The founder of ITIAH Angels for Learning (IAFL) wears many hats. When it comes to promoting education Marie Thadal is very active. She currently serves on the National Board of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC). Recently she was nominated to participate in the selection of two scholarship recipients. The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship awarded two minority students with $5,000 scholarships each. Additionally, the SCC will provide each scholarship awardee with a $250 voucher, one night’s accommodation in NY, and full access registration to attend the SCC 75th Annual Meeting Showcase on December 14-15. The scholarship awardees will be presented with the scholarship at the awards breakfast. In September, applicants were notified of the selection committee’s decision.
Sponsored by Mary Kay, the scholarship aims to support students pursuing education in STEM as well as disciplines related to the cosmetics and personal care industry. The scholarship was named in honor of Madam C. J. Walker (1867-1919), who developed a line of cosmetics and hair care products for Black women and became the first female self-made millionaire in the U.S. Along with managing the successful Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, she was known for her philanthropic efforts and social activism.
Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc, founded by Mary Kay Ash, is also a company that prides itself on its commitment to women’s empowerment and the breaking of barriers. Mary Kay provides women around the world with opportunities, with millions of independent sales force members in almost 40 countries. The selection committee consisted of six board members of the SCC, one of which is a Skin & Clinical Research/ Consumer Product Insights Director of R&D at Mary Kay Cosmetics. The seventh is none other than Madame C.J. Walkers’ great, great-granddaughter. This is a full-circle moment, as Marie Thadal worked as a sales consultant and director at Mary Kay Cosmetics for seven years! Awardees were chosen by their academic achievement, work and volunteer experience, academic honors or service awards, extracurricular activities, and professional goals.
Written by Kat Dinh
Phenomenal work