza Gibbons, getting their jewelry brands into retail stores.
“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me as vice president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition. This role represents both responsibility and opportunity, and I look forward to continuing our work to advance equity, visibility, and meaningful change across the jewelry industry,” said Davis.
Monalisa DePina, who is the secretary of BIJC, is also the retail account manager for JCK Las Vegas and JIS Miami. She has more than 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry, specializing in retail and events.
“Stepping into a BIJC leadership role is both meaningful and humbling. Much of my career has been shaped by the relationships and shared commitment that define this community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back by supporting BIJC’s mission and continued growth,” said DePina.
Jamie Batiste, who is the communications chair of BIJC, has joined the board as head of the communications team.
Batiste, founder of Rejected Hearts Club, has a background in radio and television as well as sales with more than a decade in the jewelry industry under her belt.
“I’m excited to amplify the voices, stories, and impact of Black professionals across our industry while helping BIJC continue to build connection, visibility, and opportunity. This work matters, and I’m honored to contribute to the growth ahead,” said Batiste.
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The new members are Thomas Davis, Monalisa DePina, Jamie Batiste, Namwezi Nicole Batumike, and Lavina Hunt-Lewis.
They bring a diverse range of expertise that spans communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership, said BIJC, with skillsets that bolster its mission to promote representation, professional growth, and opportunity through community, education, and strategic partnerships.
Thomas Davis, who also serves as vice president of BIJC, is the director of business development at Select Jewelry, Inc. and Simone I. Smith.
Davis has worked on high-profile collaborations with notable figures like “Project Runway” designer Korto Momolu and “Celebrity Apprentice” winner Leeza Gibbons, getting their jewelry brands into retail stores.
“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me as vice president of the Black in Jewelry Coalition. This role represents both responsibility and opportunity, and I look forward to continuing our work to advance equity, visibility, and meaningful change across the jewelry industry,” said Davis.
Monalisa DePina, who is the secretary of BIJC, is also the retail account manager for JCK Las Vegas and JIS Miami. She has more than 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry, specializing in retail and events.
“Stepping into a BIJC leadership role is both meaningful and humbling. Much of my career has been shaped by the relationships and shared commitment that define this community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back by supporting BIJC’s mission and continued growth,” said DePina.
Jamie Batiste, who is the communications chair of BIJC, has joined the board as head of the communications team.
Batiste, founder of Rejected Hearts Club, has a background in radio and television as well as sales with more than a decade in the jewelry industry under her belt.
“I’m excited to amplify the voices, stories, and impact of Black professionals across our industry while helping BIJC continue to build connection, visibility, and opportunity. This work matters, and I’m honored to contribute to the growth ahead,” said Batiste.
Namwezi Nicole Batumike, international committee chair of BIJC, is a gender and responsible sourcing specialist at Congolese nonprofit Panzi Foundation. She also helped to develop its jewelry brand, taking "a traceable and inclusive mine-to-market approach," said BIJC.
She works to address the relationship between structural inequalities, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, and the mining sector by partnering with U.S.-based companies and policymakers.
“I look forward to working with a team committed to meaningful inclusion, shared opportunity, and responsible engagement, and building stronger connections between jewelers, artisans, and mining communities across Africa and its global diasporas,” she said.
Lavina Hunt-Lewis serves as the vice president of regional operations at Signet Jewelers and is also an executive sponsor in its B.E.N Black Employee Network Resource Group.
“I believe a seat at the table belongs to anyone who works for it; the BIJC has created their own table. To be a part of a movement and mission like the BIJC I find myself in a place of gratitude and also ready to work for a cause that has the ability to close the gap in the jewelry industry,” said Hunt-Lewis.
The industry knowledge and leadership experience of its new board members strengthens BIJC’s ability to expand its impact, resources, and visibility for Black professionals in the industry, said BIJC.
“Black in Jewelry Coalition was founded on the belief that community is our greatest strength,” said Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, president and co-founder of BIJC.
“Welcoming these new board members builds on our ongoing work to strengthen partnerships, deepen representation, and create real, lasting pathways for professional growth across the jewelry, gem, and watch industry.”
Looking to the year ahead, BIJC said it will continue to expand its national and international programming, including industry events, professional development initiatives, increased membership benefits, and cross-sector partnerships.
She works to address the relationship between structural inequalities, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, and the mining sector by partnering with U.S.-based companies and policymakers.
“I look forward to working with a team committed to meaningful inclusion, shared opportunity, and responsible engagement, and building stronger connections between jewelers, artisans, and mining communities across Africa and its global diasporas,” she said.
Lavina Hunt-Lewis serves as the vice president of regional operations at Signet Jewelers and is also an executive sponsor in its B.E.N Black Employee Network Resource Group.
“I believe a seat at the table belongs to anyone who works for it; the BIJC has created their own table. To be a part of a movement and mission like the BIJC I find myself in a place of gratitude and also ready to work for a cause that has the ability to close the gap in the jewelry industry,” said Hunt-Lewis.
The industry knowledge and leadership experience of its new board members strengthens BIJC’s ability to expand its impact, resources, and visibility for Black professionals in the industry, said BIJC.
“Black in Jewelry Coalition was founded on the belief that community is our greatest strength,” said Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, president and co-founder of BIJC.
“Welcoming these new board members builds on our ongoing work to strengthen partnerships, deepen representation, and create real, lasting pathways for professional growth across the jewelry, gem, and watch industry.”
Looking to the year ahead, BIJC said it will continue to expand its national and international programming, including industry events, professional development initiatives, increased membership benefits, and cross-sector partnerships.
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