Gem Legacy, the nonprofit organization founded by gem cutter Roger Dery and his family to help better the lives of families and individuals in East African mining communities, has announced the creation of an advisory board.
The newly formed board will advise Dery, Gem Legacy’s executive director, on communications, public relations, and initiative planning, according to a release from Gem Legacy.
Here’s who’s on the board:
++ Christina Clover, owner of Fields Jewelers in Redding, Calif., who’s traveled to East Africa twice and “supports Gem Legacy in her store,” reads the same release.
++ Monica Stephenson, founder of iDazzle and Anza Gems, who’s traveled to East Africa 11 times and has partnered in several of Gem Legacy’s initiatives.
++ Ben Smithee, CEO of the Smithee Group, a popular jewelry industry consultancy.
“We’ve selected people to surround my family who are well-versed in the jewelry industry, the nonprofit world, and the needs of those in the gem mining communities of East Africa,” said Dery in the statement, adding, “We are thankful to have people working alongside us who are passionate, driven, and determined. With them driving the mission of Gem Legacy, we believe our desire to see gems change the world, one family at a time, will come to fruition.”
Read about Gem Legacy’s origins here.
Top: Roger Dery with kids in an African gem mining community (photo courtesy of Gem Legacy)
Follow me on Instagram: @emilivesilind
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
