International Women’s Day: The Power of SHE at Mary Kay, 13 Women Leading, Lifting, and Inspiring

According to a recent press release:

At Mary Kay Inc., International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month are more than moments on the calendar, they are a year-long celebration and a reminder of what’s possible when women are championed, heard, and supported. Mary Kay Ash founded her company based on the belief that “a woman can do anything she is given the opportunity to do.”

This year at Mary Kay, we’re celebrating the power of “She” by shining a light on 13 women who lead with heart and drive with purpose across key roles or functions in the organization, spanning from C-Suite to Supply Chain, Legal or Digital, each with her own perspective, and her own way of making an impact. Together, their voices capture Mary Kay’s mission of enriching women’s lives and demonstrating that empowering women is more than a legacy, it’s the guiding light shaping what comes next.

Consider this your front-row seat to 13 inspiring voices, and an invitation to celebrate the women who make our world and our workplace stronger every day.

Dr. Lucy Gildea, Chief Brand and Scientific Officer at Mary Kay

ROOTED IN PURPOSE:

“Mary Kay is more than a brand—it’s a movement. Our purpose is deeply rooted in transforming lives, inspiring hope, and enriching women’s journeys. These aren’t just initiatives—they’re the foundation of who we are and who we’ve always been.”

Tara Eustace, Chief Opportunity and Sales Officer at Mary Kay

FAITH IN WOMEN:

“The one thing that’s always been at the heart of our business – and feels more important than ever – is women supporting women. When you buy a Mary Kay product, you’re not just buying lipstick or skincare; you’re supporting a woman and her local small business.”

Ewa Kudlinska-Pyrz, General Manager of Mary Kay for Poland and Lithuania

THE FUTURE IS NEXT GEN:

“Our ‘Next Gen’ Independent Beauty Consultants seek selling options that align with their lives and priorities. They are confident running their businesses online and in-person. They are seeking time flexibility and methods to earn additional income. They are passionate about beauty and well-being, and they want to make a positive impact in their communities.”

Lusine Atayan, Director of Logistics and Distribution at Mary Kay

SOFT SKILLS POWERED:

“It’s all about the people, having the right teams, the right mindset, and the right processes. In supply chain management, we focus on attracting a diverse group of people with highly developed soft skills: communication, collaboration, leadership, agility, problem-solving, and time management.”

Dayna Boozer, Manager, Salesforce Compliance at Mary Kay

PARTNERSHIP MINDSET:

“At Mary Kay, we believe that “You’re in business for yourself but never by yourself.” That drives our approach to Compliance – we see ourselves as Compliance partners. Our team is on the front lines, partnering with our independent beauty consultants to educate, support, and empower them. We take the same approach internally, equipping our Compliance team with knowledge, confidence, and motivation.”

Julia Santosuosso, Manager of Global Social Impact at Mary Kay

MISSION DRIVEN WORK: 

“My career began in nonprofit, where I spent nearly a decade working in development, communications, and event management. That experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the power of mission-driven work and that tangible impact can be achieved on any scale when people unite for a cause. I knew when I transitioned to the corporate sector, purposeful work had to remain at the core of my responsibilities. That’s why I chose Mary Kay.”

Megan Gregg, Senior Counsel at Mary Kay

COURAGE AND GRIT: 

“Entrepreneurship requires courage and grit, which, to me, are two of the most inspiring qualities a person can possess, and direct selling attracts people with these character traits. Direct selling requires an initial ‘yes’ when there are no corresponding promises of success attached to that decision – to me, that is courage. Similarly, the same people who say ‘yes’ to a direct selling opportunity also tend to be the people who persevere, change, and grow in response to the unique challenges that accompany running a small business – to me, that is grit. I am inspired by these small business owners and feel privileged to protect their current and future opportunities.”

Michelle Erbeyi, Manager of Public Affairs at Mary Kay

SERVICE OF OTHERS: 

“Mary Kay has instilled in me that leadership is about service. I’ve had the privilege of advocating for Mary Kay independent beauty consultants – the heartbeat of our brand over the last 10 years. We often talk about the “Go-Give” spirit – leading with generosity, empathy, and purpose. Our founder, Mary Kay Ash, the iconic Texan entrepreneur, built this company for women on the belief that success comes from helping others succeed. This philosophy remains the foundation of everything we do.”

Laura Hiros, Sales Education Manager for the Latin America Region at Mary Kay

COMMUNITY BUILDING: 

“Our IBCs are recognized in the direct selling industry and beyond, for mastering personal connection, storytelling, and community building. We are enriching this heritage with digital fluency and adaptive business strategies, equipping our Mary Kay entrepreneurs with the tools they need to feel as confident digitally as in-person. That’s the power of our Phygital strategy!”

Naisha Covarrubias, Vice-President of Legal Operations at Mary Kay

BELIEF IN POTENTIAL: 

“Early in my career, I thought success meant carrying everything myself, but I’ve learned that real leadership is about trust, not control. Delegating isn’t about offloading tasks – it’s about giving others the chance to rise, contribute, and grow. When you empower others, you multiply potential, and that’s where true growth begins.”

Anne Crews, Vice-President of Public Affairs at Mary Kay

WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP: 

“It has truly been a fulfilling and meaningful career. I’ve had the privilege of working for a company that has empowered countless women around the world. Mary Kay Ash founded the company in 1963 with a clear purpose: to create entrepreneurial opportunities for women through a direct-selling model that encouraged independence, flexibility, and personal growth.”

Barbara Podbelsek, Senior Executive Assistant to Mary Kay’s CEO

TEAMWORK FOR THE DREAM: 

“Never underestimate the impact of your work here. Whether you’ve just started or have been here for decades, always remember that we are all part of a team working to keep Mary Kay Ash’s dream alive. That legacy isn’t just a nice tagline – it’s a call to action and a reflection of the purpose behind what we do. So, give your best, support each other, and keep the heart of the business strong.”

Ada McLaughlin, Senior Product Manager, Digital Business Solutions at Mary Kay

WOMEN IN AI: 

“I am inspired to help create the empowering sense of community around AI and technology that women need to thrive. To all the women in AI out there: I encourage you to build your digital presence and increase your visibility. You belong, and the world needs you!”

Did You Know:

• Women-Led Company: 63% of Mary Kay’s the global workforce is female as well as 62% of its global Research and Development (R&D) team. 60% of the Executive team is female, and 57% of leadership positions are held by women in the company’s top 10 markets[1].

Learn more about the Mary Kay leadership here.

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[1] Women Representation and Leadership at Mary Kay (May 2025).

SOURCE:  Mary Kay