Conclave 2026

Jaimie Vela is a higher education leader and award-winning jewelry designer, with more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of creativity, luxury, and student success. She is recognized for building meaningful relationships, developing professionals, and translating the consultative principles of luxury client service into leadership, advising, and career development.As Senior Director of Career Advising at SCAD, Jaimie leads a team dedicated to empowering students through personalized guidance, mentorship, and holistic support. Her leadership emphasizes professional growth, collaboration, and creating environments where both students and staff can thrive.Prior to her current role, Jaimie spent nearly two decades in the jewelry industry, where she earned recognition as a custom jewelry designer and trained extensively with renowned brands including Rolex, Chopard, Bvlgari, and LVMH. Her expertise spans fine jewelry, Swiss timepieces, luxury client experience, and professional training.Complementing her industry experience, Jaimie earned a Master of Arts in Art History with a concentration in jewelry history. She has presented on topics including The Curse of the Hope Diamond and The Avant-Garde Artist-Jeweler, highlighting how jewelry serves as both artistic expression and cultural narrative.Jaimie is recognized for applying the relationship-centered principles of luxury client experience to leadership, advising, and talent development. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metals and Jewelry from SCAD and a Master of Arts in Art History from George Mason University.