NEW YORK, USA // My journey in the business world has been driven by what I call “Passion Power” – a commitment to creating positive change while inspiring collective greatness. Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, my early interests actually centered more on mathematics than marketing. My father, a math teacher, heavily influenced my initial career aspirations, and I found myself naturally drawn to analytical thinking and problem-solving. In 1987, I began my academic journey at Dartmouth College, where I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Sciences. While many might find it surprising that an engineering student would eventually become a marketing executive, my technical background provided me with a unique analytical approach to understanding consumer behavior and market dynamics. I graduated from Dartmouth in 1991, equipped with both technical knowledge and a growing interest in how products and brands could impact people’s lives.

My professional journey began at Procter & Gamble, where I spent over 25 years honing my skills in brand building and marketing leadership. During my time at P&G, I had the opportunity to work with iconic brands and lead transformative initiatives. One of my proudest early career achievements came while leading COVERGIRL, where I spearheaded groundbreaking work to diversify the face of beauty. I brought in revolutionary talent like Queen Latifah, Pink, Ellen, and Janelle Monáe – choices that weren’t just about marketing, but about challenging traditional beauty standards and creating more inclusive representations in the industry. After my extensive tenure at P&G, I took on new challenges, including serving as President of Coty’s Global Consumer Beauty Division. This role further expanded my perspective on the global beauty industry and reinforced my commitment to innovation and inclusivity in the personal care sector.

In 2018, I joined Unilever as Executive Vice President and COO of North American Beauty & Personal Care, later becoming President of Unilever USA and CEO of Personal Care for North America. In this role, I oversaw a $5 billion portfolio of beloved brands including Dove, Degree, Shea Moisture, Vaseline, and Axe. One of my most significant contributions during this time was co-founding Dove’s CROWN Coalition, an initiative that holds special meaning for me. The CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) works to eliminate race-based hair discrimination – a cause that speaks to both personal experience and professional purpose. As of January 2024, I’ve taken on the role of Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at Unilever, where I’m responsible for leading the company into the next generation of marketing and maximizing opportunities for growth. In this position, I’m focusing on driving digital transformation, sustainability initiatives, and continuing to champion diversity and inclusion across our global operations. Throughout my career, I’ve maintained a strong commitment to mentorship and community advocacy. I’ve been particularly proud of my work with the New Voices Fund for Women of Color Entrepreneurs through Shea Moisture, creating opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs in our industry.