Diamonds Do Good, a leading organization dedicated to sharing the positive impact of the natural diamond industry, is proud to announce significant enhancements to its leadership team and board of directors. These strategic appointments underscore the organization’s commitment to strengthening its mission and expanding its global reach, ensuring the inspiring stories of diamonds’ contributions to communities are heard louder and clearer than ever before.

The esteemed board is delighted to introduce its revitalized leadership team, poised to guide the organization into a new era of growth and influence. At the helm is **Kathy Corey**, taking on the pivotal role of President. She is joined by **Peter Engel** as President-Elect, setting the stage for a seamless transition and sustained visionary guidance. **Anna Martin**, having served with distinction, transitions to the role of Immediate Past President, ensuring continuity and invaluable experience. Completing the core leadership is **David Bonaparte**, welcomed as the organization’s Treasurer, bringing vital financial acumen to support Diamonds Do Good’s initiatives. Each of these dedicated individuals will serve a crucial two-year term, working collaboratively to advance the organization’s noble objectives.

Visionary Leadership: Steering Diamonds Do Good Towards a Brighter Future

The selection of Kathy Corey as President marks a significant milestone for Diamonds Do Good. Ms. Corey is a highly respected figure within the jewelry industry, known for her extensive experience and deep understanding of both retail and ethical practices. As a former owner and a current Board Member for Day’s Jewelers, a prominent operation with eight stores across Maine and New Hampshire, her insights are invaluable. Day’s Jewelers itself is a testament to excellence, having been honored with the prestigious Business of the Year award from the Women’s Jewelry Association in 2017. Kathy Corey’s leadership style, coupled with her profound industry knowledge, positions her perfectly to champion the cause of Diamonds Do Good, fostering greater transparency and highlighting the tangible benefits that the diamond supply chain brings to millions globally.

Her vision for Diamonds Do Good emphasizes collaboration and effective communication, ensuring that the industry’s efforts in community development, education, and healthcare are recognized by consumers worldwide. Ms. Corey’s ability to connect with diverse stakeholders, from miners to retailers, will be instrumental in amplifying the organization’s message and driving its initiatives forward. Her commitment to ethical business practices and community engagement aligns perfectly with the core values of Diamonds Do Good, promising a tenure focused on impactful growth and advocacy.

Supporting Ms. Corey, Peter Engel steps into the role of President-Elect, signifying a planned and robust succession strategy. This forward-thinking approach ensures stability and consistent leadership, allowing for sustained focus on long-term goals and strategic development. The transition of Anna Martin to Immediate Past President is equally significant. Her tenure as President was marked by unwavering dedication and a profound commitment to the organization’s mission. Ms. Martin’s continued involvement on the leadership team provides a crucial bridge between past successes and future endeavors, offering invaluable institutional knowledge and continuity. The expertise of David Bonaparte as Treasurer is vital for the financial health and strategic allocation of resources, ensuring that Diamonds Do Good can maximize its impact efficiently and responsibly.

Expanding Expertise: Five New Industry Leaders Join the Board

In addition to the refreshed leadership team, Diamonds Do Good is thrilled to welcome five new distinguished board members. These individuals bring a rich tapestry of experience, diverse perspectives, and innovative thinking from various critical sectors of the jewelry industry. Their collective expertise will undoubtedly invigorate the organization’s strategic planning and outreach efforts, broadening its capacity to fulfill its mission. The expansion of the board reflects a proactive approach to encompass a wider range of industry voices and insights, ensuring that Diamonds Do Good remains at the forefront of promoting social responsibility within the diamond sector.

The new board members are:

• Sarin Bachmann, Group Vice President, Reed Exhibitions Jewelry Group: Ms. Bachmann’s role at Reed Exhibitions places her at the heart of industry commerce and trends. Her understanding of global markets, trade shows, and brand exposure will be crucial in disseminating the message of Diamonds Do Good to a vast network of industry professionals and consumers. She brings a powerful platform for showcasing the industry’s commitment to positive change.
• Allison Katz, President, Krupp Group PR: As a leader in public relations, Allison Katz possesses an unparalleled ability to craft compelling narratives and shape public perception. Her expertise will be instrumental in enhancing Diamonds Do Good’s communication strategies, ensuring that the authentic stories of community empowerment and ethical practices resonate deeply with a global audience, fostering greater consumer confidence and appreciation for natural diamonds.
• Lola Oladunjoye, Designer, Lola Fenhirst: Lola Oladunjoye’s perspective as a creative designer offers a unique and vital voice to the board. Her artistic vision, combined with an understanding of consumer desires and the intrinsic value of beautiful, ethically sourced materials, will help bridge the gap between abstract concepts of social responsibility and the tangible products that captivate customers. She represents the passion and artistry at the core of the jewelry world.
• Pritesh Patel, Senior Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer, GIA: Mr. Patel’s extensive background with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) brings an invaluable foundation of scientific rigor, education, and industry standards to the board. His insights into gemological research, diamond grading, and ethical sourcing practices are critical for maintaining the highest levels of integrity and trust in the diamond supply chain, reinforcing the credibility of Diamonds Do Good’s messaging.
• Constance Polamalu, Chief Operating Officer, Zachary’s Jewelers: Representing the vital retail segment, Constance Polamalu brings direct insight into customer interactions and market demands. Her operational expertise and understanding of how positive narratives translate into consumer engagement at the point of sale will be crucial. She embodies the daily commitment of jewelers to their communities and customers, providing a real-world perspective on the impact of responsible sourcing.

