Who (or what) inspired you to run for national office?

The members of SCC inspired me to run. Throughout my career, I have benefited from the knowledge, mentorship, and friendships that SCC provides. I've seen firsthand how our volunteers dedicate their time to advancing cosmetic science and supporting our members. I want to give back to an organization that has given me so much and help ensure SCC continues to thrive.

What accomplishment from your time as a chapter leader or officer are you most proud of, and why?

I am most proud of helping create opportunities for members to connect, learn, and become involved in SCC. I joined SCC after getting my first job as a cosmetic chemist right out of college. Everyone was so welcoming and encouraging. That sense of community made a lasting impression on me. Throughout my volunteer journey, I’ve enjoyed helping create that same experience for others. When people feel welcomed, valued, and connected, it strengthens not only our chapters, but also the future of our industry.

What excites you most about cosmetic science and the industry as a whole?

I love that cosmetic science combines innovation, creativity, and real consumer impact. We all use the products we create and visualize every day! We all work together to create products that help people look and feel their best. The constant evolution of ingredients, technology, and sustainability keeps our industry exciting and ensures there is always something new to learn.

What was your career path into the cosmetic science industry?

Like many people in our industry, I didn't set out to build a career in cosmetic science. I started on the pre-med track until life took me in a different direction (bad grades). My first job was as a chemist at Joico Laboratories formulating hair care products. Let's just say my formulation career got off to a rocky start when I nearly blew up the lab! Thankfully, no one was hurt, and I quickly discovered that while I enjoyed formulation work, my true passion was in sales, connecting with people and helping solve customer challenges. Nearly 30 years later, I still love both sales and the cosmetic industry.

How would you explain what we do to someone outside the industry?

I tell people we're in the "confidence business." We use science, creativity, and innovation to create the products people rely on every day to look good, feel good, and protect their skin and hair. Whether it's a sunscreen that helps prevent sun damage or a conditioner that turns a bad hair day into a good one, or a lash serum to enhance natural lashes, there's a team of cosmetic scientists behind it making sure it works safely and effectively.

If elected to the board, what impact do you hope to make in your first year?

My goal would be to listen, learn, and engage with members across all chapters and with the rest of the Board members. I want to help strengthen connections between chapters, support member development, and ensure SCC continues delivering outstanding education and networking opportunities. I love connecting with people! I am especially passionate about helping attract and develop the next generation of cosmetic scientists and volunteers to help them become future leaders.

What's something most people don't know about you (e.g. a hobby, hidden talent, family, pets, or personal passion)?

One of my greatest joys is being a mom. Watching my daughter grow into a confident young woman has taught me a lot about patience, perspective, and how to love unconditionally, even when we don't always agree on everything! Another thing many people don't know about me is that I love comedy. While I wouldn't call myself funny, I have tremendous respect for comedians. Making people laugh in front of a live audience takes a remarkable talent and a lot of courage. Oh, and I also have two cats name Tofu and Miso.

Who has made the most impact in your life, personally or professionally?

My family has had the greatest impact on my life. My parents, in particular, taught me the meaning of hard work, kindness, and treating others with respect. Those lessons have guided me throughout my personal and professional life. During some of life's most challenging moments, my family has been my source of strength and support and I’ll never forget that. Professionally, I have been fortunate to work for many great leaders who invested in my development. Each one taught me something valuable that I’ve been able to put into practice.

Who (or what) inspired you to run for national office?

Over three decades in the cosmetic industry, I’ve grown from a young formulator into a seasoned technical salesperson, supported by mentors and friends throughout the field. SCC’s strong structure has consistently provided me with invaluable education and networking opportunities. In return, I’ve strived to give back to the Society at the local, regional, and national levels—developing programs that deliver high-quality networking, cutting edge education for our members, and fresh ideas to help chapters become financially empowered to sustain their visions. I hope to continue serving the Society through my continued national involvement as the Vice President Elect.

What accomplishment from your time as a chapter leader or officer are you most proud of, and why?

