The Women’s Jewelry Association board of directors recently announced its selection of Mary L. Forté as its 2004 “Hall of Fame” honoree. She will be honored during the WJA 21st Annual Awards for Excellence dinner at Pier Sixty in New York City on July 25. Forté, who is president and chief executive officer of Zale Corporation, also serves on the company’s board of directors. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the company’s brands including Zales Jewelers, Gordon’s Jewelers, Bailey Banks & Biddle Fine Jewelers, Piercing Pagoda, Peoples Jewellers, Mapping Jewellers, and Zales Outlet.

Forté also serves as a member of the board of directors for the National Retail Federation, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Jewelers of America, Jewelers Charity Fund for Children, and Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas.

WJA’s Awards for Excellence recognize outstanding women professionals in six different categories: design, manufacturer/dealer/supplier, retail, sales and marketing, editorial/reporting/publishing, and special services. These awards, voted on by the WJA membership, will be announced at the July 25 event. For information on becoming a WJA sponsor or for Awards for Excellence dinner tickets, visit www.womensjewelry.org or call (973) 575-7190.