(JACKSON, Miss.) – National cosmetics brand OLAY has selected three Jackson State University students to serve as ambassadors in its upcoming “My Glow is Proof” campaign, a powerful initiative that not only celebrates the brilliance and natural radiance of Black women, but also amplifies their remarkable accomplishments within the STEM field. On this year’s STEM Day on November 8, 2023 OLAY and Jackson State University come together to celebrate closing the STEM gap and to shine a spotlight on the brilliance and radiance of Black women as proof of the progress made.
At the core of this campaign lies OLAY’s unwavering commitment to #FacetheSTEMGap, a mission to double the number of women in STEM and triple the representation of women of color in STEM by 2030—all in the interest of helping to close the gender diversity gap in STEM fields. Over the years, OLAY has been an advocate for an inclusive standard of beauty, evident in its product development, clinical study inclusivity, and campaigns such as the OLAY Skin Promise, which champions authentic skin by eliminating retouching in all advertising materials.
As a significant part of the “My Glow is Proof” campaign, OLAY is proud to sponsor the esteemed Jackson State University band, the Sonic Boom of the South. This sponsorship celebrates their outstanding talents and supports the academic aspirations of three members of their Royal Court and band, who are all pursuing STEM degrees. It’s worth noting that 25 percent of African American STEM graduates come from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and HBCUs produced 46% of Black women who earned STEM degrees between 1995 and 2004.
Among the OLAY HBCU Ambassadors are:
| Lauren Temple | LaNeia Taylor | Dejzanna Smith |
| Miss Jackson State University | J-Sette Dance Team | J-Sette Dance Team |
| Major: Biology/ Pre-Medicine | Major: Biology/ Pre-Medicine | Major: Psychology |
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Selected OLAY HBCU Ambassadors had the incredible opportunity to feature in OLAY’s recent campaign as influencers. They showcased how OLAY’s Vitamin C moisturizer brightens, evens, and hydrates their skin throughout the homecoming season. OLAY shared their research and multi-decade studies on ethnic skin, highlighting the substantial proof that OLAY has been dedicated to delivering skincare results for melanin-rich skin. These ambassadors then harnessed their creativity to illustrate why OLAY is their go-to skincare choice.
Additionally, as part of this campaign, OLAY provided essential supplies for members of the Sonic Boom of the South band, including OLAY products and swag. OLAY recognizes the significant impact that the Sonic Boom of the South band has on the lives of Jackson State students, amplifying the glow and excellence of both band members and the accomplished students attending HBCU institutions like Jackson State University.
Since the ambitious STEM goals were first announced in 2020, OLAY has pledged $2 million towards efforts to help close the STEM gap. In 2022, OLAY partnered with Ebony magazine for a commemorative print issue featuring the winners of the HBCU STEM Queens competition, the first time that competition focused on collegiate women pursuing STEM degrees that are poised to make societal change.
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