Skin of Color Society Foundation Approaches 10th Anniversary

With nearly 10 years under its belt, the Skin of Color Society Foundation (SOCSF) has reported record-level growth in key programs it supports, including innovative research, education, mentorship and advocacy efforts.

A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, the foundation was established in 2015 by the Skin of Color Society (SOCS), among the world’s leading skin of color dermatology organizations. The society was founded in 2004 by dermatology leader Dr. Susan C. Taylor with the support of other founding members. The SOCSF works to advance excellence in patient care and health equity by supporting several signature programs and groundbreaking initiatives, which have reached record-level benchmarks this year in terms of participation, engagement and impact.

“The most valuable aspect of the work of SOCS, in my opinion, is mentoring and supporting junior members to help guide their future careers and successes,” said Dr. Murad Alam, SOCS board member and Dr. Susan C. Taylor Society donor. “We are all fortunate to be in dermatology, a wonderful profession with kind and supportive colleagues and patients we are privileged to meet. Many, if not most of us, would not be in dermatology without the mentorship, encouragement, and gentle nudges of teachers and leaders who helped us along the way. So, it is only fair to try to provide the same opportunities for the next generation by supporting SOCS and its foundation.”

Key Priorities

Tax-deductible donations to the SOCSF support the continued expansion of the following key priorities:

Increasing research to expand skin of color dermatology knowledge and insights;
Providing leadership training and more mentorship and observership opportunities to medical students, dermatology residents, and junior dermatologists who are passionate about skin of color, with an exciting new scholarship program for medical students and residents coming in 2025;
Broadening physician and public education on dermatologic diseases and conditions in skin of color; and
Collaborating with regional, national and international partners to advocate for skin of color patients.

My Best Winter Skin

A newer public-facing initiative known as My Best Winter Skin has experienced success since its establishment in 2023. Now in its second year of community outreach and public education, the winter skincare-themed campaign is built around the annual health awareness holiday, My Best Winter Skin Day, created by the SOCS Foundation and celebrated every Oct. 24.

The international holiday marks the beginning of a season of giving, education and volunteerism for SOCS members. Through a series of events presented at universities and public venues throughout the US and Canada, SOCS members and health advocates distribute dermatologist-developed educational tips for managing winter skin and donated product samples to raise awareness about optimal winter skin care and generate donations to the SOCSF.

This year’s MBWS campaign is supported by Clinique with additional valuable support from Eli Lilly and Company.

2024 SOCSF Fundraising Campaign

Themed, “Celebrate and Grow with Us,” this year’s fundraising campaign encourages donors to help reach the annual goal by making a one-time gift or committing to a monthly amount in any sum. Suggested giving levels include:

Dr. Susan C. Taylor Society ($2500 and above)
Benefactor ($800-2499)
Sustainer ($300-799)
Advocate ($50-299)
Patron ($1-49)

Corporate benefactors who have donated to the SOCSF in 2024 include:

AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal, Pfizer, Clinique and Sanofi-Genzyme/Regeneron ($125,000+);

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Eli Lilly and Company, Incyte Dermatology, Vaseline and EltaMD ($60,000+);

SkinCeuticals and UCB ($30,000+);

AVITA Medical, Beiersdorf, Dermavant Sciences, Ortho Dermatologics and Novartis (15,000+); and

Google Health and P & G (Special recognition).

The SOCSF says it recognizes the contributions of individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to advancing equity in dermatology by supporting the mission-driven work of SOCS, including:
Donors who have joined the Dr. Susan C. Taylor Society in 2024 and contributed $10,000 and above: Dr. Dhaval G. Bhanusali and Dr. David and Nina Harvey.

Donors who have joined the Dr. Susan C. Taylor Society in 2024 by giving $2,500 and above: Drs. Murad Alam, Donald Glass II, Chere Lucas Anthony, Lynn McKinley-Grant, Alexis Stephens and Susan C. Taylor.

To support the SOCSF and the work of SOCS, go here.