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ABOUT US

Our Story

The CAZA Collective was born from a deep passion for connecting talented individuals with opportunities that enable them to thrive in their careers. Founded by Sonia Chavez, the company’s journey is rooted in decades of recruiting, staffing, and talent acquisition experience. Sonia’s career began over 20 years ago as an IT recruiter on the agency side. Her path led her through various agency and corporate roles until she found herself at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where she led the Talent Acquisition team. It was at GIA that Sonia truly fell in love with the intricacies of the industry. Building a dynamic team and forging lasting relationships were among the most fulfilling aspects of her time there. When her chapter at GIA concluded, Sonia thought her time in this fascinating industry had come to an end.

However, the entrepreneurial spirit within Sonia had always been strong, and the desire to create her own business lingered. In September 2022, she took the leap and founded The CAZA Collective. The name “CAZA,” inspired by her Latin heritage, means “hunt” in Spanish, a reflection of the recruiter’s relentless pursuit of top talent.  Initially, the CAZA Collective was envisioned as a broad recruitment agency, leveraging the team’s diverse experience. But an “aha” moment shifted their focus. Sonia’s former GIA colleague, Zaudy Miranda, joined as a business partner, and reminded Sonia of the significant gap in the market and a lack of specialized recruiting resources for the gem and jewelry field.  It became clear that the CAZA Collective could fill that void by focusing exclusively on this unique industry.

In early 2023, Tony Mauzy joined the team as Vice President of Operations & Strategic Growth. Tony brought with him nearly two decades of experience in business development, operations management, and strategic planning. His background in UX/UI design, product marketing, and leading high-conversion sales funnels has been pivotal in driving CAZA’s operational efficiency and market expansion.

The CAZA Collective’s growth continued with the addition of Andre Martelly as Chief Operating Officer and co-owner. Andre brought over a decade of experience in recruiting and talent acquisition operations, as well as experiential marketing and events. Andre’s leadership in managing high-impact event activations across various industries has enriched CAZA’s ability to connect talent with the right opportunities by hosting events that cater to the industry.

Today, the CAZA Collective is dedicated to matching skilled professionals with the unique needs of companies in the Diamond, Gem & Jewelry industry.  Whether it’s gemology, design, retail, technology, marketing, corporate roles, just to name a few; their deep understanding of the industry makes them the go-to resource for all facets within this field.  The CAZA Collective is more than a recruiting & staffing agency, it’s a trusted partner in the pursuit of matching talent and opportunity to shape the future of the Diamond, Gem & Jewelry industry.

what makes us different

Our Expertise

At The CAZA Collective, we are committed to providing exceptional talent solutions tailored specifically for the Diamond, Gem, & Jewelry industry. Leveraging our deep industry expertise and expansive network, we excel at filling even the most challenging positions, ensuring you have access to the best talent in the field. Our approach is not just about placements; it’s about building lasting partnerships, making us your trusted resource for all your hiring needs.

Customized Talent Solutions

Whether you need Direct Hire, Executive Placements, Temporary Staffing, ongoing Recruitment and Sourcing support, or Talent Acquisition consulting, we provide innovative and tailored talent solutions that go beyond standard offerings. Our unique approach ensures that every service is customized to align with the specific needs of both clients and candidates, while also delivering flexibility and cost-saving options not commonly found with other staffing and recruiting firms – setting us apart in the industry.

Targeted Expertise

Led by Sonia Chavez, who previously headed Talent Acquisition at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and Zaudy Miranda, who brings rich recruiting experience from GIA and the jewelry industry, along with a GIA Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP) Diploma.  Our team is actively involved in the industry, with Zaudy serving as a Board Member of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) Los Angeles Chapter and the GIA Alumni Collective San Diego Chapter, influencing industry trends and standards.

Comprehensive Recruitment

We recruit across all facets of the Diamond, Gem, and Jewelry industry, providing you with access to specialized talent tailored to your specific needs, whether its in design, manufacturing, retail, or any other sector. Leveraging our extensive network and rich candidate database, we match you with the industry’s finest professionals, ensuring that you secure top talent to effectively fill your positions.

Extensive Experience

With over 35 years of combined experience in both agency staffing and corporate recruiting, we offer a unique perspective that sets us apart. Our deep understanding of what companies seek in their ideal candidates, paired with insight into what truly matters to candidates in the job market, allows us to deliver exceptional results for both clients and job seekers.

get to know us

Meet Our Team

SONIA CHAVEZ

Founder & CEO

ZAUDY MIRANDA

VP, Client Partnerships & Recruitment

ANDRE MARTELLY

Chief Operating Officer

TONY MAUZY

VP, Operations & Strategic Growth

anyssa vera

Recruiting Coordinator

Unlock Your Potential with the Right Partnership

Whether You’re Seeking Top Talent or Your Next Career Move, We’re Here to Help

The CAZA Collective specializes in making the connections that matter. Whether you’re a business in need of skilled professionals or a candidate ready for a new challenge, we’re here to help you succeed.