In a world where representation matters, initiatives like the Madam C.J. Walker scholarship strive to bridge the gap and empower BIPOC in the cosmetic chemistry field. Now in its fourth year, the scholarship pays homage to the legacy of Madam C.J. Walker, a pioneering figure in the cosmetics industry.
We spoke to Erica O’Grady, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC), to learn more about this scholarship’s origins, criteria, and aspirations, including its impact on the future of cosmetic chemistry.
Background behind the scholarship
“Madam C.J. Walker was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist,” O’Grady began, and “she is regarded as the first female self-made millionaire in America.” Having “made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of cosmetics and hair care products for black women through the business she founded, Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company,” she explained, the SCC, “thought it fitting to honor her legacy by naming our scholarship after her as she was a pioneer of the modern black haircare and cosmetics industry and set standards in the African American community for corporate and community giving.”
The inspiration behind the scholarship’s creation was “borne out of examining our diversity and inclusion efforts, which could have an impact on the cosmetics and personal care industry,” O’Grady said. “Since our mission is focused on education,” she added, “we were looking for ways to support STEM education of underrepresented populations within our professional community.”
The program aims to support diversity and inclusion within the cosmetic chemistry industry by “financially supporting the next generation of under-represented populations in their pursuit of advanced education in the cosmetic sciences,” she shared further, and supplements the SCC’s other advocacy initiatives, which include “opportunities for networking; potential internships; scientific poster presentations with additional award opportunities; continuing specialized education; and a network of more than 5,500 industry professional members globally.”
About the scholarship
To apply for the SCC’s Madam C.J. Walker scholarship, “applicants must be an under-represented minority (Black/Brown/African American, Native/American Indian/Indigenous Peoples, or Hispanic/Latin American) of any gender identity pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in chemical, physical, medical, pharmaceutical, biological, or related STEM disciplines relative to the cosmetics and personal care industry,” O’Grady explained.
The application process is completed via online application on the SCC’s website, and applicants will need to provide:
- Description of how applicant embodies the spirit and legacy of Madam C.J. Walker
- Statement of applicant accomplishments and career goals/professional development plan
- Description of applicant aspirations and potential impact on the cosmetics and personal care industry
- Personal statement describing why applicant is deserving of the scholarship and how it will help applicant achieve their goals
- Two (2) letters of recommendation, not to exceed two pages each, addressing applicant academic performance, potential, and career aspirations
O’Grady shared that those awarded the scholarship will receive multiple benefits and opportunities outside of the $5,000 stipend.
These benefits include an invitation “to be recognized and accept a ceremonial scholarship check at the SCC Awards Breakfast on Friday, December 13 in Los Angeles,” as well as “a complimentary Full Access Registration to attend the SCC 78th Annual Meeting & Showcase in Los Angeles, CA, December 11-13, 2024, a $350 travel voucher, two (2) nights complimentary accommodation at the host hotel, and a complimentary student poster at the Showcase, where they are eligible to win additional prizes in the student poster competition,” she explained.
Since the scholarship was first awarded in 2021, six winners and four finalists have gone on to achieve accomplishments such as pursuing a Ph.D. in genetics, pursuing a Masters in cosmetic science, and being employed by the FDA.
Looking ahead
Moving forward, the SCC, “along with our generous scholarship sponsor Mary Kay, is pleased to assist in alleviating one of the barriers (financial) to higher education in our field for under-represented groups,” shared O’Grady. “Since the scholarship is relatively new,” she added, “we have consistently evaluated opportunities for improving and expanding our reach for the program, and recently, we added recognition and benefits for finalists as well as awardees,” she said.
The Madam C.J. Walker scholarship, alongside other initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion within the cosmetic chemistry field, underscores the imperative of integrating inclusivity into every facet of the industry. O’Grady, therefore, urged brands and organizations to view diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) not as mere marketing strategies but as fundamental principles guiding their actions. “Diversity is an essential, ongoing practice across an organization,” she concluded, “that requires brands to make an unyielding commitment to the populations they hope to turn into brand loyalists.”
The application period is open and will close on May 17, 2024; visit https://www.scconline.org/About/Awards-and-Scholarships/Madam-CJ-Walker-Scholarship to learn more.
