We are pleased to announce that GIA鈥攖he Gemological Institute of America鈥攊s the Presenting Sponsor of the Society鈥檚 Young Titleholders (YTs) Committee.
The Young Titleholders鈥� mission encourages the growth and development of driven professionals while building connections and a voice among the next generation of AGS leaders.
The YT initiatives include scholarships, educational webinars, networking events, and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force. Additionally, the YTs created the Society鈥檚 Mentorship Program, which pairs new professionals with accomplished and seasoned industry professionals in the AGS to hone their skills and learn leadership tactics.
Given the scope of the Young Titleholders鈥� work and mission, the sponsorship is a natural fit for GIA, who also recently made news with the launch of their online community portal, the GIA Alumni Collective.
鈥淭he YTs are a fantastic community of emerging industry leaders. GIA鈥檚 support will fuel new and dynamic content and opportunities to educate and propel the YTs forward,鈥� said Katherine Bodoh, RJ, CEO of AGS and AGS Laboratories. 鈥淲ith GIA鈥檚 support, this community will continue to thrive.鈥�
鈥淏ecause of GIA鈥檚 support of the Young Titleholders, we can offer even more educational programming and networking opportunities,鈥� said Maria Brown, RJ, Chair of the Young Titleholders Committee. 鈥淲ith the AGS Young Titleholders working together, we are creating a new funnel of highly-qualified professionals. I鈥檓 excited to see how this energetic group can further our industry.鈥�
鈥淧reparing the next generation for success in the gem and jewelry trade is a big part of the important consumer-protection mission shared by AGS and GIA,鈥� said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. 鈥淭he YTs, with their GIA education and AGS titles, are not just the next generation of industry professionals, they are the next generation of industry leaders. We are so proud to support them.鈥�
Would you like to become more involved with Young Titleholders? Visit AGS.org/AGS-Young-Titleholders.