Keynote: Noura Sakkijha
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Noura Sakkijha, CEO & Co-Founder of Mejuri
Theme: Aspiration xx Access
Born in Jordan as a third-generation jeweler, Noura Sakkijha initially stepped away from the family trade to study industrial engineering and earn her MBA in Canada. Despite a successful consulting career in Toronto, she remained passionate about fine jewelry but felt disconnected by the traditional industry model that focused on men buying for women. In 2015, she leveraged her technical background and deep supply chain knowledge to co-found Mejuri, a brand designed to empower individuals to purchase high-quality pieces for themselves.
Full Bio
Under Sakkijha’s leadership, Mejuri has evolved into a global powerhouse with over 3 million customers and more than 55 international retail locations. Beyond commercial success, she has prioritized social impact through the 2020 launch of the Mejuri Empowerment Fund, which has dedicated over $1 million to scholarships for underrepresented women and non-binary individuals. Today, her approach continues to redefine the jewelry industry through a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and community support.
Her session will delve into the intersection of aspiration and access, exploring how elevated craftsmanship, digital-first retail, and a rising self-purchasing culture can democratize luxury in an industry ripe for reinvention.
MODERATOR
Oliver Chen, Managing Director, TD Cowen & Adjunct Associate Professor, CBS
Oliver Chen is a Managing Director and senior equity research analyst covering retail and luxury goods. Mr. Chen’s deep understanding of the consumer and his ability to forecast the latest trends and technological changes that will impact the retail space has set him apart from his peers. Oliver’s broad coverage and circumspect view make him the thought partner of retail and brand leaders.
Full Bio
His coverage of the retail sector has led to numerous industry awards and press coverage from CNBC, Bloomberg, The New York Times, Financial Times, Barron’s, The Wall Street Journal, and others. Mr. Chen was recognized on the 2018 and 2017 Institutional Investor All-America Research team as a top analyst in the retailing/department stores & specialty softlines sector. Mr. Chen was also selected as a preeminent retail influencer as he was named to the National Retail Federation (NRF) Foundation’s “2019 List of People Shaping Retail’s Future.” Considered an “industry expert,” Mr. Chen frequently appears as a speaker/panelist at key industry events. Mr. Chen is also an Adjunct Professor in Retail and Marketing at Columbia Business School, teaching the course “New Frontiers in Retailing.”
Check In & Coffee
Early Private Market by Normal New York
Culture X Commerce
Break
Founding X Operating
Lunch, Networking & Private Market by Normal New York
Break
Heritage xx Evolution
Break
Break
Aspiration xx Access
Goodie Bag Handout
*Conference name tag required
