Hornig began her career in educational administration after briefly teaching art to elementary school children. In the late 1970s she worked as a capital campaign fundraiser, resident freshmen proctor and academic adviser at Harvard. Her career in the non-profit/higher education sector continued through the mid-1980s. Hornig served as the Director of Corporate Relations and External Affairs at Columbia Business School prior to going to Wall Street in 1985. Her 20+ years of experience in the finance sector encompasses management, operations, administration, private equity, Hedge funds, marketing and consulting. She also worked as chief administrative officer of Mitchell Hutchins. Throughout her extensive career, Hornig created jewelry as a hobby inspired by her knowledge of art history and the decorative arts. After September 11, 2001, Hornig decided to use her talents to benefit others. Hornig started a nationwide trunk show tour in April, 2019.
Joan Hornig Jewelry
Joan Hornig Jewelry was founded in 2003 with the goal of making a statement and a difference. The company operates under the philosophy that Philanthropy is Beautiful®. 100% of the profit from each jewelry purchase is donated to the 501 of the purchasers choosing through the Joan B. Hornig Foundation. The Joan Hornig Philanthropy is Beautiful® collection of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings uses 18k green gold, sterling silver, and various precious and semi-precious stones. Hornig draws inspiration from her travels around the world and from her art history background. To date, over 800 non-profit organizations dealing with education, medical research, social services, the arts, animal and human rights, and environmental protection have received donations by way of Joan Hornig Jewelry. Limited edition special initiative pieces have also been designed for organizations such as UNICEF, Circle of Women, Help USA, ASPCA, the Girl Scouts, and Haiti relief, among others.
Pavé The Way Jewelry
In September 2018, Hornig released a line of jewelry that donates all of its proceeds to a charity of the buyer's choice. Each jewelry piece represents current political and social causes, ranging from female empowerment to gun violence and environmentalism. Earlier in 2018, Hornig had previously run a campaign to raise funds for Hurricane Maria's impact on Puerto Rico.
Retail Locations
Her jewelry is sold by many stores around the country, including Bergdorf Goodman. Joan Hornig Jewelry also sells a limited collection through The MiA Project and has various accounts with boutiques across America, such as Tootsies and online.
Worn By
Many celebrities and politicians have been spotted in Joan Hornig Jewelry. On the red carpet, Hornig’s jewelry has been worn by Jennifer Lopez, Katherine Heigl, Megan Fox, Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, Eva Mendes, Sandra Oh, Hilary Duff, Tina Fey, Paula Abdul, Hayden Panettiere, Amy Poehler, Olivia Wilde, America Ferrera, Claire Danes, Emma Stone, Kourtney Kardashian, Elizabeth Moss, Naomi Watts, Kerry Washington, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Anna Kendrick, among others. Oprah Winfrey has also been seen sporting Joan Hornig Jewelry. Joan Hornig Jewelry has been gifted by first ladies Laura Bush and Michele Obama to visiting dignitaries to The White House. Former Secretary of StateHillary Rodham Clinton has been seen in earrings and necklaces designed by Hornig, as well.
Awards and recognition
In 2014, Hornig was the designer honoree at the FIT Foundation Annual Awards Gala. In the same year, she received the NECO Ellis Island Medal of Honor. On April 23, 2012, Hornig rang the closing bell on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, an honor awarded for Joan Hornig Jewelry’s unique business model and to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the company. For her philanthropic work, Hornig has been nominated for a 2010 MSN Butterfly Award in the category of Most Inspirational Person. In recognition of Joan’s social entrepreneurship, she was also selected as Hallmark’s featured speaker at their biannual Trend Awards Week in 2009. In 2008, the National Jewelry Institute selected Joan Hornig Jewelry to be part of the first Contemporary Jewelry Designer Showcase on display at The Forbes Galleries in New York. After September 11, 2001, Hornig decided to use her talents to benefit others. In 2003, Hornig founded Joan Hornig Jewelry, transitioning fully from a career in finance to arts and philanthropy.
The Joan B. Hornig Foundation
In 2003, Hornig established the Joan B. Hornig Foundation with the mission to provide support for registered charitable organizations throughout the world. 100% of the profit from Joan Hornig Jewelry is donated by way of the Joan B. Hornig Foundation. Contributions have been made to over 900 organizations to date. Here is an up-to-date list of benefiting non-profits organizations.Sales to date have generated substantial contributions to over 700 different organizations across the globe.
Affiliations
Hornig serves on the board of trustees for the Fashion Institute of Technology since June 30, 2015. She and her husband George founded the Sundance Theater. She is also a member of both the Harvard College and Columbia Business School Alumni Associations.
Writings
Hornig has been a featured writer on New York Lifestyles Magazine.
Personal life
Hornig resides in Southampton, New York. She and her husband George Hornig restored a 1860s-era barn in the area to give back to the community.
