THE FUTURE IS HER(E): BREAKTHROUGH IN STEM & BEAUTY

Back in March, some of the brightest minds in beauty and science came together for a powerful conversation at The Future is HER event hosted at Georgia Tech—powered by STEM Atlanta Women, Georgia AIM, and Pink STEM.

The panel, “The Future of Beauty,” featured trailblazing women across chemistry, product development, and tech innovation. Together, they explored how science and artificial intelligence are reshaping the beauty industry as we know it -- sharing their insights on how consumers, professionals, and leaders can think about AI's influence on an ever-evolving industry.

From personalized skincare powered by data to breakthroughs in green chemistry and cosmetic formulation, one thing became clear: the future of beauty is rooted in STEM. Moderated by a representative from Sakeya Donaldson, the panel featured experts including Dr. Amber Evans (Chair of the New York Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC),  Dr. Letye Winfield (Organic Chemist & Director of the Cosmetic Science at Spelman College), Candace Mitchell (Founder of MyAvana) , and Akuba Torvikey (Director of Product Development for PATTERN Beauty).

Our founder, Sakeya Donaldson, leads a dynamic panel discussion between Dr. Amber Evans, Dr. Letye Winfield, Candace Mitchell, and Akuba Torvikey.

This conversation wasn’t just timely—it was a reflection of a cultural shift. For too long, the beauty and STEM industries have existed in silos, and when they did intersect, they rarely reflected the voices, perspectives, or innovations of Black women and girls. What we’re witnessing now is a turning point: a generation that refuses to separate beauty from intelligence, culture from chemistry, or creativity from science.

And it’s exactly why our Summer of Science HBCU Tour exists: to give Black and Brown girls front-row access to the labs, leaders, and learning experiences shaping tomorrow.

As we prepare to visit HBCUs in Atlanta, New Orleans, and Greensboro, the work feels more urgent and more exciting than ever. For many of our students, this will be the first time they’re able to imagine themselves as cosmetic chemists, product developers, or biotech entrepreneurs. Representation and access matter—and we’re showing up to deliver both.

When young women of color see themselves in labs, on patents, or leading product innovations, they begin to see STEM not as an exclusive field, but as a space where they already belong. It expands what they believe is possible for themselves and for the industry at large.

Our founder, Sakeya Donaldson, often reflects on the significance of our organizational presence in both beauty and STEM spaces, she noted:

“We aren’t just introducing young women to science. We’re investing in a generation of thinkers, makers, and future leaders who will carry this industry forward—with confidence, creativity, and cultural integrity.”

The future of beauty isn’t just about what we see on the outside. It’s about who's at the table, who's designing the formulas, and who’s asking the next big questions.

At The Future Is HER conference, the room wasn’t just full of attendees — it was full of trailblazers, architects of change, and visionaries actively shaping what’s next. Many of the women present aren’t waiting for permission or precedent — they are building the blueprint now. And through initiatives like The Science of Beauty STEM HBCU Tour, that blueprint is expanding, welcoming a new wave of young Black girls who will not only enter the room — they’ll lead it.

The future isn't just HER, it's here -- unfolding before our eyes.