FAMU partners with the Estée Lauder to build the next generation of Black beauty leaders in travel retail

By Andrew J. Skerritt
FAMU Office of Communications

Florida A&M University and The Estée Lauder Companies announced a partnership to create a new talent and development program to build the next generation of Black beauty leaders in travel retail.  

In line to create a more diverse workforce, ELC’s travel retail division has established an exclusive internship and scholarship program with FAMU furthering the company’s goal to double full-time and intern recruits from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  

A joint announcement was made last Monday.

Through this exclusive 10-week summer internship program, rising FAMU juniors and seniors will have an inside look into the fast-paced world of travel retail at ELC. One of the company’s fastest-growing channels, travel retail, covers the world of duty-free environments, including airports, downtown locations, airlines, cruises and border shops, touching over three billion passengers annually. 

 With placements in the company’s New York and Miami offices, students will be exposed to the dynamic, international channel and have a chance to learn how to build brand equity and market share by catering to the diverse, travelling consumer. In addition, ELC will award 41 $10,000 merit scholarships to FAMU School of Business and Industry students over five years. 

 “What distinguishes FAMU from other universities is its legacy of providing access to high-quality, affordable education to many students who otherwise may never have the opportunity to fulfil their dreams of getting a college degree,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson. “We are thrilled to build on this legacy of development in partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies to open new doors for our student population and demonstrate for them how their voices and unique perspectives can create a positive impact to build a better beauty industry.” 

To celebrate the new partnership, executives from ELC attended FAMU’s homecoming, hosting a series of informal meet and greets, along with a formal presentation to students to share with them the vision and values of ELC and introduce the travel retail team.  

 “As a graduate of two HBCUs, I know the power these communities have in raising each other up, celebrating our unique perspectives and building confidence to seize opportunities,” said Nicole Monson, senior vice president, Equity and Engagement, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Our goal at ELC is to create a similarly inclusive culture and to be both the employer of choice for diverse talent and the brand of choice for our global consumers. By welcoming FAMU into the ELC Family, we are taking another critical step towards racial equity, and I look forward to developing what I am confident will be a meaningful, long-term relationship with the university, its students and alumni.”  

 Added Olivier Bottrie, global president, Travel Retail and Retail Development for the Estée Lauder Companies: “As one of the company’s fastest-growing channels, travel retail opens up a world of possibilities for young talent, introducing them to not only our broad portfolio of brands, but an inherently diverse, international consumer base. We are thrilled to partner with FAMU and its The Estée Lauder Companies’ (ELC) collective vision is to be the most inclusive and diverse beauty company in the world, and today the company is proud to announce a new talent and development program in partnership with FAMU to build the next generation of Black beauty leaders in travel retail.”