The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA), an American networking organization which supports and encourages women in the jewellery and watch industries, has officially opened WJA Toronto. While WJA previously partnered with the Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) for an event in 2023—which sparked community interest in an expansion—this new chapter marks the association’s first firm foray into the Canadian jewellery industry.
To ensure a successful launch for the new chapter, the organization has appointed Alanna Campbell and Shelbey Dodds as co-presidents. Campbell, owner of AC Appraisals in Ottawa and membership co-ordinator for CJA, previously served as a board member of the New York Metro WJA in 2022 and 2023. Dodds, a Toronto-based jeweller and NSCAD University alum, is a partner at Triocast, where her contributions have helped drive the company to achieve sales exceeding $1 million.
They are joined by fellow 2024 WJA Toronto board members Sydney Abrams of Fair Trade Jewellery Co. (communications co-vice-president); Gada Alejlo of Williams Distinctive Gems (membership co-vice-president); Anita Bhandari of Aarkish Diamonds (treasurer); Sanaz Doost of Sanaz Doost Fine Jewelry (communications co-vice-president); Ari Fudim of York International Gems Ltd (programming vice-president), and Ashley McFarlane of Omi Woods (membership co-vice-president).
“I’m delighted to welcome our newest WJA Toronto chapter. Our co-presidents, Alanna Campbell and Shelbey Dodds, are building a board to bring the WJA mission to the Canadian jewelry industry,” says WJA president Susan Chandler. “I look forward to all that the Canadian chapter will accomplish in the next many years.”
