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How The Legacy To Leadership HBCU Scholarship Encourages Diversity And Inclusion For All


On July 5th, Revlon/Creme of Nature announced the inaugural recipients of their first “Legacy to Leadership” Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Scholarship program after carefully vetting several highly qualified applicants. Twenty HBCU students from across the U.S. are now slated to receive a $5,000 scholarship from the company.

The Legacy to Leadership program originated to assist black students with the critical funding support they need to nurture and develop their legacy brands and support its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion specific to HBCUs. This also includes those who are neurodiverse.

“The dynamic network of HBCU institutions have instilled confidence and created a space for dreams to be obtained for Black Students for generations,” said Jolorie Williams, General Manager, Revlon Multicultural and Contract Services. “Creme of Nature shares the values of excellence that are prominent in the HBCU network, and we are proud to assist the current generation of students with educational funding as they carry these superlative traditions onto the next generation.”

Addressing the Problem

With college-wide statistics showing that Caucasian students get more than 75% of all institutional merit-based scholarship and grant funding, even though they represent less than 3/4 of the student population, Revlon/Creme of Nature felt it was important to bring its financial support directly to the student bodies of historically black colleges as a way to help even the playing field.

While the HBCU scholarship program was in the works before the pandemic, the last year’s events reinforced its need. According to UNESCO, Covid-19 forced 743 million girls out of school in 185 countries.

“In 2020, we saw HBCU alums make history through the accomplishments of Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, and Keisha Lance Bottoms,” shared Williams. “We felt that it was the perfect time for our brand to have a voice and stand for something that we can commit to long-term. We also knew then that this initiative couldn’t become a ‘launch and leave.’ We are currently working on Phase Two, a pitch competition unlike any of the ones we’ve seen in the past for college students.”

Setting Women Up For The Future

Currently, a record 37 women are leading Fortune 500 firms, an increase from last year’s record high of 33. Of these women, just three are women of color, and none are Black or Latina. When looking at the total workforce in the U.S., Black women account for 7% of the population but make up 12% of minimum wage earners, according to data from Lean In. Of C-suite leaders today, 21% are women, and just 1% are Black women.

When asked how all of us can work to improve these numbers, Ms. Williams answered, “I love this question because it makes you think about the “lean in” philosophy and how corporations had to become more transparent. We have to increase our recruitment and engagement with HBCUs as a resource for future talent as a society. There are more than 100 HBCUs, and that talent pool is incredibly vast. However, these students are being overlooked. It is not difficult to find talent, but companies have to invest in and want to find that talent.”

Ms. Williams also advises those who feel they can’t get a seat at the table to build their own. “When we look at the beauty industry, many of these brands were founded by Black women and sold to corporations,” she said. “We need more Black female entrepreneurs to take that journey and to show others that it can be done, and we need more companies like Revlon who are committed to diversity from entry-level to the C-suites.”

One Recipient is Redefining Neurodiversity

One of the recipients, Madison Mobley, an autistic individual, is working to redefine how people view the word autism and those who are neurodiverse.

“We began this process without any preconceived ideas about the level of talent we were going to receive,” said Williams. “When I saw Madison’s video, I watched it four times. The first time I had to stop because I saw this bright young lady who has an obstacle but not allowing it or anything else stop her from pursuing higher education.”

When Mobley first heard how many people had applied for the scholarship (over 600) and she was one of twenty people from across the U.S. selected, she said she was speechless. “I’m still a bit numb,” she shared. “I’m so honored to be among such great individuals who are doing cool things at their schools.:”

As the parent of an autistic child, I asked Ms. Mobley about common misconceptions that autistic individuals cannot pursue a typical education or have a meaningful career. “I think the more inclusive society becomes, by beginning to see talent in whatever wrapper it comes, the better we will become as a people. All I needed was support, patience, and encouragement, and while this sounds simple, I had to accept that some people would never be willing to give that to me. I had to be willing to push forward despite their insensitivity.”

Unemployment among those with autism is approximately 85%. This statistic means that roughly two-thirds of people with autism are not working. When asked about this, Ms. Mobley responded, “I want to think I’m that 15%, but I’m not proud of that statistic. I believe every willing and capable person should be allowed to succeed. It’s not unique to want to contribute to society, be respected, and add value. That’s important to me, and that’s why I work so hard.”

Her advice to those who are neurodiverse is to try your best, recognizing there will be challenges. She also encourages you to utilize your support systems (family, friends, church family, academic advisors), and don’t be discouraged if everyone is not for you. “I encourage people to come to terms with their uniqueness and not be ashamed of having autism,” said Mobley. “Shame only makes you hide it, not talk about it, and create the elephant in the room with a leash tied around your neck. Shame is baggage that I choose not to carry. Maybe others feel differently, and that’s okay. Everybody has something, and my something has autism. But that’s not my only something. If I pursue and attain excellence, autism is but another credential.”

As for the initiative overall, Revlon/Creme of Nature wants to help create an ecosystem of women helping women. “I hope is that they (the recipients) are going to reach back and help somebody the way we’re helping them!” You can view all of the 20 winners here.



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