2024 Past Presenters

SULA LABS

AJ Addae is the founder of SULA LABS, and a cosmetic chemist, clinical researcher, and chemical biology PhD candidate at the University of California, Los Angeles. When AJ was a clinical researcher and formulator in the medical-grade skincare space, she immediately saw how underserved and under-researched Black consumers are in the R&D process, and sought out to build SULA LABS - a research-forward product development & testing laboratory that develops and tests products for Black-owned brands and dark skinned consumers, with customers in retailers including Sephora, Credo Beauty, and Ulta Beauty. AJ's research is published in Accounts of Materials Research as well as the Journal of Drugs and Dermatology, and she is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. She is ultimately driven by her passion for innovations in sunscreen research, as well as reimagining cosmetic science as an exact science.

PATTERN Beauty

Akuba Torvikey, an award-winning product developer, excels in innovation, consumer insights, and product testing. With a career spanning legacy and startup beauty brands, she's developed products that have propelled substantial growth through innovation. Akuba's portfolio boasts over 200 products across diverse categories. Currently, she works as the Director of Product Development at PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross, while also spearheading initiatives for diversity and inclusion. In 2017, she established BeautyWise, a platform uniting Black product developers in the beauty industry. In 2020, Akuba founded Breedlove Accelerator (named in honor of Sarah Breedlove aka Madam C.J. Walker), empowering Black-owned beauty and wellness ventures. Recognized as a 2023/2024 Beauty United Fellow, Akuba continues to solidify her dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry.

NYSCC

Dr. Amber Evans is a cosmetic industry professional who has been impacting the consumer beauty care experience through science, technology, and leadership for over fifteen years.  She is the 2024 Chair of the New York Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC), overseeing operations and a portfolio of initiatives that educate and empower within the field of cosmetic science. As Senior Manager of Product Development at Moroccanoil, she leveraged her technical expertise in hair and skin science, ingredient technologies and claims testing to drive the global launch of prestige hair color and hair & body care products. As a development scientist at ingredient supplier BASF, her contributions spanned hair, body, and oral care. She also previously supported R&D efforts in hair color and hair & shave care at Procter & Gamble.

Dr. Evans earned a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Cosmetic Science focus) from University of Cincinnati and a B.S. in Chemistry from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. She has authored hair care publications, co-invented patented technologies, and featured on platforms that support aspiring scientists and early career professionals.

The Honest Company

Amber Matthews currently works as a process development engineer for The Honest Company in Los Angeles, CA. Prior to her current role, Mrs. Matthews has worked in the manufacturing industry the past 17 years in a variety of roles across engineering, R&D, and Quality.

Mrs. Matthews obtained her B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from Tennessee State University and started her career in quality control. After graduate school, Mrs. Matthews worked as a research chemist for Bayer Consumer Care in their suncare division. After leaving Bayer, she worked as a quality manager for an OTC company, then relocated to LA to further her career. Mrs. Matthews's expertise is in reverse engineering and formulation design of personal care products, quality by design, product scale-up, and process improvement. Additionally, Mrs. Matthews serves as co-instructor at UCLA Extension in the Sciences and Math Department, teaching courses in Cosmetic Sciences for Cosmetic Professionals. 

A native of Memphis, TN, Mrs. Matthews relocated to Los Angeles to further her career and to be closer to family. When she's not working, she loves to go to the beach, play basketball, hike, spend time with family, and travel.

D&E Industries Inc.

Angela D. Ellington, a seasoned R&D Executive with a career span of nearly four decades continues to drive growth and value for entrepreneur founded beauty brands  and global cosmetic manufacturers. Angela is the Founder and Principal of D&E Industries Inc.,a consulting company focused on driving value and growth through innovation, product knowledge, relatable consumer claims and science- based solutions for textured hair care. Her mastery of textured hair care science, passion for people and innate critical thinking skills has made her a trusted authority in the multicultural beauty industry. A recognized expert, Angela’s contribution to textured hair care science has garnered her several board positions, speaking engagements and scientific publications to include numerous domestic and international patents. 

Angela was previously AVP of L’Oréal Ethnic Research & Innovation, where she led and inspired innovation for the top leading brands for wavy, curly, coily textured hair. Angela received a BS, Biology from Spelman College and a Business Certificate from Cornell University.

P&G Beauty

Atiya Jordan-Brown, Ph.D. Senior Analytical Scientist, P&G Beauty
Bridging the gap between science and beauty, Atiya leverages her expertise to amplify the science behind P&G hair care brands. Atiya collaborates with brands to develop methods and advance scientific knowledge of textured hair. She also brings the technologies of P&G products to life through compelling visuals and demonstrations.
Throughout her 10-year career at P&G, Atiya held diverse roles, including supporting measurement capabilities across Bounty, Charmin, and Puffs manufacturing sites. She also worked with dermatologists and fellow scientists elevating the science behind brands like My Black is Beautiful, Head and Shoulders, and Pantene.
Atiya earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Louisiana State University, complemented by Forensic Science and Chemistry degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University. Passionate about inspiring young individuals to pursue STEM careers, Atiya served leadership roles in organizations, including Cincinnati Chapter of the American Chemical Society and Cincinnati Chapter of NOBCChE. Outside of work, Atiya enjoys dancing, traveling, and spending time with family.

