The Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) has granted $9,000 in scholarships to three students aiming for careers in jewelry making and design.
According to the organization, each student will receive a $3,000 grant from the MJSA Education Foundation to fund their studies. The recipients this year are Tahnee Barbee, Gigi Sui, and Daniela Villacorta.
Tahnee Barbee is pursuing a certificate in jewelry technology at the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology and anticipates completing her studies by the year’s end. She plans to begin her career as a bench jeweler.
Gigi Sui, who is in her second year at North Bennet Street School in Boston, is working towards a certificate in jewelry making and repair, with graduation expected next year. She aims to work as a bench jeweler and create custom designs.
Daniela Villacorta, part of a jewelry-making family legacy, is studying metalsmithing at Kean University in Union, New Jersey. She is on track to earn her bachelor of fine arts degree in 2026 and aspires to establish her own jewelry business focusing on cultural motifs.
Since 1997, the foundation has awarded nearly $270,000 in scholarships.
