Anushka Nadkarni has been a dedicated volunteer with the NYSCC since 2018 and has amassed over five years of experience in the Personal Care Industry. Her expertise spans working with raw materials and contract manufacturing, where she excelled as a Formulation Scientist. Currently, she spearheads the Product Development and Innovation Department at Bentley Laboratories, driving forward-thinking solutions in the beauty and skincare space.
In 2021, Anushka served as the instructor for the prestigious Future Chemist Workshop, imparting her knowledge and passion to aspiring cosmetic scientists. Her volunteering efforts within the NYSCC extend to key roles on the DE&I Committee and as a Mentor in the Mentorship Program, demonstrating her commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry. Anushka has also contributed insightful articles to renowned publications such as *Beauty Independent* and *Cosmetics and Toiletries*. She holds an MS in Cosmetic Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy from Mumbai, India.
Her passion for mentorship is evident in her role as a Leadership Coach for undergraduate students at Rutgers University, Newark, where she guided future leaders in navigating their academic and professional journeys.
John Carola has volunteered with the NYSCC since 2010 and worked in the Personal Care industry for over 15 years. For 13 years he worked with raw materials in HI&I, Personal Care and Pharma with a variety of contract manufacturers, brands, indie brands and distributors. In 2013, began collaborations in Europe and southeast Asia growing and improving overseas partnerships. Over the last 30 months he has been involved in a multifaceted approach, teaming together a fast-growing personal care team to include technical support, operations, customer service, marketing/advertising, warehouse/distribution, and regulatory support. John has held NYSCC roles for over a decade in the following positions: Registration, monthly events, House Arrangements, Social events, Membership Chair and currently as the Future Chemist Workshop advisor to the chair. John has attended SCC chapter monthly meetings and tradeshows in Florida, Chicago, California, Connecticut and Long Island. Following an honorable discharge in the USMC, he began his four degree in North Carolina and transferred to Montclair State University in New Jersey. For the past 4 years he has volunteered for local organizations and co-founded the annual golf outing for Hunterdon county veterans which has raised substantial scholarship assistance for vets and their families.
Afam Okoro serves as Chair-Elect on the NYSCC Executive Board, bringing nearly a decade of dedicated chapter involvement and leadership experience to this pivotal role.
A committed NYSCC member since 2015, Afam has been an active participant in educational programming and community-building initiatives throughout his tenure. His deep appreciation for the organization’s mission led him to step into leadership as House Committee Chair in 2024, where he has been instrumental in creating welcoming and productive environments for member gatherings, educational events, and professional networking opportunities.
In his House Committee role, Afam has elevated the member experience through thoughtful attention to venue selection, hospitality coordination, and logistical excellence. His work ensures that NYSCC events provide not only outstanding educational content but also memorable experiences that strengthen community bonds.
Afam’s approach to volunteerism emphasizes strategic time management and purposeful engagement, allowing him to balance multiple commitments while delivering exceptional results for the organization. His leadership philosophy centers on creating spaces where members can connect, learn, and advance the field of cosmetic science together.
As Chair-Elect, Afam is positioned to build on NYSCC’s momentum and continue strengthening the chapter’s role as a hub for professional development, scientific excellence, and industry collaboration.
Anne Young serves as Secretary on the NYSCC Executive Board, bringing her exceptional organizational skills and deep commitment to the cosmetic science community to this leadership role.
Inspired by mentors who found value in NYSCC, Anne has become an integral part of the organization’s fabric, discovering a welcoming environment where professional connections flourish and opportunities for growth abound. Her journey exemplifies the profound rewards of dedicated volunteerism within our community.
Anne has contributed to NYSCC in numerous capacities, including serving as Co-Chair for major chapter events where her commitment and organizational prowess have been instrumental in creating outstanding experiences for members.
Diane Dabkowski is currently an adjunct at Rutgers University and co-founder of A TON Process Solutions, LLC. She held multiple roles in Formulation, Clinical Science and Quality during her long careers with Avon and Unilever which also included receiving multiple Hair Care patents.
In addition to over 25 years of SCC membership, Diane is also a longtime member of American Chemical Society as well as Phi Beta Kappa. As one of her positions on Midwest SCC Board, Diane served a term as Treasurer and is excited about supporting NYSCC in the treasurer role.
Brian Ecclefield brings his expertise in cosmetic science and clinical testing to the NYSCC Executive Board as Treasurer-Elect. An active contributor to NYSCC’s educational programming, Brian has shared his knowledge with the chapter community through symposium presentations on sensory science and product validation.
Brian’s professional dedication to transparency and scientific rigor in cosmetic testing perfectly aligns with NYSCC’s core mission to advance the field through education, professional development, and ethical practice. His commitment to helping brands and formulators understand the true value of properly conducted clinical studies supports the organization’s goal of elevating industry standards and promoting evidence-based cosmetic science.
As the founder and operator of a small business, Brian has championed the importance of making cosmetic claims testing more accessible and accountable for brands of all sizes. His long-term mission involves ensuring that both industry professionals and consumers gain a clearer understanding of product performance validation and how to maximize their clinical value on a tight budget. This educational approach resonates strongly with NYSCC’s values of knowledge sharing, scientific integrity, and community advancement.
As Treasurer-Elect, Brian’s strategic perspective on industry transparency and his dedication to supporting cosmetic chemists in their pursuit of excellence position him to contribute meaningfully to NYSCC’s continued growth and success as a leading professional organization in the cosmetic science community.
