WASHINGTON and NEW YORK – The Department of Alumni Relations at Howard University announces a new partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies (NYSE:EL) to launch She’s Howard: Own Your Power. A first-of-its-kind program, She’s Howard: Own Your Power will support the success of Howard University women graduates. The program will serve as a centralized hub for Howard alumnae to participate in experiential learning, career coaching, professional training and self-empowering mentorship opportunities.

“As an alumna of Howard University, I understand how valuable the Howard experience is, and I am especially inspired by the support we get from the Howard network long after graduating,” said Sharon Strange Lewis, director of alumni relations at Howard University. “She’s Howard: Own Your Power is our opportunity to double down on the support network that comes with being a Howard alum by strategically targeting our women graduates with opportunities that will help them advance both personally and professionally. Building this partnership with the Howard alumnae at Estée Lauder Companies has been so rewarding. I could not be more excited that Estée Lauder has partnered with us to bring this program to life.”

With an alumni population of 100,000 people, and the majority identifying as women, Howard University is partnering with The Estée Lauder Companies to create a safe space for Howard alumnae to build community and receive programming tailored to their needs. She’s Howard: Own Your Power will create opportunities for Howard alumnae to continue receiving the unique and distinct offerings of the Howard experience.

She’s Howard: Own Your Power programming will include virtual networking events, a lecture series and seminars on relevant industry topics. Discussions will focus on topics that support the personal and professional needs of Howard alumnae, including strategies for balancing personal and professional responsibilities, navigating the challenges Black women face in the workplace, and more.

“I am delighted to serve as the executive sponsor for She’s Howard: Own Your Power,” said Nicole Monson, senior vice president and deputy general counsel for The Estée Lauder Companies and a graduate of Howard University School of Law. “My HBCU experience, like no other experience I’ve had, prepared me, not just for my career, but for life. It instilled in me a confidence that I can handle anything that comes my way because I was prepared, in large part, by what I learned during my matriculation. I have no doubt that my career and the opportunities I’ve had in corporate America are largely attributable to my HBCU experience.”

The partnership builds on a relationship that began in 2018 with The Estée Lauder Companies’ increased focus on HBCU recruiting and participation in Howard University’s 21 CAP Program.   The partnership also supports the company’s Commitment to Racial Equity, a pledge made in June 2020. The commitment aligns with its vision of becoming the most inclusive and diverse beauty company in the world and standing in solidarity with its Black employees, Black consumers and Black communities at large. She’s Howard: Own Your Power is a part of the company’s ongoing commitment to double recruitment of employees and interns from HBCUs, establish stronger partnerships with Black organizations, and meaningfully support external organizations and nonprofits pushing for systemic changes and racial and social justice.

“HBCU alumni continue to emerge as some of the most elite and diverse talent,” said Kristina Coppolino, inclusion and diversity talent lead for global talent at The Estée Lauder Companies. “As part of ELC’s mission, our company will deepen its relationship with alumni from HBCUs, which also reflects our inclusion and diversity talent strategy. We are excited to launch this inaugural program with Howard University as an important step toward deepening our relationship with an alumni community rich in culture, intelligence and diversity.”

Monson and Strange Lewis will announce the program to Howard alumni, faculty and students at an upcoming virtual event on February 26.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, Tommy Hilfiger, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Michael Kors, Darphin, TOM FORD BEAUTY, Smashbox, Ermenegildo Zegna, AERIN, RODIN olio lusso, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, BECCA, Too Faced and Dr. Jart+.

Media Contact: Misha Cornelius, misha.cornelius@howard.edu