Left to right: Alicia Romero, Rocío Sandoval, Claudia Benshimol, Kimberly Villatoro, Marilu Marshall, María Cristina González Noguera, Elizabeth Otero and Gabriela Rodríguez
When it comes to beauty, there is one global company that is trailblazing the industry by celebrating its culture of inclusivity, diversity, individuality and empowering Hispanic women: The Estée Lauder Companies. M•A•C, Estée Lauder, AERIN Beauty and Smashbox are just a few of the company’s iconic brands that have senior Latina executives leading the way. To celebrate their sisterhood of “Latinidad,” eight executives of different Hispanic backgrounds came together to discuss working for the inspiring, diverse company that was founded by another extraordinary woman, Mrs. Estée Lauder.
Since its founding in 1946, the corporation has become a global success with a workforce that is 84 percent female and 54 percent women in its vice president roles or higher. “To work in a place that was founded by a woman for women with so many strong women leaders in the company today is just so special,” says Claudia Benshimol, Senior Vice President/General Manager, Estée Lauder & AERIN Beauty, North America.
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Working alongside fellow Latinas makes the experience even more special for the businesswomen, as they all noted that their Hispanic values are at the core of their professional and personal lives. The Estée Lauder Companies is the global leader in prestige beauty with some of the most sought-after brands in the world, but at its heart, the business remains a family company focused on the long-term. The representation of family goes beyond the company’s name. It is embedded in its values and creates a sense of belonging for all its employees.
The spirit of inclusion, diversity, and empowering women are at its core, as is its dedication to its “familia.” From beauty counter roles to senior management, the Latina representation allows The Estée Lauder Companies to authentically connect and engage with the Latino community, while also providing the business with a deeper understanding of what the Hispanic community needs, as well as cultural distinctions of this dynamic, growing, and powerful demographic.
Continue reading to learn more about these powerful Latinas’ stories and their advice on how to navigate your professional career, while still honoring your unique roots and values.
Left to right: Gabriela Rodríguez, Vice President, Global HR Business Partner; Marilu Marshall, Senior Vice President, Executive Management And Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer; and María Cristina González Noguera, Senior Vice President, Global Public Affairs
For Marilu Marshall, Senior Vice President, Executive Management and Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer; María Cristina “MC” González Noguera, Senior Vice President, Global Public Affairs; and Gabriela Rodríguez, Vice President, Global Human Resources Business Partner, thriving in corporate America means staying true to your roots, trusting in your “familia” and Latina community and empowering those around you. These inspiring Latinas are challenging convention and proving that anything is possible. If you’ve often wondered how best to blend your Latina self and corporate self, then let these boss women serve as prime examples. They have learned that having a successful career doesn’t mean abandoning your personal identity.
The notion of inclusion and diversity is more than just chatter at The Estée Lauder Companies. “It’s not even something that we do; it’s who we are. It’s the DNA of the company. It requires leadership from the top to be champions for inclusion and diversity,” says Marshall. González Noguera agrees: “It’s important for Latinas to have representation within the beauty industry because as we’ve all heard, you can’t be what you can’t see.” This translates into having a diverse workforce that can connect with both Latinas and other consumers. After all, says Marshall, “The celebration of beauty is key to the Latina culture. Therefore, it’s important to respect and honor our Latina culture.”
She asserts that inclusion and diversity are not trends at The Estée Lauder Companies but rather fundamental parts of the organization and its strategy. Having a support system is also crucial. “We all face unfamiliar and challenging situations in our careers,” says González Noguera. “But those are precisely the moments when your Latina community will help you find your way.” And she counts herself among that support for others and advises that you do the same. “Turn back around and help others. I take a lot of pride and passion in helping other Latinas navigate the work environment.”
Marilu Marshall, SVP, Executive Management, and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer
Contrary to longstanding perception, you can be yourself and be proud of your culture at work. “Authenticity is empowering,” says Marshall. “I feel far more powerful being me than if I tried to be somebody else. And that’s the truth.”
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As an HR professional, Rodríguez knows a thing or two about talent development. She notes that the company doesn’t just encourage individuality but also seeks it, cultivates it and celebrates it. “Authenticity is the foundation for trust. And trust is the key element to genuine relationships,” she says. “At The Estée Lauder Companies, relationships are at the core of collaboration and organizational development. Bringing your full self to work is the most important thing you can do to be successful. Being yourself sustains your energy so you can be truly engaged in your professional and personal journey.”