Congratulate the winner of our Southeast Chapter 2023 Scholarship sponsored by J. Strickland & Co., Sharae Gipson. Sharae plans to join us for this Officer Installation meeting. She is a chemistry major in the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, majoring in Chemistry/ Biochemistry with a minor in Business. She is a member of the NextGen Advisory Committee of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and Ambassador, Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Program, a Fellow of L’Oreal Diverse Future Leaders, and a member of the American Chemical Society.

Madam C. J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove; 1867-1919) was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. She is regarded as the first female self-made millionaire in America. Walker made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of cosmetics and hair care products for black women through the business she founded, Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company. At the time of her death, she had helped create the role of the 20th Century, self-made American businesswoman; established herself as a pioneer of the modern black hair-care and cosmetics industry; and set standards in the African-American community for corporate and community giving.