2023: A Year of Giving Back for ELC Employees

The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) is a company that strives for equity for all and aims to create a unique culture of belonging for every individual in our organization. As ELC employees, we push ourselves to have a positive impact both inside our company and in our communities. 

For members of the #ELCfamily, 2023 was a year filled with generosity of spirit. Through outreach and partnership with leading organizations, employees helped to power possibilities for people in our communities and around the world. Below is a small sampling of the amazing work across the organization.

ELC Good Works launched the first-ever global Purpose Week on March 13, 2023, a 5-day series of global education and engagement opportunities that helped empower employees to drive positive change in their communities. Within the week, more than 2,000 employees across 30 markets donated to 964 nonprofits globally, and on a designated Volunteer Day, more than 1,500 volunteers participated in more than 70 global events, which supported 38 nonprofits globally. In China, members of the ELC Good Works team volunteered at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and supported more than 300 patients and doctors.

“I am delighted to express my appreciation to ELC Good Works for initiating Purpose Week regionally, an outstanding effort that has enabled ELC China employees to promote positive change in our communities. Helping others is helping yourself! Good Works serves as an unseen link, connecting doctors, patients, and us. I trust that more ELC colleagues will engage in volunteer programs in the future, showing gratitude and contributing to our community.”

-Jiaming, Associate Director, Sustainability

Through Project Lampung, a collaborative sustainability initiative launched in 2018, ELC and other leading organizations have provided technical education and training to more than 1,000 independent palm oil smallholders in the Lampung region of Indonesia. This year, Project Lampung was successfully completed, and one of its primary objectives was achieved—nearly one-third of the supported smallholder farmers achieved certification according to the Smallholder Standard of RSPO. To further the impact of this project, ELC purchased 220 RSPO credits from these newly certified farmers in the Lampung region. These credits will help further fuel local farmers’ incomes and livelihoods while supporting ELC’s commitment to sourcing its palm-based ingredients responsibly. Through this work, ELC and its partners have made noteworthy progress strengthening the sustainable palm oil supply chain.

“Five years ago, ELC began Project Lampung with the goal to support 1,000 smallholder farmers with training on good agricultural practices and to enable one-third to become RSPO certified. I was lucky to visit the community in Indonesia at the start 5 years ago, which was a tremendous learning experience for me. In November, I had the opportunity to return to Indonesia again, reunite with our local project partners, and see the smallholder cooperative take the stage at the RSPO conference to accept their certification. This was a full-circle moment and I am extremely proud of ELC’s support of this work and the commitment of the farmers to meet the requirements.”

Mindi, VP, Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability and Upstream Procurement

This October, ELC IT employees, partners, and the broader tech industry celebrated the 7th annual Tech Day of Pink (TDOP), which raised more than $167,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Founded in 2017 by Michael W. Smith, ELC Chief Information Officer, TDOP aims to unite tech and IT professionals worldwide around breast cancer awareness, education, and fundraising. As part of TDOP events, the Women in Technology and Women in Supply Chain ERGs hosted the 2nd annual TDOP walk-a-thon on Wednesday, October 11, which raised awareness and funds for breast cancer research.

"Thrilled to be part of ELC IT and our community in the 7th annual Tech Day of Pink. It was fun and electric—such great energy, bringing everyone together for a meaningful cause."

-Kerry, Executive Director

On November 4, ELC proudly participated in the 8th Annual STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Conference for Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, and other young girls in grades 4-8 hosted by the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, New York, and Hofstra University. The event was an opportunity for girls in the Long Island, New York, community to meet and interact with STEM professionals across industries, and after the keynote address—delivered by Lisa Napolione, Senior Vice President, Global Research & Development (R&D)—the Girl Scouts were invited to a workshop where they each had the opportunity to create their own lip glosses. With over 70% of our scientists, engineers and technical professionals being women and all of our R&D Innovation Centers being led by women, we’re proof of the power of women to lead in STEM and innovation.

“The hands-on activity was a fun learning experience that highlights the beauty of science, transforming it from abstract concepts into a fun, tangible experience. It encourages the girls’ curiosity and creativity and gives them a sense of accomplishment as they successfully created their own lip gloss shade. When the girls participate in this interactive activity, we look to create an experience that allows each girl to envision themselves as a scientist and pursue a career in STEM. As an ELC R&D employee, I’m thrilled to be part of a company that not only provides unwavering support and champions women (girls) in STEM but ensures every girl has a seat at the table of scientific progress.”

-Simona, Director, R&D Product Formulation – Makeup

Travel Retail has partnered with Florida A&M University (FAMU) to invest in the next generation of Black beauty leaders in Travel Retail for 3 years. This year, the Jo Malone London and Clinique Travel Retail teams were sponsors of FAMU’s Homecoming 2023. In addition to participating in a floral arranging session focused on mental health awareness and receiving products and skin consultations, students also had the opportunity to participate in a case study competition, where 5 teams of students from FAMU’s School of Business and Industry competed over the course of 5 weeks with the coaching of 5 TR employees to drive increased penetration of ELC brands with Gen Z American travelers through enhanced in-airport retail experiences. First, 2nd, and 3rd-prize winners were awarded a total of $40,000 in scholarships.

"Travel Retail recently kicked off its 3rd year in partnership with FAMU as part of our continued commitment to building the next generation of Black beauty leaders in Travel Retail. I am so proud that Clinique Travel Retail sponsored FAMU Homecoming 2023, bringing our Protect + Hydrate on the fly campaign to FAMFEST. Our Clinique Glow Up truck offered personalized skin consultations, glow-up services, Moisture Surge samples, and interactive gaming activities for students. The event's energy was truly exceptional, and we're eager to build on this positive momentum, fostering even greater connections in the years ahead."

-Joanne, Manager, Marketing, Clinique Travel Retail

Since 2017, The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation (ELCCF) has supported SL Network’s College Bound Initiative programs at TYWLS across New York City. Through college application support, financial aid counseling, a dedicated college counselor, and more, the College Bound Initiative program supports 2,500 TYWLS students in achieving their higher education and career potential. Through programs like Cool Careers—where ELC employees can volunteer with TYWLS students to discuss their career paths—and other programs, more than 300 ELC employees have connected with TYWLS to share their career journeys and open possibilities for adolescent girls at TYWLS schools.

“It was so rewarding to speak to young future leaders about their career paths. Through this experience, I have gained insights into how TYWLS sets their students up for success. I witnessed the positive impact that the dedicated volunteers can have on students' lives. I love that The Estée Lauder Companies is passionate about fostering a love for learning. I look forward to continuing my involvement in volunteering to contribute to the growth of students in the future."

- Lauren, Assistant Manager, Global Brand Value Chain

Learn more about The Young Women’s Leadership Schools and ELC: Advancing Possibilities for Girls.