Project Glimmer and Sephora Join Forces to Inspire and Empower At-Risk Girls
On September 25th, more than 70 girls joined 50 Sephora volunteers from the FSC, SiJCP, and stores at our offices for an evening of inspiration and career skill-building to grow their confidence and inner beauty.
“Work Your Magic, a Day of Empowerment,” was an event sponsored by EllesVMH (an employee resource group at Sephora and LVMH, which works to promote women’s advancement to leadership positions) in partnership with Project Glimmer, a national nonprofit organization that inspires teenage girls and women to believe in themselves by letting them know their community cares.
The Day of Empowerment program invites foster and at-risk girls in high school or college to an after-school event with the goal of inspiring her toward graduation. The event was organized in response to some unfortunate statistics — only 50% of foster youth graduate from high school and 3% from college, and 1 in 5 will become homeless within a year of aging out of foster care.
“I am passionate about the EllesVMH mission to increase the number of women in key leadership positions,” said Maureen Nagle, Director, HR Business Partner and EllesVMH lead. “As a member of the Bay Area community, I believe Sephora has the unique opportunity to reach young women to ensure they have tools to thrive in leadership roles.”
The event included a career fair with resume building, interview skills, and a chance to network with Sephora employees. Of course, makeup artists were on site to provide mini makeovers for our guests!
Following the career fair, a panel discussion moderated by Elisa Donovan (of iconic 90s pop culture) wrapped up the event with inspiring stories and advice from a few Sephora employees.
Our panelists included Teresa Rodriguez, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications; Jessica Phillips, Senior Director of Merchandising; Sophia Mao, Senior Analyst, Advanced Marketing Analytics; and Alex Fletcher, Video Producer and makeup artist; and was introduced by Yvette Nichols, VP of Talent.
“We have so much to give back to our communities where we have stores,” Jessica Phillips said. “To utilize our talent and expertise to help young women prepare for the world of work feels like one of the best ways we can do that.”
Alex Fletcher, who provided makeovers in addition to being part of the panel, said she made personal connections with the attendees, and she could feel their genuine excitement and appreciation.
“As a woman who has endured hardships of my own, I felt compelled to take advantage of the opportunity to share my perspective,” she said. “I am so thankful that I was able to meet these young women and have an authentic conversation about our challenges, insecurities, and ability to overcome.”
This isn’t the first time Sephora has partnered with Project Glimmer — in March, our Diversity and Inclusion team hosted an event in honor of International Women’s Day, including a volunteer fair featuring Project Glimmer and seven other organizations devoted to enriching the lives of girls in our community.
“Sephora and Project Glimmer’s values align well — Sephora is all about beauty and fearlessness, and Project Glimmer is about empowering and supporting women,” said Samantha Grove, Social Impact Analyst with Sephora Stands. “It’s a no-brainer that we would come together in this way.”
