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Thursday, September 17
 

11:00am EDT

From Overseas to Your Counter: How Tariffs Really Impact Your Jewelry Business
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Tariffs aren’t just headlines; they shape what you stock, what you pay, and what your customers see at the counter. This panel brings together wholesalers and retailers to break down how tariffs directly affect every step of the supply chain. From sourcing materials overseas to pricing and profitability in U.S. stores, our panelists will share firsthand insights, real numbers, and practical strategies for navigating today’s shifting trade landscape. Whether you buy, sell, or design, this discussion connects global policy to everyday business decisions.
Speakers
avatar for Anna Samsonova, CG

Anna Samsonova, CG

Owner, Samsonova Consulting
Anna Samsonova, CG, is a Chicago, Illinois–based jewelry consultant and industry leader with more than 20 years of luxury experience working with retail and wholesale companies across sales, merchandising, buying, branding, event marketing, and operations. She is the founder of... Read More →
Panelists
avatar for Adam Funk

Adam Funk

Owner, Diamonds & Gold
Native to Green Bay, Adam lives on the west side with his two sons Wyatt and Evan and his puppy Enzo. Adam is very involved in the local community, and he has worked in the jewelry industry since 2000. He is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, a Certified Gemological Appraiser with AGS, and... Read More →
avatar for Joshua Israileff, RS

Joshua Israileff, RS

Co-Owner, ASBA USA
Joshua attended DePaul University where he graduated with degrees in Finance, Marketing, and Economics. Post-graduation he worked at UBS Financial before joining ASBA USA, the family business. He has received accreditation from the GIA and AGS, as well as the CPAA. He now does speaking... Read More →
avatar for Sara Yood, Esq.

Sara Yood, Esq.

CEO, JVC
Sara Yood, Senior Counsel at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), is an attorney admitted in the state of New York with extensive experience in intellectual property law. Sara’s responsibilities at JVC include anti-money laundering compliance, FTC Jewelry Guides compliance, trademark... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Congressional A

3:00pm EDT

Women in Leadership: The Real Balancing Act Without Burnout
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
This candid conversation brings together powerhouse women leaders at every stage of their careers to talk honestly about what it really takes to lead without burning out. From boardrooms to caregiving, from scaling businesses to managing personal health, this session opens up the rarely discussed realities shaping women’s lives today. Topics include stress management, boundaries, perimenopause and menopause, appearance pressures, and navigating personal health challenges while maintaining leadership presence. By sharing experiences about what has worked and lessons learned, the discussion aims to normalize these conversations in professional settings. Attendees will leave with practical strategies, a renewed perspective, and a stronger sense of community.
Speakers
avatar for Jen Cullen Williams

Jen Cullen Williams

Founder, Jen Cullen Williams Communications
Jen Cullen Williams is an award-winning communications consultant recognized for her expertise in retail and marketing trends and her ability to connect businesses with media and consumers to drive visibility and growth. Since launching her career in 2006 in PR agencies, and later... Read More →
Panelists
avatar for Alexis Padis

Alexis Padis

President, Padis Jewelry
Alexis Padis is president of Padis Jewelry in the San Francisco Bay Area. Padis Jewelry has been serving the Bay Area for 50 years and has five locations including three in San Francisco, a tasting room and jewelry store in Napa Valley, and a location within Broadway Plaza Mall in... Read More →
avatar for Becka Johnson Kibby

Becka Johnson Kibby

CEO, Edge Retail Academy
Becka Johnson Kibby brings more than 30 years of experience in fine jewelry retail management, training, and sales. Her career began while earning her Bachelor of Science in Retail Merchandising and Management, and has since spanned leadership roles with Robbins Brothers The Engagement... Read More →
avatar for Denise Richards

Denise Richards

Vice President, Underwood Jewelers
Denise Richards is the Vice President of Underwood Jewelers, which has three locations in Jacksonville, Florida. Denise currently serves as Secretary of the American Gem Society (AGS) and Chair of the AGS Conclave Subcommittee. She is the past President of the AGS Young Titleholders... Read More →
avatar for Elyssa Jenkins-Perez

Elyssa Jenkins-Perez

Head of North American Development, Responsible Jewellery Council
Elyssa Jenkins Pérez is dedicated to advancing responsible business practices, industry collaboration, and greater inclusion across the global jewelry and watch industry. She serves as Head of North American Development at the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the world's leading... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Congressional A

4:30pm EDT

How to Boss 2.0
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
The best leaders evolve. We know that leadership demands adaptability, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire others. But we've also learned some things in the last few years, so we're taking a crack at this again to open up a conversation about what it's like to lead a company through massive change. “How to Boss 2.0” brings together a dynamic panel of leaders from across the jewelry industry to share candid insights on what leadership looks like in 2026. From motivating multigenerational teams and navigating workplace culture shifts to making tough decisions, managing growth, and staying authentic under pressure, this conversation will explore the real-world challenges and rewards of being “the boss.” This panel is for the dreamers with big ideas and the doers with big dreams. Because leadership isn’t just about being in charge: it’s about bringing people with you.
Speakers
avatar for Sara Yood, Esq.

Sara Yood, Esq.

CEO, JVC
Sara Yood, Senior Counsel at the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), is an attorney admitted in the state of New York with extensive experience in intellectual property law. Sara’s responsibilities at JVC include anti-money laundering compliance, FTC Jewelry Guides compliance, trademark... Read More →
Panelists
avatar for Annie Doresca

Annie Doresca

President + CEO, Diamond Council of America
Annie leads the Diamond Council of America and serves as COO and CFO of Jewelers of America, so she works at the intersection of education, strategic planning, finance, and workforce development. She is especially passionate about Second Spark, the initiative bringing veterans and... Read More →
avatar for Jenny Luker

Jenny Luker

President, Platinum Guild International USA
avatar for Monica Stephenson

Monica Stephenson

President, ANZA Gems
After 25+ years in jewelry, Monica is still endlessly curious about the people involved in our beautiful jewelry industry, and constantly working on how to support artisans throughout our supply chain. She's most happy to talk about gemstones and the people and places they are from... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Congressional A
 
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