Vivien Johnston of the Dragonfly Initiative was appointed Supply Chain Ambassador to the Women's Jewellery Network (WJN) in recognition of her work supporting female jewelers across the value chain to achieve sustainability in their sourcing practices. The Dragonfly Initiative (TDI) is a consultancy that works across the depth of the supply chain, applying insights from 20 years of experience of working with established and iconic brands and supporting the growth and sustainability of emergent jewelry businesses.
"We were delighted to announce the appointment of Vivien as an Ambassador. Vivien possesses deep sector knowledge of supply chain management, following strong career experience within the sector. Her proven record of success is representative of the mission and values of WJN. Responsible supply chain management is a powerful engine for employment, economic development, and opportunity around the world," said Women's Jewellery Network Managing Director Victoria McKay.
As a sustainability advisory firm, The Dragonfly Initiative (TDI) works with businesses along the length and breadth of the jewelry supply chain. Leveraging a combination of expert knowledge, strategic thinking and real-world experience, TDI's multi-dimensional team offers a 360 degree perspective on the complexities of the jewelry industry. The brand incubator helps to design and articulate commitments to sustainable sourcing.
Recently Vivien and the TDI team worked with a female-led jewelry brand with a mandate to source emeralds mined and polished in Pakistan. The team conducted a field trip and identified two workshops that train and employ an 80 percent female skilled workforce in cutting and polishing gemstones. The brand has now partnered with one of those suppliers for emerald and plans to develop their product range to accommodate other gem types that are cut by female lapidary initiatives from around the world.