Her Story
About Bethany
For the past seven years at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Bethany has served as a Writer and Editor, specializing in writing Monographs for some of the world's most exceptional diamonds and colored stones. Her work bridges the gap between creative and compelling narrative history with meticulous scientific data, customizing every project to align seamlessly with both strict GIA standards and the unique vision of the client. Several of the remarkable gemstones she has researched and documented have been featured in high-profile global auctions. Passionate about storytelling, Bethany takes great pride in seeing her work beautifully preserved in a finished book.
She is recognized as a versatile, detail-oriented, and creative communications professional who brings a unique blend of writing, editorial, and performance expertise to every role. She uses her ability to synthesize complex, technical information and communicate it clearly to non-experts., particularly in specialized or technical fields.
Bethany earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Digital Communication from Rutgers University, where she was inducted into the prestigious Matthew Leydt Society for being ranked in the top 2 percent academically selected from about 8,600 undergraduates who earned degrees from Rutgers-New Brunswick. Recognized for her academic excellence, she was also honored as the President Cohort of the Rutgers journalism program for achieving the highest GPA in the department.
Beyond her editorial work, Bethany brings a rich background in the arts, having spent several years as a professional vocalist for various opportunities throughout the tri-state area. Outside of her professional and creative pursuits, she stays active through dance and fitness classes, loves curling up with a good book, and enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Bethany
01What do you attribute your success to?
I have chosen to treat my career as an evolving journey rather than a rigid ladder. The traditional narrative suggests that if you are not moving straight up, you are falling behind. But my experience has taught me that success is inherently non-linear. It is a process of pivoting, learning, and expanding that requires you to embrace change. For me, that meant blending a lifelong passion for writing with the specialized field of gemology, creating a unique career path that a traditional ladder could never have offered.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A company I once worked for was celebrating Women's History month and was handing out little cards with quotes on them by influential women. The card I happened to pick up featured a quote by Sheryl Sandberg: 'Done is better than perfect.' As a natural perfectionist, those five words stuck with me. Sandberg meant don't let the idea of working towards perfection paralyze you in your efforts. Writing is a skill you must practice daily. Choosing "done" over "perfect" isn't an endorsement of lowered standards. Instead, it is an exercise in strategic prioritization. It means understanding when a project has met a high standard of excellence and knowing when it is time to trust the work and release it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is never let a lack of absolute mastery deter you from applying for a position that piques your interest. My own curiosity is what initially brought me to my role as a writer and editor at GIA, but it was my unwavering commitment to learning an entirely new, highly technical subject that has kept me there. You don't always need to check every box in a job description. Your capacity to learn, grow, and adapt are the most important qualities for continued success.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Three pillars of my professional life and personal life are kindness, honesty, and integrity. I believe true leadership requires a strong ethical compass; it is the commitment to doing what is right even when no one is watching. When you lead with absolute integrity, you create a baseline of trust that completely transforms the environment around you.
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