Finalists Announced for the 2026 SCC Madam CJ Walker Scholarship

The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) has announced the 2026 Awardees and Finalists for the SCC Madam CJ Walker Scholarship, sponsored by Happi Top 50 Company Mary Kay.

The Scholarship Selection Committee has chosen the following awardees, each receiving a $5,000 scholarship:

• Lauren Forney, Spelman College, undergraduate student, Health Science;
• Alyssa Smith, University of Toledo, graduate student, Cosmetic Science.

The finalists recognized by the committee this year for their outstanding achievements are:

• Alexandra Dixon, Spelman College, undergraduate student, Chemistry & Cosmetic Science; and
• Sharae Gipson, University of Cincinnati, graduate student, Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Science.

Awardees and finalists also receive a financial support package to attend the SCC’s 80th Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase in Los Angeles on Dec. 1-2, 2026, where they will be recognized onstage during the Annual Awards Breakfast and can present their research during the conference via poster in the Showcase.

“Madam CJ Walker’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating opportunities continue to inspire us today. At Mary Kay, we believe scientific innovation is strengthened by diverse perspectives, bold ideas, and access to opportunity,” said Dr. Lucy Gildea, chief brand and scientific officer, Mary Kay. “Through this scholarship, we are proud to support emerging scientists as they pursue careers that will advance cosmetic science and create meaningful innovations for consumers around the world.”