I am most proud of my work advocating for and successfully implementing the Marketing Fellow designation within the SCC. Although sales and marketing professionals play a vital role in advancing the cosmetic industry, they previously did not have a clear pathway to achieve Fellow status. I worked to demonstrate the value these individuals bring through industry knowledge, customer engagement, leadership, and service. Seeing this initiative adopted was especially rewarding because it expanded recognition opportunities and made the Fellow program more inclusive. This change strengthened the SCC by acknowledging the diverse contributions that these members make in supporting our industry’s success.

What excites you most about cosmetic science and the industry as a whole?

I still celebrate new product launches and the arrival of new brands. When I first started, these events were exciting because I saw them as an opportunity to develop an account. Over time, my excitement changed as I recognized that each new product and brand was the result of advances in cosmetic chemistry. While the public may celebrate a new color, glitter, or feel, we in the industry celebrate how our research and science extend beyond just hair and skin to the health, wellbeing, and aging properties of the public … and with some glitter thrown in for effect!

What was your career path into the cosmetic science industry?

I did not set out to pursue a career in the cosmetic industry - I fell into it. After graduating college, I became a pharmaceutical analytical chemist but quickly realized this was not the right fit. I credit my mother and one of her dental patients for my cosmetic chemistry career. In between her putting dental tools in his mouth he told her he was looking for a cosmetic chemist for his company. He hired me and gave me a chance. My experience at the company inspired me to go back to college to get my Masters in cosmetic chemistry.

How would you explain what we do to someone outside the industry?

The SCC is a team of chemists, microbiologists, sales, marketing, regulatory specialists, and other experts who work together to bring new products and brands to market. We create safe, effective, and innovative products that meet the evolving needs of consumers. Our goal is to continuously improve products and develop solutions that deliver meaningful benefits - from skin health and anti-aging, to clean, sustainable ingredients. On the other hand, if the person next to me on an airplane or in the supermarket asks what I do, I just smile and say, “I help make people beautiful.”

If elected to the board, what impact do you hope to make in your first year?

While I have several projects that I would like to bring to life, my first would be to establish an Emeritus Chapter within our society. Our emeritus members are active because they still want to give back to their society and industry. When they leave, we lose history, experience, perspective and continuity. Creating opportunities for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and engagement with emeritus members would strengthen our society, and help preserve the wisdom and history that continue to guide our industry forward.

What's something most people don't know about you (e.g. a hobby, hidden talent, family, pets, or personal passion)?

When I am off the clock, my science and creativity continue in the kitchen where I can be found baking specialty breads. I have been known to shut off the scientific portion of my brain and run with just the right-side spending hours in the basement shop doing intricate wood carvings and leatherwork designs. My love of tennis and golf ensures that I will travel to any chapter golf outing. Of course, I have to be home on the weekends as I am an avid backpacker whose happy place is the Appalachian Trail.

Who has made the most impact in your life, personally or professionally?

On a personal level, my husband Jeff has had the greatest impact on my life. For 30 years, he’s been there to help me conquer my greatest challenges, convincing me that if I can think it, I can do it. He’s been there to pick me up when I fall and has been my loudest cheerleader. On a professional level, Bharat Adhia has been my mentor for over 20 years, teaching me how to communicate effectively and professionally, helping me grow my confidence, leadership skills, and career success. I will forever be indebted to him for his love and friendship.

Who (or what) inspired you to run for national office?

I was inspired to become involved with the SCC early in my career as a new chemist seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with industry professionals. Throughout the years, the SCC has played a significant role in my professional development through its commitment to education, scientific advancement, and networking. I have benefited from the guidance of outstanding mentors, built lasting friendships, and gained invaluable industry knowledge. These experiences have inspired me to give back to the organization that has contributed so much to my career.

What accomplishment from your time as a chapter leader or officer are you most proud of, and why?

