In the Media

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Enjoy media posts featuring the Spelman College Cosmetic Science Program.

• Esposito, Christine Empowerment Takes Center Stage at Spelman College’s Black Beauty STEMinist Event
  Happi Magazine - (August 8, 2024)

• Cottrell Scholars Gather for 30th Annual Conference. Research Corporation for Science Advancement
  Research Corporation for Science Advancement - (July 30, 2024)

• Estee Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation partners with Spelman to host Black Beauty STEMinist Lab; 35 students from 15 colleges participated in June program promoting STEM education for Black women
  Beauty & Personal care section of Industry Intelligence Inc. – (July 9, 2024)

   

• President Helene Gayle and Dr. Leyte Winfield at Essence Fest 2024
  YouTube - (July 6, 2024)

• Where Are All the Black Beauty Chemists?
  POPSUGAR - (June 13, 2024)

  Spelman College mentioned. On March 6, Spelman College announced it would become the first historical Black college and university (HBCU) to offer a cosmetic science program. "Research shows that Black women spent more than $7.4 billion on cosmetics and personal care products in 2022. However, Black beauty brands comprise 2.5 percent of the market," the school noted via a press release. "Spelman College is working to change that trajectory." The statistics are true. As of 2021, less than 10 percent of cosmetic chemists in the United States are Black, according to the career information platform Zippia. This is a stark contrast to the amount of money Black people spend on cosmetics year over year.

  
  

• Spelman College Hosts Inaugural Beauty STEMinist Lab Intensive In Collaboration With The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation
  Atlanta Daily World - (June 6, 2024)

  Spelman College faculty mentioned. Spelman College is hosting the first-ever Black Beauty STEMinist Lab Intensive. The esteemed institution partnered with The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation to bring this program to life. This pioneering program aims to inspire and equip Black women with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the beauty and personal care sector, spotlighting the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with beauty. Dr. Leyte L. Winfield, a professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Spelman and the director of the new Cosmetic Science Program, leads the intensive. She highlights the transformative impact of the program: “To see how much people are getting from it, how excited they are about it, and how energized the students have been is truly rewarding. They are diving in, asking great questions, and making plans for their future.”

• Black-owned Macon shop uses the science of candle making to promote education. Here’s how        
  The Telegraph - (June 5, 2024)

  Spelman College mentioned. The owner of a Macon candle shop says her business has a significant attribute setting it apart from others: It’s the first Black-owned and woman-owned candle making studio in Middle Georgia. Pretty Lux Co., opened in July 2023, holds the distinction of being the first Black-owned and woman-owned candle-making studio in the region, which sets a precedent for entrepreneurship and innovation, according to owner Anikitia Abram. Pretty Lux Co. also collaborates with local schools and community centers, offering workshops and sponsoring events that promote STEM education and entrepreneurship. Abram said the commitment extends to an exciting partnership with Spelman College, a private all-female college, where Pretty Lux Co. has the opportunity to provide instruction for the Black Beauty STEMinist Symposia and Lab Intensive.

• The Spelman College – Beauty of Science Partnership - (May 1, 2024)
  Spelman College was mentioned on WTSP Great Day Live.  The segment focused on the STEM summer camp that will held at Spelman College for the first time.

• Multicultural Beauty Insider April 1 – 15 edition – (May 1, 2024)
  The Spelman College Cosmetic Science Program has been featured in the Multicultural Beauty Insider along with some of the biggest names in beauty. See Spelman's story at 5:29. 

• Spelman College Celebrates Expansion of Cosmetic Science Program
  Baller Alert - March 26, 2024. 

  Baller Alert reports on the expansion of Spelman College's STEM programming to include a chemistry concentration in cosmetics and a cosmetic science minor.

• Making More Space for Black Women in the Beauty Industry  - ( May 2, 2024 ) Spelman College mentioned. Working Nation reports that Rihanna's beauty line Fenty could soon be sharing shelf space with innovations from graduates of Spelman College’s new program that aims to develop new scientists, researchers, marketers, and entrepreneurs in the Black beauty business. The school’s new, history-making cosmetic science program opens the doors for careers in the multi-billion-dollar industry. Working Nation interviewed both Dr. Leyte Winfield, Spelman College professor of chemistry and biochemistry, Sonah Bundu, C'2025, Spelman Society of Cosmetics Club founder and president, and Mallory Butts, C'2025, Spelman Society of Cosmetics Club vice president, about the significance of the program on the industry.

• Spelman College Makes History: Pioneering the First HBCU Cosmetic Science Program - ( April 22, 2024 )
  HBCU Connect reports on the expansion of Spelman College's STEM programming to include a concentration in cosmetic chemistry and cosmetic chemistry minor.

• Spelman College first HBCU to launch cosmetic science program - ( April 21, 2024 )
  AFRO ( The Afro-American Newspapers ) reports on the expansion of Spelman College's STEM curriculum to include a concentration in cosmetic chemistry and minor.

• This HBCU Just Announced a Groundbreaking Cosmetic Chemistry Program - ( March 27, 2024 )
  Allure reports on the expansion of Spelman's STEM programming to include a chemistry concentration in cosmetics and a cosmetic science minor. The article mentions a few of the classes that will be featured in the program, including Black Hair Lab and Psychology of Beauty. Allure interviewed prominent figures in the industry about the importance of Spelman College's new programming, including cosmetic chemist and licensed esthetician Esther Olu and cosmetic chemist and BeautyStat founder Ron Robinson.

