Beyond the Carat Foundation Shop – Meet Our Expert Instructors
Beyond the Carat Foundation (BTC) was founded by Daniel Moijueh, a visionary leader and survivor of the Sierra Leonean blood diamond war. Witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of conflict diamonds on his homeland, Moijueh dedicated his life to transforming the narrative of the diamond industry by promoting ethical sourcing and uplifting mining communities.
In pursuit of this mission, Moijueh established Moijey Fine Diamonds & Jewelry, a conflict-free diamond and fine jewelry company committed to responsible business practices. Guided by the belief that beauty should never come at the cost of human suffering, Moijey Fine Diamonds ensures that every gem is sourced ethically and contributes to positive change.
To deepen his impact, Moijueh created Beyond the Carat Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the lives of individuals in diamond mining regions. The foundation receives 21% of all proceeds from Moijey Fine Diamonds & Jewelry, channeling these funds into initiatives that address critical issues such as education, healthcare, sustainable development, and economic empowerment.
Beyond the Carat Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, proving that the diamond industry can be a force for good. By bridging the gap between luxury and social responsibility, the foundation embodies Moijueh's unwavering commitment to creating a brighter future for mining communities and ensuring that every diamond tells a story of resilience and renewal.
Here's a closer look at the talented individuals who make our programs exceptional:
Dr. Alade McKen – Director
As the visionary leader behind the Beyond the Carat Foundation, Dr. McKen oversees all aspects of our academy and ensures that every course is designed to empower and inspire.
Rochidi Otheme – 3D CAD/Bench Jeweler Instructor
Rochidi brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creativity to our 3D CAD and jewelry design programs. His focus is on mastering the 3Design software to help students bring their jewelry concepts to life.
Abdul S. – 3D CAD Instructor (Rhino)
A specialist in Rhino 3D CAD software, Abdul's instruction focuses on precision design and modeling, allowing students to develop their skills in one of the most widely-used tools in the jewelry industry.
John Gilmore – AI/Coding Instructor
John brings cutting-edge expertise in AI and coding, providing students with the skills to integrate technology into jewelry design. His courses explore the future of design through artificial intelligence.
E. Pascal - Bench Jeweler Instructor
With years of hands-on experience, E. Pascal teaches the practical aspects of bench jewelry, guiding students in traditional techniques while incorporating modern innovations for beautiful, custom jewelry creations.
Cynthia Bardwell – MCP Book Instructor
Cynthia is a dedicated instructor for the My Crystal Powers book, helping students explore the transformative power of crystals. Her guidance supports personal growth through crystal knowledge and energy healing practices.
Dawna Phillips – MCP Book Instructor
Dawna shares her wisdom and passion for crystals as an instructor for the My Crystal Powers book. She focuses on empowering students to harness the healing properties of crystals in their everyday lives.
