Founder | Responsible Jewelry Transformative | Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference | Susan Wheeler Design

Susan Wheeler is a jewelry designer and a responsible jewelry advocate who works to bring people together from across the global jewelry supply chain to participate equally in the transformation the jewelry industry to be more equitable and responsible.  She is the founder of the Responsible Jewelry Transformative, NFP, including initiative Marange Women’s alliance, the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference, has jewelry brand Susan Wheeler Design, is a founding partner of Virtu Gem, and is on the advisory committee of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network.

Brandee Dallow is Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Grandview Klein Diamonds and the founder of Fine Girl Communications, a marketing consultancy helping businesses align their values, strategy, and storytelling to build trust and impact. A respected leader and advocate in the global jewelry industry, she currently serves as Board President of the Community for Ethical Jewelry and is a past President of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) and the WJA Foundation. Brandee also sits on the boards of Jewelers for Children, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, the U.S. Kimberley Process Authority, and serves as an advisor to the Black in Jewelry Coalition. 

Mkhululi Nkosilamandla Ncube is the Programmes Officer at the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), a specialized agency of the African Union. In this role, he provides strategic operational support and coordination for the implementation of the Africa Mining Vision, its Action Plan as well as other AMV implementation tools with the latest being the African Green Minerals Strategy(AGMS) in addition to the minerals segment of the African Union Commodity Strategy. 

Mkhululi also oversees the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) portfolio at AMDC, where he is currently leading the African Gemstone, Jewellery Exhibition and Conference (AGJEC) series, which spans multiple events across the continent. With close to 20 years of minerals development experience, Mkhululi has held various roles in development, knowledge management, and policy research at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Development Policy Management Forum (DPMF). His work has covered natural resources management, regional integration, trade, youth, and women empowerment. Additionally, Mkhululi has a separate background as a farmer, a small-scale mining beneficial owner, and an entrepreneur, having been recognized as a Start-upper of the Year and a multiple international finalist in community-based social enterprise competitions.

Morgan Burger is a third-generation jewelry retailer, investigative journalist, and the founder of FOR SEAS, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing transparency to marine mining practices within the jewelry industry. Her interdisciplinary background and passion for the ocean led her to a role as a graduate researcher at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where she studied the historical, environmental and political facets of marine diamond mining.

Her research culminated in a short documentary chronicling her journey to Greenland, where she investigated offshore diamond mining exploration and shed light on the potential implications for local communities and their livelihoods.

Mike Schlebach, CEO and Co Founder of Protect The West Coast NPC.

Mike Schlebach is a seasoned entrepreneur and environmental activist with a strong track record in building purpose-driven businesses. He is the co-founder and managing director of Protect The West Coast (PTWC), a nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding South Africa’s fragile West Coast against destructive mining and unsustainable development. Alongside this work, Mike has played a central role in the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing space as co-founder and managing partner of OpenSource Circular, manager of Re Sails South Africa, and co-founder and former managing director of Sealand Gear, a globally recognized lifestyle brand built on upcycled materials.

Mike’s entrepreneurial journey began in his twenties as co-founder of Southwood Joinery and partner in Burger & Schlebach Construction, ventures that laid the foundation for his commitment to craftsmanship and business development. Today, his focus remains on creating businesses and initiatives that align environmental protection, social impact, and circular design.

Founder & Creative Director of Tur Jewellery and Safa Dynamic Resources.

I am a jewelry designer and certified gemologist from Oman, specializing in luxury, timeless pieces inspired by Omani heritage. I aim to integrate ethical and sustainable practices into my work, navigating the challenges of introducing these values into my Arabian culture by blending them into my designs. My creations combine cultural preservation with contemporary elegance, using traceable materials and storytelling that highlights the journeys of artisans, including miners, whose skills and traditions shape each piece. Alongside my jewelry brand, I lead Safa Dynamic Resources, a non-profit organization that supports and empowers local artisans and trains individuals who share a passion for jewelry. I have represented Omani identity internationally, from Monte-Carlo to New York City, and as a TEDx speaker, I shared my belief that humans are like raw gemstones — starting in their natural state, then carefully cut, shaped, and polished until their true brilliance shines through.

Stuart Robertson is the Research Director for Gemworld International, Inc., located in Glenview, Illinois. Gemworld International, Inc., is a research and consulting firm that analyzes and reports market conditions relevant to the international diamond and colored stone trade. Mr. Robertson was appointed to this position in October, 1998. He also serves as Gemstone Editor of the periodicals published under the company’s GemGuide and Gem Market News brands.

