The program will pair industry vets with those just starting their careers

The American Gem Society (AGS) has announced the debut of a mentoring program.

The organization will match experienced industry members with people just starting their careers in the industry and provide resources to help participants through the mentoring process.

“The AGS Mentoring Program can make a real difference to our industry,” said Georgie Gleim, senior adviser to the AGS board of directors, in a statement. “The launch of the Young Titleholders Program, back in the 1980s, fostered a new generation of industry leaders, who are now continuing the important work of passing on the wisdom they received. The mentors in this program are the connecting thread between the leaders who built this industry (Robert M. Shipley, Dick Liddicoat, Bob Crowninshield, Mike Roman, and Al Woodill, to name a few) and the industry’s leaders of tomorrow.”

Denise Chislett, chair of the Young Titleholders steering committee, also issued a statement.

“The Young Titleholders are excited to help introduce the new AGS mentoring program,” she said. “This program goes hand in hand with our mission of connecting the next generation of our industry to the current leaders. Without my mentors I would not be where I am today. It is my hope that this program will make strong connections and lasting friendships and that both the mentor and mentee can mutually benefit from their professional association.”

More information is available at americangemsociety.org/mentorprogram.

JCK