SCC Announces Madam CJ Walker Scholarship Awardees & Finalists

The SCC will honor Madam CJ Walker awardees and finalists at the annual meeting.

The Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) announced the 2025 Awardees and Finalists for the SCC Madam CJ Walker Scholarship.

The Scholarship Selection Committee chose two $5000 scholarship awardees:

Chinaza Munonye, University of South Florida, undergraduate student, biological health sciences;

Lanesa Mahon, University of Cincinnati, doctoral student, pharmaceutical sciences.

Finalists recognized by the Committee for their outstanding achievements are:

Lauren Forney, Spelman College, undergraduate student, health science;

Ajoa Jamila (AJ) Addae, University of California, Los Angeles, doctoral student, chemistry.

Awardees and finalists receive financial support to attend the SCC 79th Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase in New York City, Dec. 16-17, 2025. They will be recognized on-stage during the annual awards breakfast and will present their research via the SCC Poster Showcase.

“The selection committee reviewed the achievements of more than 40 applicants for the scholarship program this year,” said SCC CEO Erica L. O’Grady, CAE. “These honorees demonstrated impressive accomplishments and embodiement of the spirit and legacy of Madam CJ Walker. We are pleased to no only recognize these young scientists, but to support their educational goals and future contributions to the industry.”

About the Scholarship

The Madam CJ Walker Scholarship, sponsored by Mary Kay, awards two $5,000 scholarships supporting under-represented individuals pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree in chemical, physical, medical, pharmaceutical, biological or related sciences and technology with an interest in pursuing a career in the cosmetics and personal care industry.

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