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Beatrice Shipley and Women in Leadership Scholarships Awarded for 2025 June 25, 2025 (0 comments)

Las Vegas, NV--The American Gem Society (AGS) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) have named the recipient of the 2025 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship. In addition, AGS has awarded a recipient for the Women in Leadership Scholarship.

Beatrice Shipley Scholarship: Blake Graham

This year’s Beatrice Shipley Scholarship, was awarded to Blake Graham, CSA of Hannon Gemologists & Master Jewelers in Baton Rouge, LA. The scholarship covers tuition for the GIA Graduate Gemologist program—either online or at the Carlsbad, CA campus—as well as the AGS Way Course and registration for the 2025 AGS and GIA Converge conference in Carlsbad, California.

Graham is currently the store director and manager at Hannon Gemologists & Master Jewelers. He earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and merchandising from Louisiana State University. After graduating, he began his career in jewelry retail, eventually joining Hannon, where he works closely with store owner Bayardo Jiron. Under Jiron’s mentorship, Blake has gained hands-on experience in custom design, jewelry repair, and appraisals. When Jiron retires, Graham will take over the business.

Women in Leadership Scholarship: Jessica Kohoutek

The AGS Women in Leadership Scholarship was created by the American Gem Society to support emerging women leaders in the jewelry industry. The 2025 recipient is Jessica Kohoutek, RJ, of Redlands Jewelers in Redlands, CA, “whose strong leadership potential and passion for the industry stood out in the selection process,” AGS said in a statement. Kohoutek will receive complimentary registration to Converge 2025, a $500 gift card and a personalized mentorship experience coordinated by AGS.

A gemologist/appraiser and custom jewelry designer at Redlands Jewelers, Kohoutek brings a strong foundation in gemology, design, and client education to her work,” AGS said. She is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, soon to be a Certified Gemologist with AGS and is a member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, where she is currently taking classes.

Kohoutek has also trained extensively in CAD jewelry design. After years of balancing independent work and ongoing education while raising a family, Kohoutek is now stepping fully into her professional career.

For more information about the American Gem Society and its scholarship programs, visit www.americangemsociety.org.