The full list of all dedicated board members and their bios can be found by visiting the organization’s official website at DiamondsDoGood.org.

A Shared Passion for Impact: Leadership Statements

Incoming President Kathy Corey shared her profound enthusiasm for the organization’s future, stating, “We are incredibly pleased and honored to welcome these exceptional new board members to Diamonds Do Good. Their diverse expertise and collective wisdom will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving landscape of our industry. More importantly, each of them shares an unwavering passion for the vital mission of Diamonds Do Good and demonstrates an unequivocal commitment to its continued growth and expanding influence in the years ahead. Together, we will amplify the inspiring stories of how natural diamonds contribute positively to the lives of countless individuals and communities around the world.” Her statement encapsulates the renewed energy and focused direction that this new leadership aims to bring.

Adding to the sentiment of continuity and shared purpose, Immediate Past President Anna Martin reflected on her tenure and the exciting path forward. “It has been an immense privilege and a truly rewarding experience to serve as President for an organization that so profoundly embodies and champions the values I hold dear. Diamonds Do Good is more than just a name; it represents a global movement towards empowerment and positive change, driven by the diamond industry’s commitment to social responsibility. I eagerly look forward to collaborating closely with Kathy, Pete, and the entire board to continue building upon the significant positive impact Diamonds Do Good has already made for communities globally. Furthermore, I am deeply committed to encouraging every segment of the industry – from mining to manufacturing to retail – to wholeheartedly embrace and share these transformative stories with their customers. These are not just transactions; they are connections to a chain of good.” Ms. Martin’s call to action for the industry to actively engage in storytelling underscores the strategic importance of consumer awareness and trust in the modern diamond market.

The Enduring Mission: How Diamonds Do Good Transforms Lives

Diamonds Do Good’s core mission revolves around communicating the tangible benefits that the diamond industry brings to developing communities. This encompasses a wide array of initiatives, from providing quality education and robust healthcare infrastructure to fostering economic empowerment and sustainable development. The organization passionately champions the narrative that natural diamonds, far from being just symbols of luxury, are powerful catalysts for positive change, creating opportunities and improving living standards for millions in diamond-producing regions. By supporting schools, building medical facilities, and investing in local enterprises, the diamond industry contributes significantly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, helping to alleviate poverty, promote gender equality, and ensure access to clean water and sanitation.

Transparency and ethical practices are at the heart of this mission. Diamonds Do Good strives to educate consumers about the rigorous standards and certifications in place, assuring them that their diamond purchases contribute to a cycle of good. The stories that emerge from these communities – of children attending school for the first time, of families gaining access to essential medical care, or of women entrepreneurs building thriving businesses – are testaments to the profound impact of a responsible diamond industry. These are the narratives that the organization seeks to amplify, encouraging jewelers and brands to share them proudly with their customers, thereby fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for every diamond’s journey.

Strategic Vision: Amplifying Impact and Sustaining Growth

With this dynamic new leadership and expanded board, Diamonds Do Good is poised to significantly enhance its strategic vision. The focus will be on strengthening global partnerships, leveraging advanced communication tools, and developing innovative programs to further its mission. The aim is not only to inform but also to inspire, encouraging greater participation and support from across the entire diamond pipeline. By harnessing the collective expertise of its new team, Diamonds Do Good will expand its educational outreach, particularly to younger generations of consumers who increasingly seek products with a clear social conscience.

The organization’s future initiatives will likely include more robust digital campaigns, collaborative industry events, and enhanced resource development to support ongoing and new community programs. The integration of diverse skill sets from public relations to gemological science ensures a multi-faceted approach to advocacy and awareness. Ultimately, the goal is to reinforce the diamond industry’s commitment to social responsibility, ensuring that the legacy of diamonds is not just one of beauty and rarity, but also one of enduring positive impact and unwavering dedication to global betterment.

Conclusion: A New Chapter of Empowerment and Progress

The announcement of the new leadership team and the addition of five distinguished board members marks an exhilarating new chapter for Diamonds Do Good. This strategic recalibration injects fresh perspectives, robust industry expertise, and renewed vigor into the organization’s efforts. Under the guidance of President Kathy Corey, alongside President-Elect Peter Engel, Immediate Past President Anna Martin, Treasurer David Bonaparte, and the enriched board, Diamonds Do Good is exceptionally well-positioned to further its critical mission. The collective vision is clear: to continue illuminating the powerful, positive impact of diamonds, ensuring that the narrative of social responsibility, community empowerment, and ethical integrity resonates across the globe. The future of Diamonds Do Good is indeed brighter than ever, promising continued growth and an expanded footprint in making a tangible difference in the lives of communities worldwide.