In addition to research director, Stuart currently serves as appraiser, lecturer, consultant and author. He is the co-developer of the industry course, Corundum Treatments and Pricing. Research Interests and Activities

Gemstone treatments and how they influence price and market demand is a particular area of interest for him. He has been recognized in court as an expert regarding this subject. Mr. Robertson has presented lectures on various aspects of gemology in both public and gem industry forums. The topics of these presentations are market trend or treatment identification related.

Professional Education and Industry Affiliations; Graduate Gemologist, Gemological Institute of America (GIA), 1993. Accredited Senior Gemologist, Accredited Gemologists Association (AGA), 2000-present. National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, (NAJA), 1996, 2004-present, The Scottish Gemmological Association (SGA), 2010-present. Mr. Robertson successfully completed the International Society of Appraisers Appraisal Principles Core Courses in 1993.

Industry Service and Recognition

-Board of Governors of the Accredited Gemologists Association, 2008-2010 and 2011-2013 terms.

-Recipient of the prestigious Antonio C. Bonanno Excellence in Gemology Award, 2011

-Keynote Speaker for the Session: The Future of Gemstones and Gemstones of the Future, International

Gemological Symposium hosted by GIA, 2011.

-Conference Co-Chair, World of Gems Conferences, 2010, 2012

-GIA Alumni Association, Chapter officer 1998-2001

Eric C. Braunwart is president and owner of Columbia Gem House, Inc.  Mr. Braunwart started Columbia Gem House, Inc. in 1976 and is a partner in Sustain Associates since May 2010.  Mr. Braunwart graduated from Washington State University in 1975 with a BS in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design, as well as a BA in Fine Arts Jewelry Design. Mr. Braunwart spent about 10 years traveling to the gem producing countries working with mining and cutting facilities.  For the last thirteen years, Columbia Gem House, Inc. has worked to develop transparent fair trade oriented supply chains and bring these gemstones to the jewelry retailers and manufacturers worldwide. Mr. Braunwart has been very active nationally in advancing the level of ethics and standards adhered to throughout the industry.  Fourteen years ago, he developed Quality Assurance and Fair Trade protocols for the gemstone varieties produced by Columbia Gem House, Inc. He started Fair Trade Gems because he saw several things happening within the colored gemstone industry that concerned him.  What he saw first-hand, and learned through the process, is that it is not a level playing field for all involved along the supply chain.  As there were no rules or protocols in place, he set up guidelines or protocols that addressed economical, ecological, and humanitarian issues confronting the colored gemstone industry.  These protocols also specifically address product integrity and all the fraud and misrepresentation in the colored stone industry today. Columbia Gem House, Inc. and Sustain Associates committed to follow these guidelines so that everyone along the supply chain was treated in an honest, healthy and ethical manner.  In addition, they wanted to address the ecological issues and make sure that they were part of leaving the earth as we found it.

Fair Trade Gems not only offers the choice of a transparent supply chain, but also addresses the other quality assurance issues of the day, including disclosure, treatment and synthetic stones being sold as naturals.  We continue to educate the consumer, retailers, and other dealers as to the choice they can make.  We believe that everyone should be able to make their own decision but, in order to make that decision, we believe that all the facts should be known.  If that means exposing cutters dying from silicosis and children cutting and polishing gems, then that is what needs to be done.  

Mr. Braunwart is a founding member of the American Gem Trade Association in 1981. This organization has grown to the largest in the United States for wholesale gemstone dealers. He has been on the Board of Directors for approximately 20 previous years and held positions as President, Vice President, Marketing Chairperson, Secretary, and Board Member. 

CEO of Fairever

Fairever is Europe’s leading wholesaler of certified responsibly mined precious metals. Serving over 500 clients across Europe and beyond, Fairever is a trusted partner for goldsmiths, jewelers, and manufacturers committed to sustainability.

Previously, Desirée built her career in high-end fashion and precious metals trading. With a background in American Studies focused on social injustice and gender, she brings a values-driven yet pragmatic leadership style. She is particularly dedicated to fair trade, the health and safety of miners in ASM regions, and ensuring transparency in the gold supply chain. Fairever is certified by Fairtrade and Fairmined as a supplier of fair gold and silver, a member of the German initiative Forum for Responsible Gold and the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM), as well as winner of the German Sustainability Award 2024.

