Diversity & Inclusion
Welcome to the NYSCC’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee! Thank you for visiting our website. We are so excited to announce the creation of this initiative! Please click here to view our latest newsletter.
The people who use cosmetic products are as diverse as the individuals who help create them! We feel that all society members should be encouraged to be their authentic self and bring out the best in each other. When we better understand each other, the more freely ideas can be exchanged and the more positive change can be made.
The NYSCC Diversity & Inclusion Committee’s Mission is to engage all society members in conversation that provide leadership in the cosmetics community around diversity and Inclusion. All current and future members are embraced and heard regardless of color, gender, age or sexual orientation.
Please take our survey so we can get a better understanding on what Diversity and Inclusion means to you. Or feel free to email questions to us at diversityandinclusion@nyscc.
Desiree Reid
Co-Chair
Desiree Reid is one of the foremost industry talents in global cosmetics, skincare and fragrances. As General Manager & EVP Brand Development Worldwide of Impala Inc., she was part of the team that successfully launched IMAN Cosmetics in 1994 and catapulted the line into a position of brand leadership throughout North America, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. Under her leadership, IMAN Cosmetics has won numerous awards in consumer product innovation including: an Oprah, Essence, Huffington Post and Latina Beauty Award. She also launched JayManuel Beauty line under the IMPALA Umbrella. As well as the Sean Puffy Combs first fragrance Unforgivable.
From working with high profile talent innovations in products and packaging, to new markets, new media and new technologies, Desiree continues to utilize her insights to push the envelope for today’s diverse and savvy global beauty consumer and business through her company Desiree Reid & Co.
Alex Bliziotis
Co-Chair
Alex has been working in the cosmetic industry for 6 years and has been volunteering with the NYSCC for the same amount of time. He began in Technical Sales for cosmetic ingredients and recently transitioned to Supply Chain Management for a major skincare brand.
Alex has always been passionate about making the industry a more inclusive space. He has participated in the NYSCC’s Pride campaigns in 2020 and 2021. By co-chairing the NYSCC’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, he hopes to ensure every current and future society member is represented and heard.
Jessenia Castro
Volunteer
Jessenia Castro is a Regulatory / R&D Chemist at Repechage focused on the development of retail and professional skincare. She’s also pursuing an MBS degree focused on personal care science from Rutgers University. After her own experiences with inclusion & diversity, Jessenia developed a passion for getting involved with initiatives to help support the diverse communities around her.
Ashley Martinez
Volunteer
Ashley Martinez is passionate about hair care and working to develop hair products that target curly-haired individuals. She loves being able to work in a lab every day to formulate new products that are innovative and target our common hair issues.