SCC and Mary Kay Award 2024 Madam C.J. Walker Scholarships, Celebrate Finalists

(clockwise from upper L): Karissa Richards, U Toledo (winner); Taylor Scott, U Cincinnati (winner); Holly Honore, U Cincinnati (finalist) and Lauren Forney, Spelman College (finalist)
(L to R): Karissa Richards, Univ. Toledo (winner); Taylor Scott, Univ. Cincinnati (winner); Lauren Forney, Spelman College (finalist); and Holly Honoré, Univ. Cincinnati (finalist)
Images courtesy of SCC

The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) is pleased to announce the 2024 awardees and finalists for the SCC Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship, sponsored by Mary Kay.

See the 2023 awardees and finalists.

2024 Madam C.J. Walker Winners

The Scholarship Selection Committee has awarded each of the following two young scientists a $5,000 scholarship:

  • Karissa Richards, University of Toledo (undergraduate student in cosmetic science and formulation design); and
  • Taylor Scott, University of Cincinnati (graduate student in cosmetic science master of science program).

2024 Madam C.J. Walker Finalists

In addition, the two finalists recognized by the committee this year for their achievements are:

  • Lauren Forney, Spelman College (undergraduate student in health science); and
  • Holly Honoré, University of Cincinnati (graduate student in cosmetic science master of science program).

"I am incredibly honored to have been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship and am deeply grateful to be recognized for my academic achievements by the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and other organizations in the beauty industry," Honoré writes. "I would like to extend my congratulations to the awardees and my fellow finalist. It’s truly inspiring to be part of such a talented community!"

About the Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship

Awardees and finalists will receive a financial support package to attend the SCC’s 78th Annual Scientific Meeting and Showcase in Los Angeles, where they will be recognized on stage during the annual awards breakfast on Dec. 13, 2024, and have the opportunity to present their research poster in the showcase.

Established in 2021, the Madam C.J. Walker Scholarship, sponsored by Mary Kay, awards two (2) $5,000 scholarships to specific under-represented minority students of any gender identity pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in chemical, physical, medical, pharmaceutical, biological or related sciences and technology with an interest in pursuing a career in the cosmetics and personal care industry.

"This year’s scholarship applicants were another impressive and accomplished group," said Erica L. O’Grady, chief executive officer of the SCC. "These honorees truly embody the spirit and legacy of Madam C.J. Walker, and we are pleased to recognize their achievements and look forward to their industry contributions to come."

More in Event Coverage