Cosmetic Industry Members Rally Support for Itiah Angels

Itiah Angels For Learning (IAFL), a nonprofit organization founded by cosmetic industry executive Marie Thadal of Coptis, held its fourth annual gala last month in Princeton, NJ. This 501c3’s mission is to transform the lives of children in Haiti and the Caribbean.

“We are on a roll,” said Thadal about the organization she founded in 2018.

On September 14, Itiah Angels for Learning will mark its eighth anniversary.

Industry Support for IAFL

Much of the support IAFL has garnered over the last eight years has come from charitable organizations within the beauty industry.

IAFL raised more funds this year than in previous years, according to Thadal, who is a former New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC) president and is currently vice president of sales and operations at Coptis, a provider of software solutions for cosmetic R&D.

“Our mission extends far beyond the classroom. We are helping nurture future leaders who potential is limitless despite the obstacles they face. With your support we are bridging the gap between hardship and opportunity, creating pathway to brighter futures and changing the lives of young girls through education, hope and possibility,” Thadal said.

IAFL board members include Thadal (president) and industry experts Giorgio Dell’Acqua (vice-president), Pierre Joseph (treasurer) and Robert Baraczek (fundraising chair). 

At this year’s IAFL gala fundraiser, held Aug. 8 at Crowne Plaza Hotel Ballroom in Princeton, NJ, table sponsors included: Inolex, ECMA LLC, Gimar Distribution Inc., Caribbean Natural Products, Sustainable Botanicals International, Supporting Strategies and Lady Magnolia McGlothen-Brown, an educator and humanitarian.

Additional supporters acknowledged by Itiah at the gala included: Grant Industries’ Daleen Zakaib, who contributed her skills to Itiah Angels Beauty Production mission, as well as Tom Branna, an industry journalist and former editor of Happi who has been a longtime supporter of the organization. Recent support has also been provided by Burt’s Bees’ The Greater Good Foundation, Romatech Consultants, RNA and Dermalogica, according to IAFL.

Kenvue R&D Leader Honored by IAFL

The keynote speaker at the IAFL gala last month was Sabrina Henry, an innovation and R&D leader at Kenvue.

Hope, possibility and the pursuit of dreams was at the heart of Henry’s keynote address delivered during the Roaring ‘20s-themed event.

A first-generation daughter of Haitian immigrant parents, Henry is instrumental in the formulation development process at brands like Neutrogena, Aveeno and Clean ‘n Clear. She’s appeared on national TV, in Essence Magazine and USA Today, and across social media. Henry also presents regularly at industry events and appears on podcasts.

On stage, Henry acknowledged those who helped her overcome the odds—she was micro-preemie, born at just 1 pound back in the 1980s—as well as those who planted the seeds of dreams she would one day pursue, and the many who put their faith in her future.  

Speaking on stage, Henry said that IAFL is doing for many what others did for her.

“None of these are accomplished happened overnight,” she said about her own journey. “They happened because someone invested. Someone believed, someone volunteered their time, someone created an opportunity—just as ITIAH’s angels is doing every single day. You provide educational resources; you do more than distributes supplies. You deliver possibilities. When you sponsor a child, you do more than cover an expense, you communicate worth. When you volunteer your time, you do more than perform a service. You become evidence that someone cares. And sometimes that can change everything.”

Planning for next’s summer’s gala is already underway.

Get Involved with IAFL

Industry members that would like to support IAFL can donate to IAFL, especially on Giving Tuesday, which is Dec.1, 2026 via https://itiahangels.org/donation/.

Additionally, those who would like to volunteer their time and talent can reach out at [email protected].

Scenes from the Gala