L’Oréal USA
Staying Power: Uncovering What it Takes for Women to Succeed in Science
The Challenge
L'Oréal USA had just celebrated 15 years of its For Women in Science (FWIS) program and was looking for ways to increase visibility of the program among the public affairs audience by taking advantage of the milestone. For the past 15 years, the FWIS program has awarded fellowships to five outstanding women in science each year, with the goal of helping to close the “leaky pipeline” that exists for women in STEM.
Our Solution
The team identified an opportunity to survey the 75 FWIS Fellow alumni to surface their unique perspectives of what it takes for women to succeed in science, as well as the existing challenges and potential policy implications. The study findings would then be used to open a dialogue among public affairs officials and other thought leaders committed to advancing women in STEM.
The Impact
The team helped L'Oréal USA establish a partnership with the Heising-Simons Foundation to help fund the alumni study, and led the development and production of the research, as well as the supporting communications assets, including an executive summary brochure, infographic and webinar. The team also supported the design and implementation of a thought leader convening, a half-day event consisting of a series of panel discussions, held during the annual FWIS Week in partnership with the National Academy of Sciences. The study received national coverage as a feature on NBC News’ Know Your Value.
