ELC Partners with Florida A&M University to Build the Next Generation of Black Beauty Leaders in Travel Retail

Press Release, Nov 1, 2021

NEW YORK, NY and TALAHASSEE, FLORIDA, November 1, 2021 – The Estée Lauder Companies’ (ELC) collective vision is to be the most inclusive and diverse beauty company in the world, and today the company is proud to announce a new talent and development program in partnership with Florida A&M University (FAMU) to build the next generation of Black beauty leaders in Travel Retail. In line with the company’s commitments to Racial Equity announced in June 2020, ELC’s Travel Retail division has created an exclusive internship and scholarship program with Florida A&M University — which is ranked number one among public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)^[1] — furthering the company’s goal to double full time and intern recruits from HBCUs. 

Through this exclusive 10-week summer internship program, Florida A&M University’s rising juniors and seniors will have an inside look into the fast-paced world of Travel Retail at ELC. One of the company’s fastest growing channels, Travel Retail covers the world of duty-free environments, including airports, downtown locations, airlines, cruises and border shops, touching over three billion passengers annually. With placements in the company’s New York and Miami offices, students will be exposed to the dynamic, international channel and have a chance to learn how to build brand equity and market share by catering to the diverse, traveling consumer. In addition, 41 merit scholarships of US$10,000 will be awarded to students in the University’s School of Business and Industry over the course of five years by Florida A&M University on behalf of The Estée Lauder Companies.

“What distinguishes FAMU from other universities is its legacy of providing access to high-quality, affordable education to many students who otherwise may never have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of getting a college degree,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We are thrilled to build on this legacy of development in partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies to open new doors for our student population and demonstrate for them how their voices and unique perspectives can create a positive impact to build a better beauty industry.”

To celebrate the new partnership, executives from ELC attended FAMU’s Homecoming, hosting a series of informal meet and greets, along with a formal presentation to students to share with them the vision and values of The Estée Lauder Companies and introduce the Travel Retail team.

“As a graduate of two HBCUs, I know the power these communities have in raising each other up, celebrating our unique perspectives and building confidence to seize opportunities,” said Nicole Monson, Senior Vice President, Equity and Engagement, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Our goal at ELC is to create a similarly inclusive culture and to be both the employer of choice for diverse talent and the brand of choice for our global consumers. By welcoming FAMU into the ELC Family, we are taking another critical step towards racial equity, and I look forward to developing what I am confident will be a meaningful, long-term relationship with the University, its students and alumni.”

Added Olivier Bottrie, Global President, Travel Retail and Retail Development, The Estée Lauder Companies: “As one of the company’s fastest growing channels, Travel Retail opens up a world of possibilities for young talent, introducing them to not only our broad portfolio of brands, but an inherently diverse, international consumer base. We are thrilled to partner with FAMU and its community to foster the next generation of Black beauty leaders in Travel Retail and build both a brand and employee experience that celebrates and honors the power of inclusion, diversity and equity.”

Rising FAMU students and alumni can explore and learn more about this partnership.

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For press inquiries please contact:
The Estée Lauder Companies
Colleen T Leahy
cleahy@estee.com
+1 (718) 327 7343

Florida A&M University
Andrew J. Skerritt
Andrew.skerritt@famu.edu
+ 1 (850) 561 2499

About Florida A&M University 

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, founded on October 3, 1887, began classes with 15 students and two instructors. Today, FAMU is one of 12 institutions in Florida's State University System and has nearly 10,000 students. FAMU offers 54 bachelor’s degrees, 29 master’s degrees, 12 doctoral degrees and three professional degrees. The three professional degrees include the J.D., Pharm.D., and the Doctor of Physical Therapy. The 12 doctoral degree programs include 11 doctoral degrees and one Doctor of Public Health. The 11 doctoral programs are: biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, physics, educational leadership, environmental science and entomology. For more information, visit FAMU.edu

About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, Tommy Hilfiger, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Michael Kors, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD BEAUTY, Smashbox, Ermenegildo Zegna, AERIN, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced and Dr. Jart+, and the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD.