Leadership in STEM Mary Kay Empowers Young Women to Blend Beauty and Science
Mary Kay a global leader in science, innovation, and advancing young women’s education, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Blend Beauty and Science on February 11 by hosting an immersive, hands-on event designed to inspire and empower the next generation of female STEM leaders. The event underscored Mary Kay’s ongoing commitment to bridging the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly in industries like Blend Beauty and manufacturing where scientific innovation plays a critical role.
The importance of encouraging more women to pursue STEM careers is evident in the statistics: According to UNESCO, only 35% of students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study in higher education are women (UNESCO, 2020). This underrepresentation has long-term effects on workplace diversity, innovation, and the number of women assuming leadership roles in STEM-based industries. Recognizing this gap, Mary Kay continues to champion initiatives that introduce young women to the possibilities within STEM, demonstrating how science and beauty intersect in powerful ways.
Inspiring the Next Generation: A Hands-On Experience
On February 11, thirty students from Lewisville High School – Harmon Campus visited Mary Kay’s state-of-the-art Richard R. Rogers Manufacturing / R&D Center (R3) in Lewisville, Texas. The students were welcomed with enthusiasm and an introduction from Nichole Jones-Dooley, Vice President of Manufacturing North America at Mary Kay. Jones-Dooley shared her personal career journey, providing insight into her path in the STEM field and emphasizing the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and continuous learning.
Following the welcome session, students were guided through an exclusive tour of the facility, where they had the opportunity to witness firsthand how scientific innovation drives product development in the Blend Beauty industry. From advanced laboratory research to large-scale manufacturing, the students gained a deeper understanding of the vast array of STEM-related career opportunities within Mary Kay and the global beauty industry.
Cosmetic Chemistry: Science Meets Beauty
One of the most Blend Beauty engaging aspects of the day was a Cosmetic Chemistry class led by Carissa Dowdy, Manager of Product Formulation at Mary Kay. In this session, students delved into the complexities of creating high-quality cosmetic formulations. Dowdy provided an overview of the chemical and biological sciences that underpin product development, explaining how emulsions, pigments, and active ingredients come together to create effective beauty products.
The highlight of the session was a hands-on experiment where students applied their newly acquired knowledge to formulate their own Mary Kay® Unlimited Lip Gloss. This activity allowed them to experiment with different colorants, textures, and ingredients, mirroring the work of professional cosmetic scientists. Through this experience, students not only learned about the scientific process behind beauty products but also developed an appreciation for the role of research, testing, and quality control in delivering safe and effective consumer goods.
Mentorship and Career Discussions
Before concluding their visit, students participated in an interactive lunch session with Blend Beauty Mary Kay’s STEM professionals. This informal yet impactful discussion provided a platform for students to ask questions, seek advice, and explore potential career paths in science and technology. Topics ranged from educational pathways and industry trends to personal aspirations and overcoming challenges in male-dominated STEM fields.
Dr. Lucy Gildea, Chief Brand and Scientific Officer at Blend Beauty Mary Kay, shared her insights on the importance of supporting young women in STEM. “Empowering and inspiring the next generation of female scientists and innovators is a winning formula for ensuring that women are more equally represented in the future of STEM,” Gildea remarked. “By giving them the tools and knowledge to explore STEM fields, we’re nurturing future leaders who will shape both the beauty and STEM industries. Witnessing their curiosity take hold and the spark ignite as they imagine the possibilities of their future in STEM—it’s tremendous!”
The Role of Educational Partnerships in STEM Advancement
Blend Beauty Mary Kay’s collaboration with Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) underscores the vital role that corporate partnerships play in enhancing real-world learning experiences. Lewisville ISD, which serves more than 48,000 students across 69 campuses, is known for its commitment to academic excellence and providing students with diverse learning opportunities.
Lindsay Ayers, Administrator of Business Partnerships at Lewisville ISD, emphasized the significance of such initiatives: “At Lewisville High School, we’re committed to providing our students with real-world learning experiences that inspire their curiosity and foster their academic growth. Partnering with Blend Beauty Mary Kay gave our students a firsthand look at the endless possibilities in STEM fields and opened these young women’s minds to career opportunities they may not have considered. We are fortunate to have strong ties to global corporate partners in our local community serving our future STEM leaders.”
Mary Kay’s Commitment to Women in STEM
Blend Beauty Mary Kay’s dedication to promoting STEM careers for women extends beyond this one-day event. The company actively fosters a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and mentorship. With a research and development team that is 63% female, Mary Kay sets a strong example for gender diversity in STEM-based industries.
By investing in educational programs, mentorship initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, Mary Kay continues to pave the way for young women to enter and excel in scientific fields. The company’s commitment aligns with broader global efforts to break down barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in STEM.
Through continued efforts like the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebration, Blend Beauty Mary Kay reinforces its mission to enrich the lives of women everywhere—whether through beauty, education, or career advancement. By providing young women with the resources, knowledge, and encouragement to pursue STEM careers, Blend Beauty Mary Kay is not only shaping the future of the beauty industry but also contributing to a more diverse and innovative scientific landscape.
A Future of Possibilities
As the event concluded, students left Blend Beauty Mary Kay’s R3 facility with more than just a newfound understanding of cosmetic chemistry—they left with inspiration, confidence, and a broader vision for their futures. Events like these serve as powerful reminders that exposure, mentorship, and hands-on experiences can be instrumental in guiding young women toward fulfilling careers in STEM.
For many students, the visit to Mary Kay was their first opportunity to see science in action outside of a classroom setting. By integrating beauty and STEM, the event highlighted the dynamic nature of scientific careers and demonstrated that innovation in the beauty industry extends far beyond makeup—it’s about chemistry, biology, physics, and cutting-edge technology.
As Mary Kay continues to champion women’s education and STEM engagement, it remains committed to its mission of inspiring future generations to dream big, explore new possibilities, and ultimately, lead the way in shaping the industries of tomorrow.
