The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) has created the Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship in support of under-represented minority students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in chemical, physical, medical, pharmaceutical, biological or related sciences and technology. The scholarship creation is part of the SCC’s initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion in the cosmetic and personal care industry and is funded by Mary Kay Inc.

Madam C.J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove; 1867-1919) was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. Regarded as the first female self-made millionaire in the US, Walker made her fortune by developing and marketing cosmetics and hair care products for Black women through the business she founded, Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company.

Two scholarships, $5,000 each, will be awarded to two under-represented minorities (Black/African American, Native/American Indian, and Latinx/Hispanic American) pursuing undergraduate or post-graduate degrees in chemical, physical, medical, pharmaceutical, biological or related sciences and technology. In addition to the scholarships, SCC will provide each awardee with a $250 travel voucher, one night’s accommodation, and a complimentary full access registration to attend the SCC 75th Annual Meeting & Showcase, December 14-15, 2021 to be presented with the scholarship at the Awards Breakfast.

“Madam C. J. Walker is an icon who spent her entire career breaking through barriers to become one of the nation’s greatest entrepreneurs despite the many obstacles that stood in her path,” said Dr. Lucy Gildea, chief scientific officer at Mary Kay. “It is important that we continue to honor her legacy by supporting young, minority scientists. By partnering with SCC and creating the Madam C.J. Walker scholarship, we hope to inspire and empower the next generation of student scientists who want to follow in Walker’s footsteps.”


Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

According to the Society, diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of its organizational values. The SCC and the industry, are strengthened by the varied identities, experiences, cultures and perspectives of its leadership, employees and members. SCC encourage all of its members, and the global industry as a whole, to join in ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard and to actively support efforts to end systemic racism and injustices both here and abroad.

“The SCC is committed to efforts to support diversity, equity and inclusion for all participants in the cosmetics and personal care industry,” said Erica O’Grady, CAE, CEO of the Society. “We are grateful for the generous support of our scholarship sponsor, Mary Kay Inc., in assisting us with these efforts to educate under-represented groups pursuing degrees related to cosmetic and personal care product development.”


More Initiatives Are Underway

In addition to the Walker scholarship, SCC has announced additional initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring the voices of people of color, and all minorities, in the cosmetic and personal care industry are heard and supported.
These include:

• Address the industry’s needs and advancements in serving communities of color with a dedicated session at each annual meeting.
• Publish manuscripts in the Journal of Cosmetic Science that feature research focused on advancements in serving communities of color.
• Provide opportunities to showcase the work of black chemists.
• Hold a session at Career Development Day on diversity, inclusion and equity with an opportunity for people of color to share their experiences in the industry.
• Develop relationships with historically black universities and colleges in support of cosmetic science program development.

“As we grieve with the black community, and in support of all who have endured systemic racism and oppression, the time for commitment to action is now,” said O’Grady. “The SCC is proud to pledge its resources and undertake additional efforts to support diversity, equity and inclusion for all participants in the industry.

“We recognize, sadly, that there are continued injustices that take place both here and abroad,” said Mindy Goldstein, SCC president and owner of Mindy S. Goldstein, PhD Consulting. “We stand firm in our commitment to recognize the importance of Black lives and pledge to continue being an organization that treats all with respect and dignity, drawing strength from our diverse and inclusive membership.”

More info:  www.scconline.org