P&G

Dr. Ashley is responsible for developing hair education and product knowledge via  in depth understanding of consumer, product, package and technology, in partnership with multi-functional peers for Mielle. While at P&G she previously enhanced the product research portfolios for Gold Series and My Black is Beautiful by driving awareness on the New Lengths collection and designing a protective styles regimen for black consumers.  Dr. Ashley is also responsible for communicating the science behind hair for the entire P&G haircare category including brands such as Head & Shoulders, Pantene, and Herbal Essences. In her previous role, Dr. Ashley was a formulator on the NeoStrata R&D Team where she was responsible for formulating skin care products within the anti-aging realm for brands such as NeoStrata, Exuviance, RoC, and Neutrogena. Dr. Ashley’s specific expertise includes scientific engagement between global consumers and R&D, high-level project management for production of black haircare solutions, and formulation development for anti-aging skincare products. 

Astral Health & Beauty

Brittany Watkins serves as the Associate Director of Product Development at Astral Health & Beauty, spearheading transformative strides in product and packaging innovation across the company’s brand portfolio comprising Aloette, PUR, Cosmedix, and Butter London. Brittany commenced her journey with Astral in 2022 as Senior Manager of Product Development, with over a decade of invaluable industry expertise.

Prior to her tenure at Astral, Brittany honed her craft as a formulation chemist at Newell Brands, specializing in the Inks & Coatings division. Her diverse experience also encompasses a tenure as a cosmetic chemist, developing products for brands like Design Essentials alongside other skincare and haircare brands.

Brittany graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from North Carolina A&T State University, laying the groundwork for her multifaceted career. Continuously driven by her passion for skincare, she furthered her expertise by earning certification as an esthetician in 2016. 

Seaspire, Inc.

Driven by her passions for beauty and science, Dr. Camille A. Martin, Co-Founder and CEO of Seaspire, has committed over 10 years to transforming the personal care industry with innovative strategies and technologies inspired by nature to make the world healthier, safer, and more sustainable. Dr. Martin’s graduate research “ Sensors, Sunscreens, Shirts- Design and Characterization of Biomimetic Materials Inspired by Cephalopods” has resulted in the publication of 4 peer reviewed articles, 2 patents, and the founding of Seaspire. Seaspire is a  technology company, backed by science and inspired by nature, championing the effort to create skincare products that safe for people and sustainable for the environment  by utilizing Xanthochrome®, a multifunctional natural material inspired by chromophores found in cephalopods.  Dr. Martin is committed to supporting the next generation of diverse innovators pursuing careers in STEM. Her commitment to supporting diversity in STEM and entrepreneurship continues today through her mentorship platform—Alexandria Growth Brands—which provides resources and coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to launch technology driven companies. 

Cassandra Celestin, renowned as The Beauty Chemist, possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Cosmetic Science, and is a licensed cosmetologist. With over 17 years of dedicated expertise, she epitomizes the quintessential cosmetic chemist, specializing in the comprehensive research and development of personal care products spanning hair care, hair color, skin care, and color cosmetics. Her formulations adorn the shelves of prominent beauty retailers globally, representing some of the most esteemed brand names in the industry. 

Cassandra is no ordinary cosmetologist; she's a top-tier talent in hair coloring, styling, trichology, and makeup artistry. Beyond the salon, she shines in print, theater, TV/film, and has been featured in elite magazines and productions. As a beauty influencer, she stresses the importance of quality materials and techniques for self-care. Cassandra harmonizes beauty and science to perfect skincare routines, hair styling methods, and makeup applications for optimal results. She mentors both young minds and professionals in STEM and beauty across the nation, and champions women's causes through nonprofits.

Looking for some nail art inspiration? Check out our gallery of nail designs for every occasion, from weddings to festivals to everyday wear.

Pink MahogHany

Pink MahogHany is an independent fragrance brand - founded in 2005 and owned and operated by Chavalia, a self-taught niche perfumer from Longview, Texas (by way of Dallas.)
With a background in both music and education, Chavalia treats each composition as an alluringly intriguing song that takes the wearer on a unique, unforgettable journey. Designed to “court the skin” and flirt with the air, PM initiates and carries its conversation with eloquence.
 

Pink MahogHany has been featured in: The New York Times, Fragrantica, WhoWhatWear, AskMen, Cosmopolitan, Yahoo!, MSN, The Zoe Report, Byrdie Beauty, FASHIONISTA, PopSugar (US/UK), Huff Post, Ebony Magazine, Essence Magazine, Women's Health Magazine and Çafleurebon (just to name a few).
She was a virtual guest panelist for Spelman students (2021), guest speaker at the Institute for Art and Olfaction and guest panelist for the IAO Olfacimus fragrance discussion alongside Master Perfumer, Christophe Laudamiel.l (2023.)
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Chavalia is the proud mother of home-schooled Pink MahogHany TwinTerns and aspiring script writers, Elikya & Ilya Mwamba (and one angel baby boy, Kenji Mwamba [2018], whom she dedicates her aromatherapy collection to.)

Iticia Jefferson: Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine

Gabrielle Dwyer: Battelle

Candace Mitchell: MYAVANA

Presenter: Michelle Gains, PhD, Spelman College 

Rahama Wright: Yeleen Beauty Makerspace

Tammie Brooks: 68th & Monroe

Elaine Treadwell: Relevant Laboratories 

Alayna Bouie: Solesence 

Nomahlubi Nompunga: Foi Science (Pty) Ltd

Jamara Foster: Nurse Those Nailz

Dr. Tova Williams-Cherry: Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University