SCC News

SCC Names Madam Walker Scholarship Winners

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By: Christine Esposito

Managing Editor

The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) announced the winners of the Madam CJ Walker Scholarship, sponsored by Mary Kay Inc. The selection committee, which included Madam CJ Walker’s great-great-granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles, chose these two awardees from a large group of impressive candidates. Each awardee shall receive a $5,000 scholarship.

The honorees this year are Carolina Aguilera Barraza of Northeastern University, an undergraduate student majoring in chemical engineering; as well as Collette Tamar Gordon of University of Southern California, a graduate student majoring in chemistry.

The finalists listed below were also recognized by the selection committee this year for their outstanding achievements: Micaela V. Reyes (York College/CUNY) and Victoria S. Humphrey (JFK/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine).

The winners and finalists have been invited to attend the SCC 76th Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase, Dec. 12-14, 2022, in Los Angeles, CA, to be recognized for their achievements at the Annual Awards Breakfast.

“As a decades-long leader in innovative global cosmetics and skincare, Mary Kay is proud to continue Madam CJ Walker’s inspiring legacy of philanthropy and entrepreneurship through the sponsorship of the SCC Madam CJ Walker Scholarship,” said Dr. Lucy Gildea, chief innovation officer, product and science at Mary Kay. “These tremendous young scientists can pursue futures in cosmetic science degrees, and ultimately make impactful contributions to their fields in the future. We are honored to support their dreams!”

“Now in its second year, the program continues to attract a growing number of outstanding applicants for the scholarship,” said Erica L. O’Grady, CAE, chief executive officer of the Society. “Carolina and Collette rose to the top of this applicant group with their impressive accomplishments and embodiment of the spirit of Madam CJ Walker’s legacy. We are thrilled to award the scholarships to these two deserving young scientists and to recognize the finalists for their achievements.”

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