Kathryn Kimmel, vice president of marketing and public relations for the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), recently was selected as a recipient of the YWCA’s Tribute to Women in Industry (TWIN) award for 2002. The awards luncheon was held May 30 at the San Diego Convention Center.

Kimmel, a leading executive in the gem and jewelry industry, has served in her current position with GIA for more than 12 years.

The YWCA lauded Kimmel for her contributions to the jewelry industry, especially for her efforts on behalf of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA). She is a founding member and past president of the organization’s Los Angeles chapter.

Kimmel also is a member of the boards of the Jewelry Industry Council and the 24 Karat Club of Southern California. She was elected to the WJA Hall of Fame in 1995, and recently was elected vice president of WJA’s national board.