Since its founding 80 years ago, only 15 women have served as president of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists at the national level. To mark UNESCO’s 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we asked No. 15—Marisa Plescia—about the strides women have made in science and why female representation within cosmetic R&D is vital to the category’s future.

Happi: Can you speak about the growing presence of women on the bench in cosmetic R&D and also leadership areas focused on R&D/science, and within SCC. Why is it vital that women are at the table here?

Plescia: I am increasingly proud and deeply grateful for the strides women have made as leaders and scientists in the industry, and for becoming an integral part of the conversation in an industry that has been long shaped by women as the primary stakeholder and consumer.

Cosmetic science exists at a unique intersection of science, creativity, human experience, and culture. I fully believe that women bring perspectives that are essential to that intersection. Women are in a position to not only elevate the art and science of cosmetic chemistry, but to lead with the distinctive strengths that often come with being women. More women in R&D and leadership roles in the industry expands excellence in the field of cosmetic science.

Throughout my years as both a student and a professional in the cosmetic science industry, I have witnessed a meaningful and experiential shift. What stands out to me most is how clearly this evolution revealed itself through even in my own education and early career. During my first graduate school experience in cosmetic science, every professor was male. Later, when I moved to Europe to continue my studies, I found myself surrounded by both a faculty and academic environment that was predominantly female. I then entered my first role after school in the industry as part of an all-female R&D team. It was in that environment that I truly found my foundation. I excelled not only because of the work itself, but because of the community surrounding it. There was a shared strength with mutual respect, confidence, and passion for the science and industry. That experience reinforced for me that when women are empowered in scientific spaces, the science excels, the environment often becomes more intentional, and meaningful connection emerges.

Today in the SCC, I see women playing a vital role in shaping the organization and the future direction. Their leadership, often both visible and behind the scenes, elevates the experience of being part of the SCC and strengthens the science and industry we share as a community. It is a source of genuine pride to be part of an organization where women are not only present, but instrumental to its success.

Happi: How are women within the SCC supporting your goals as current president?

Plescia: I was incredibly fortunate that when I first entered the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and became involved, it was during a time when women were leading as president. Kelly Dobos, Liz Streland, and Michelle Hines each served as president of the SCC during that period, and having women in those roles mattered more than I fully realized at the time. I still remember the first time I met Liz Streland and I told her that my goal was to one day become president of the SCC. Being able to say that out loud, to a woman who was already living that role, was incredibly powerful. It transformed a dream into something that I knew was achievable.

I’m also very fortunate to work with so many amazing women on the SCC Board of Directors and staff with Erica O’Grady serving as CEO of the SCC.  I feel support every day through a shared sense of trust and collaboration, and pride in the work we do together. And just as importantly, there’s a lot of room for fun and connection, which makes the experience even more meaningful!

These experiences and support with women have shaped how I approach my role and my goals for the SCC. One of my central priorities this year is connection within the SCC and the industry, creating space for mentorship, collaboration and shared scientific education.

Happi: Did you have women mentors or role models during your younger years who shaped your journey?

Plescia: I truly love seeing women support and uplift one another and create space to grow through collaboration, mentorship, and shared success.

I have been incredibly fortunate to always have strong female role models in my life. Even in my earliest years, I was surrounded by women in many daily experiences. As a dancer and as a student at an all-girls high school, these environments were formative in building my confidence, encouraging me to find my voice, and teaching me the value of collaboration over competition with each other. My dance teachers, Colette Sibal, Kimberly Brown and Denise Darnell, played a particularly meaningful role in guiding me during those years. They helped instill a sense of self-belief and resilience that I continue to carry with me today, shaping how I lead, how I mentor, and how I show up.

Throughout my cosmetic science education and career, I have been encouraged by so many female leaders in the industry and in SCC. From professors and my classmates to my lab managers and colleagues, I have felt the guidance of strong women in science and leadership. In particular, Melissa Christenson played a pivotal role in encouraging my involvement with the SCC and, especially over the past few years, in supporting my growth as an entrepreneur. She brings a fierce energy to everything she does and she provided not only encouragement, but also tangible resources and mentorship as I built my own business, FemChem Beauty.

Happi: Why must we continue to support girls and women in STEM today?

Plescia: I am incredibly proud to be a woman in STEM, and I am continually inspired by seeing more and more young girls step into STEM fields with confidence, curiosity, and ambition. Watching females embrace science as a space where they belong as innovators and leaders is energizing and deeply meaningful.

Women in STEM presence represents progress, possibility, and a future where all perspectives are valued and celebrated. It reminds me why all representation matters and why it is so important that we continue to create environments where girls are encouraged. Encouraged to explore, question, and lead with their perspectives. Seeing young women pursue STEM reinforces my belief that science is strongest when it reflects the people and experiences of those shaping it.