• (BPRW) Spelman College Celebrates Expansion of Cosmetic Science Program - ( March 24, 2024 )
  Black News reports on the expansion of Spelman College's STEM programming to include a concentration in cosmetic chemistry and minor in cosmetic science.

• STEM Diaries: Beyond Breakthroughs • A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters - ( March 20, 2024 )
  Spelman faculty member interviewed. Monica with STEM Diaries: Beyond Breakthroughs interviews Dr. Michelle Gaines, assistant professor of chemistry & biochemistry at Spelman, about the science of curly hair. The two discuss the secret behind curl patterns, the impact of moisture on hair behavior, and the cultural significance of embracing natural curls.

• Spelman College to expand cosmetic science program - ( March 20, 2024 )
  Spelman College faculty member interviewed. 11Alive reporter Rarione Maniece interviews Dr. Leyte Winfield, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and division chair for the Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Spelman, about the expansion of Spelman's STEM programming to include cosmetic science.

• Spelman College Will Become First HBCU To Offer Cosmetic Chemistry For STEM Students - ( March 18, 2024 )
  HBCU News reports on the expansion of Spelman College's STEM programs to include a focus on cosmetic chemistry for chemistry majors and a minor in cosmetic science for students pursuing other disciplines, the first of its kind among HBCUs.

• Spelman College First HBCU To Offer Cosmetic Chemistry Program, A Win For Women In STEM - ( March 13, 2024 )
  Black Enterprise reports on the expansion of Spelman College's STEM programming to include a concentration in cosmetic chemistry for chemistry majors and a minor in cosmetic science, the first program of its kind at an HBCU.

• Professor Leyte Winfield: Pioneering Diversity And Excellence In STEM  - ( March 12, 2024 )
  The faculty C-hub showcases Dr. Winfield’s accomplishments and the history-making cosmetic science program.

• Spelman College Will Become The First HBCU To Offer A Cosmetic Chemistry Concentration For Students In STEM STEM - ( March 12, 2024 )
  Essence reports on the expansion of Spelman College's STEM programming to include a concentration in cosmetic chemistry for chemistry majors and a minor in cosmetic science, the first program of its kind at an HBCU.

• AM 1690 WVON - ( March 12, 2024 )WVON-AM Radio reports on the expansion of Spelman College's STEM program to include cosmetic chemistry as a major and cosmetic science as a minor, the first of its kind at an HBCU.

• Black Information Network - ( March 12, 2024 )
  Black Information Network reports on the expansion of Spelman College's STEM program to include cosmetic chemistry as a major and cosmetic science as a minor, the first of its kind at an HBCU.

• Spelman College Makes History As First HBCU To Introduce Cosmetic Chemistry In STEM Programs – Blavity  - ( March 11, 2024 )
  Pop Culturely reports that Spelman College has made history by being the first HBCU to introduce cosmetic chemistry in its STEM programming.

• Good Day Atlanta 5:00AM Sunday - ( WAGA-ATL (FOX) - March 10, 2024 )
  Good Day Atlanta reports on the expansion of Spelman College's STEM program to include cosmetic chemistry as a major and cosmetic science as a minor, the first of its kind at an HBCU.

• Spelman College Reportedly Becomes The First HBCU To Offer Cosmetic Chemistry As A Concentration For Chemistry Majors  - ( Afrotech - March 8, 2024 )
  Afrotech reports on the expansion of Spelman College's STEM program to include cosmetic chemistry as a major and cosmetic science as a minor, the first of its kind at an HBCU.

• ELC and M.A.C Partner to Host Spelman College’s Convocation  - ( elcompanies.com - March 8, 2024 )
  On Feb. 20, Estee Lauder Companies, in partnership with Global Talent, MAC, and the Spelman Pathways Program, hosted Spelman College’s Convocation for the first time. The Convocation consisted of on-campus events that brought Spelman alumnae within ELC together with more than 170 current students to discuss career readiness strategies and beauty industry insights, plus lead a makeup application masterclass. The Convocation opened with remarks by Mallory Butts, C'2025, who interned during the summer at ELC, followed by a panel discussion, Let’s Talk Beauty Presents: Crafting Your Career in the Beauty Industry, featuring ELC Vice President, Local & Cultural Innovation and Spelman alumna Monique Davis.

• Spelman College to offer cosmetic chemistry  - ( FOX 5 Atlanta - March 7, 2024 )
  Fox 5 Atlanta reports on Spelman College's new STEM programming in cosmetic chemistry, the first of its kind at an HBCU.

• Spelman College to expand cosmetic science program   - ( WATL-TV - March 6, 2024 )
  Spelman College is celebrating the expansion of its cosmetic science program. The college stated in a release that it's growing its STEM programming to include a concentration in cosmetic chemistry for chemistry majors and a minor in cosmetic science for those studying other subjects. According to the college, this is the first program of its kind at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and it is scheduled to be offered in the Fall 2024 semester.

• Cosmetic Science Certification Multicultural Beauty Insider  - ( April 27, 2023 )
  
  

• Spelman College Launches Online Cosmetic Science Certification Program by Madilyn Moeller, American Med Spa Association - ( April 19, 2023 )
  
  

• Spelman College Launches Online Cosmetic Science Certificate Program, Cosmetics and Toiletries  - ( April 12, 2023 )
  
  

• Chemistry Professor Leyte Winfield Gives Us The Inside Scoop On Spelman College’s Cosmetic Science Certification by Taylor Bryant, Beauty Independent - ( April 5, 2023 )