After graduating from GIA, my career began as a gemologist, grading diamonds in a lab in Tokyo. Then have joined and worked with Moribijoux as a metalsmith, pearl stringer, and stone buyer, for more than 10 years assisting the owner-craftsman in various jewelry making projects. During this time, earned the GIA Jewelry Design Certificate, received awards in several competitions, and was involved in the education of many industry professionals as a gemology instructor. In the long industry journey, I became interested in the social issues facing the jewelry industry of the world and studied jewelry sustainability in the UK. The acquaintance from all over the world who share the same passion has led to the current activities.

Born and raised in Elko, Nevada, Fermina is a proud citizen of the Western Shoshone Nation whose life and work remain deeply rooted in her ancestral homelands. She has shared over three decades of life with her partner, raising three children and now cherishing six grandchildren.

After graduating from high school and pursuing college studies, Fermina built a career grounded in both service and stewardship. In 2000 Fermina was elected as Elko Band Council Chairperson and represented her community as a member of the Te-Moak Tribal Council for three years. After being involved in tribal politics, and for the next 10 years she worked at a law firm that practiced federal and family law. Since 2012 Fermina has managed a native woman owned and operated business. The Henderson Bank Building is a 98-year-old office building, a historic treasure preserving its place in downtown Elko.

In recent years, her calling has deepened into advocacy. As the Executive Director of the Western Shoshone Defense Project, she works to protect human rights, land rights, and treaty rights, focusing on the harmful impacts of mineral extraction on unceded Western Shoshone treaty territory. Her work is guided by the wisdom of elders and the enduring presence of her ancestors, with a vision for the cultural, spiritual, and environmental well-being of future generations.

For Fermina, advocacy is not just a role — it is a responsibility, a continuation of the path her people have walked for generations, and a commitment to ensuring the survival and flourishing of the Western Shoshone way of life.

Aaron joined Earthworks in 2011 to belong to an organization helping repair the world. Aaron focuses primarily on mining and mineral supply chain policy, including working with communities directly impacted. Alongside allies, Aaron and Earthworks advocate at all levels of government for mining policy reforms, Indigenous rights, and better results for communities impacted by extraction.

Cole Kamerick is a Jeweler, Craftsperson, and Artist. While he is originally form Michigan, Cole is Currently based out of Richmond, Virginia. He earned his BFA in Craft and Material Studies from College for Creative Studies (Detroit, MI) in 2023. He is currently pursuing his MFA in Craft/Material Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA). Cole is a member of the Community for Ethical Jewelry's Student Committee. He also serves as an organizer and juror of the So Fresh + So Clean Exhibition. Cole has shown work at galleries including, Scarab Club Detroit, Wayne State Galleries, and Detroit Contemporary.

Chiko Manda is the Managing Partner of Perekezi ASM Consultants. His focus is on responsible sourcing and mineral supply chains, research, governance, and social accountability. With his deep understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with ASM, he has been part of several initiatives that promote transparent mineral supply chains and ethical business practices.

Marilena Marchetti is new to the jewelry industry. She recently completed her studies in the Jewelry Design program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She divides her time between fabricating her designs and working on documentary films. In a former life, Marilena worked in special education and was active in the education justice movement.

President, CEO and General Counsel | Jewelers Vigilance Committee

Sara Yood, President, CEO & General 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 litigation, copyright, advertising monitoring, creating legal compliance tools and publications, and advanced legal strategy. She has developed an additional expertise in U.S. and international laws concerning the importation and exportation of animal materials used in jewelry, and has authored multiple JVC publications illustrating the laws surrounding the jewelry industry.

Yood came to JVC from a fellowship at the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham Law School, where she received her law degree. She is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis. Yood also serves as the Treasurer and on the board of the Women’s Jewelry Association and is a member of the Fashion Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association.

VP Sustainability & Social Impact | Mejuri, Inc.

Holly McHugh, the VP of Sustainability and Social Impact of Mejuri, is a highly experienced Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing leader and change-agent with a deep understanding of emerging and social issues. In May 2023, Holly led the brand in launching their first Sustainability report, alongside a $1.5M USD partnership with RESOLVE’s Regeneration.

Prior to Mejuri, Holly made an impactful career in specific sector expertise and innovative leadership in global luxury, retail, capability building, assessments, and consulting. While managing multi-cultural and multi-generational teams in Asia, Europe and the U.S. at brands such as Tiffany and Co. and Kering, Holly  successfully directed stakeholder engagement, collaborations, issue analysis, remediation, supply chain management and policy.