The New England Chapter may be smaller in size, but I am incredibly proud to be a member. Over the years, our leadership team has built a strong, collaborative culture, working together seamlessly to serve our members and advance the chapter's mission. One of my proudest experiences was visiting local college campuses and speaking with aspiring chemists about the many opportunities within our industry. Sharing my passion for cosmetic science and helping students discover the creativity, innovation, and excitement our profession offers was both meaningful and rewarding.

What excites you most about cosmetic science and the industry as a whole?

What excites me most about cosmetic science is the unique combination of innovation, creativity, and scientific discovery. Even after more than 30 years in the industry, I remain inspired by the opportunity to transform cutting-edge research into products that enhance consumers’ well-being and confidence. I am equally passionate about the collaborative nature of our profession, where sharing knowledge, mentoring future professionals, and advancing our science through organizations like the SCC help strengthen both our industry and its future.

What's something most people don't know about you (e.g. a hobby, hidden talent, family, pets, or personal passion)?

My love of corgis is actually tied to my first job in the cosmetics industry. I began my career at Crabtree & Evelyn in Woodstock, Connecticut, where the owners often brought their corgis to work. One of my favorites was a corgi named Winston, who left a lasting impression on me. You could say the industry sparked my passion for the breed! Since then, I have had three corgis, and today I share my home with Chloe, a three-year-old corgi who keeps life fun and entertaining.

If elected to the board, what impact do you hope to make in your first year?

If elected to the Board, I would prioritize engaging with all the Area I chapters to better understand their unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities. I would like to schedule regular meetings and visit each chapter to gain firsthand insight into their operations and members’ needs. Collaboration among chapters is essential to the success of our Society. Each chapter brings valuable perspectives, innovative ideas, and best practices. By fostering communication and sharing successes, we can learn from one another, strengthen member engagement, and help every chapter thrive.

What accomplishment from your time as a chapter leader or officer are you most proud of, and why?

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the relationships I have built through my service as a volunteer. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside volunteers, valued customers, and respected leaders who have helped shape my professional journey. These relationships have not only contributed to my recognition and supported my career growth, but they have also enabled me to achieve many of my goals related to networking, mentorship, and industry involvement. I have found great satisfaction in helping new members by connecting them with resources, opportunities, and industry professionals that support their success.

What was your career path into the cosmetic science industry?

I began my career as a Research Chemist, developing innovative ingredients and prototype formulations to showcase to customers and support new product development. Early in my career, I became actively involved with the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC), attending educational meetings and volunteering at local chapter events. These experiences helped expand my technical knowledge, build lasting industry relationships, and deepen my appreciation for the personal care industry. Leveraging my technical background and passion for building relationships, I later transitioned into commercial sales. Today, I serve as an Account Manager II at Univar Solutions.

How would you explain what we do to someone outside the industry?

One of my former managers used to describe the industry as being part science, part luck, and part magic. I have come to believe there is a great deal of truth in that statement. What makes our industry truly unique is that it is built on collaboration, education, and the shared growth of its members. Success is rarely achieved alone. For me, that combination of science, creativity, collaboration, and innovation is what makes the personal care industry so rewarding and fun to explain to someone outside of the industry.

If elected to the board, what impact do you hope to make in your first year?

If elected to the Board, I hope to make a meaningful impact by strengthening relationships with the local chapters and increasing engagement across our membership. One of my primary goals is to attract and develop the next generation volunteers and leaders by encouraging participation in educational programs, networking events, and chapter activities. I also look forward to working closely with SCC National Leadership to identify opportunities for collaboration, share best practices, and provide resources that help chapters better serve their members.

What's something most people don't know about you (e.g. a hobby, hidden talent, family, pets, or personal passion)?

I enjoy playing golf and continually working to improve my game. Like many golfers, I know there is always room for improvement, but that is part of what makes the sport so enjoyable. While I still have a long way to go, I am confident that with each round I get a little better—and at the very least, I like to think I couldn't possibly get any worse. Golf has taught me the value of patience, persistence, and maintaining a positive attitude, lessons that apply just as well in life and business as they do on the course.