Articles and News
WJA Launches Its First Canadian Chapter in Toronto February 14, 2024 (0 comments)
New York, NY--The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) launched its first Canadian Chapter, WJA Toronto, and the election of its 2024 Board of Directors, including Co-Presidents, Alanna Campbell and Shelbey Dodds.
Last September, WJA partnered with the Canadian Jewelry Association to host its first event in Toronto at the Arcadia Studio. More than 75 attendees, many of whom expressed interest in participating in chapter leadership positions. Since that time, WJA conducted interviews with potential candidates and selected Alanna and Shelbey as inaugural presidents of the new chapter for 2024.
[Alanna Campbell]
“Alanna Campbell and Shelbey Dodds are building a board to bring the WJA mission to the Canadian jewelry industry. We are grateful for the Canadian Jewellers Association who shared our vision and helped us last fall kick off our latest international initiative,” said Susan Chandler, WJA president.
Alanna Campbell is the owner of AC Appraisals providing independent jewelry appraisal services in the Ottawa, Ontario region and the Membership Coordinator for the Canadian Jewellers Association. Starting in the industry in 2013 as a sales representative at a local fine jewelry store, Campbell quickly realized her passion for gems and jewelry and enrolled in the Graduate Gemologist program at GIA. After earning her GG in 2016, she continued her studies and earned her designation as a Registered Master Valuer in 2018.
Campbell has been a member of WJA since 2021 and served as a Board member of the NYM Chapter in 2022 and 2023.
[Shelbey Dodds]
Dodds is a jeweler based in Toronto. In 2015, she completed her BFA in Jewellery Design and Metalsmithing at NSCAD University, followed by several artist residency programs including the Harbourfront Centre (Metal) 2017. She has been awarded various grants by Arts Nova Scotia and the Ontario Arts Council, as well as having participated in exhibitions nationally and internationally.
After opening its doors late 2021, Dodds joined the Triocast team in its infancy as casting assistant, soon making her way to lead and principal caster. In her role she has propelled Triocast into over a million dollars in sales as well as prepared curriculum and taught casting intensives, most recently in Edmonton, AB. She has since been made partner of the growing company.
WJA Toronto Co-Presidents Alanna and Shelbey are joined by fellow 2024 WJA Toronto Board Members: Sydney Abrams of Fair Trade Jewellery Co (Communications Co-VP), Gada Alejlo of Williams Distinctive Gems (Membership Co-VP), Anita Bhandari of Aarkish Diamonds (Treasurer), Sanaz Doost of Sanaz Doost Fine Jewelry (Communications Co-VP), Ari Fudim of York International Gems Ltd (Programming VP), and Ashley McFarlane of Omi Woods (Membership Co-VP).
“We are overwhelmed by the positive response following the WJA Toronto launch event that took place in September 2023. We have the support of a diverse and extremely talented board. We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of these and other volunteers to assist in bringing WJA Toronto to life,” Campbell said.
“2024 will be focused on establishing a solid foundation for WJA Toronto. We look forward to hosting a selection of WJA’s signature events as well as growing our membership,” added Dodds.