Fine Jewelry Atelier | Reciprocity

Peruvian designer Andrea Jose strives to transform the way we view the resourcing and production of jewelry.

Working in social development with mining projects whilst learning jewellery techniques with master artisans, the particularly male dominated mining industry inspired and motivated her to value the work of strong female community leaders. She celebrates the value of a reciprocal approach within the jewelery system.

Maluti Community Development Forum; Lesotho Representative to the Kimberly Process Civil Society Coalition

Thabo is a human rights lawyer and member of the Maluti Community Development Forum (MCDF). He has been working with the community of Mokhotlong, Lesotho to bring justice as they have had their water rights abused. He represents Lesotho as a member of the The Working Group on Artisanal and Alluvial Production (WGAAP).

Founder and Director, Conflict Awareness Project.

The CAP works globally to combat traffickers, profiteers, and criminal networks that drive violence, harm communities, and devastate the environment.

Elle is a renowned entrepreneur and lauded expert in the diamond, gemstone, and jewelry industry. With 30 years of accomplishments, she has guided businesses and organizations of all sizes to success, from founding her own award-winning international designer jewelry retailer and taking it public with a $10 million IPO in under four years, to helping single-store retailers achieve over 40% year-over-year sales growth, to supporting some of the world’s largest brands and retailers, including Blue Nile and Rapaport.

Following the successful IPO, Elle founded Hill & Co., a business management consultancy specializing in the diamond, gemstone, and jewelry sectors. She leads a team of industry veterans, leveraging a vast insider network to drive client success. Hill & Co. brings unmatched expertise in overcoming challenges, business strategy, and a roster of A-list clients whom they assist in leveraging technology to streamline operations, boost traffic, and increase revenue.Elle is a member of the CIBJO Technology Committee, Loupe Retail Advisory Board, andGem Legacy Advisory Council has been featured in and been a contributor to Forbes, National Jeweler, InStore magazine, and Rapaport, and is a frequent speaker at JCK, AGTATucson, Conclave, and international jewelry shows and events.

Delphine Leymarie is a French-American fine jewelry designer, MBA, and co-founder of Reciprocity Jewels—a collaborative initiative reimagining the jewelry supply chain by building direct relationships between designers and artisanal miners in the Peruvian Amazon.

Her path to jewelry was anything but linear. After earning her MBA in Finance from Pace University, Delphine spent over a decade in the corporate world before answering a creative calling she could no longer ignore. She now hand-carves talismanic fine jewelry in recycled and Fairmined gold, crafting soulful pieces that honor both inner transformation and outer impact.

Her jewels are responsibly made in New York City, designed as modern heirlooms and vessels of intention—carried close for strength, beauty, and meaning. Through Reciprocity Jewels, she works to amplify the voices of miners working without mercury and investing in reforestation, championing a model for traceable, human-centered gold sourcing.

Delphine also holds a Corporate Sustainability Executive Certificate from NYU Stern, sits on the Advisory Council of the Community for Ethical Jewelry, and serves as Treasurer of the Women’s Jewelry Association NY Metro Chapter. She brings a rare blend of financial fluency, creative vision, and sustainability leadership to the conversation—championing jewelry that is as responsible as it is radiant.

Nida Jamal is the Founder and CEO of ArHaz Jewels, a women-empowerment jewelry enterprise that employs and uplifts women artisans across eight regions of Pakistan. With a background in biochemistry and cancer research, Nida pivoted her career to create a purpose-driven brand rooted in ethical gemstone sourcing, sustainability, and traceability. Her work directly connects rural women artisans and miners to the global luxury market, preserving traditional craftsmanship while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

She has collaborated with embassies, cultural organizations, and global initiatives, and her impact has been featured in international exhibitions and media platforms. Nida’s dual expertise in science and entrepreneurship informs her unique approach: building a transparent, ethical supply chain while redefining the intersection of luxury, empowerment, and sustainability.

Born and raised in southern California, Jonny is a multidisciplinary artist now living and creating in New York City. He is classically trained in illustration, painting, sculpture and ceramics and studied at Orange County High School of the Arts and Parsons School of Design. He also is an avid collector of vintage jewelry and clothing, upcycling and reworking to make them his own. Jonny works in the restaurant industry currently and uses his spare time to work on creative projects in the fashion and jewelry world. He creates his jewelry mainly in sterling silver and brings his love of the ancient world and sculpture into his pieces allowing the universe to mold each one, letting his toes sink deeper into the soil and his head brush the stars.