"International Women’s Day denotes a feeling of sisterhood, a feeling of empowerment. It demonstrates to younger generations that anything is possible if they dream big enough. It celebrates how far we’ve come; reflecting on what our great-grandmas, our grandmas, and our mums have accomplished for us, so that we can walk in their footsteps and magnify what they’ve done. It’s a celebration of what the generations before us have done to give us the possibilities that we have today."

Barbara De Laere

Aveda SVP & Global General Manager

"When I think about our mission of care, I also think about empowering women – because that is what we do here at Aveda. I am really proud of the women entering the workforce today… they are dreaming much bigger and seeing themselves in positions that women of my generation didn’t know were possible. I am happy to be a mentor for the next generation because, to me, there is nothing more important than leaving the world a better place for the future."

Sue Trondson

Aveda VP Partner Relations

"The most inspiring person in my life has been my Grandma Antoinette. She has given me my drive to empower through education, to live a slow and sustainable life, to take pleasure in the everyday, and to love fiercely. All while being the strongest woman in the room."

Daelynn Shafer

Technical Education Specialist

"As a salon owner, mentoring women on my team - and those outside of the industry too - has led them to greater career satisfaction, engagement and purpose. When you invest time and resources into someone’s professional development, it tells that person that you understand the journey that they are on and want to help them reach their goals. By being a visible advocate and mentor, you create a culture of education, opportunity and family. It’s the foundation of my business and why we have so many team members who have been with me for 10+ years."

China Wong

Founder, Salon Spa W

"Women’s empowerment and equality means everything to me. You never know what a person is going through or the challenges or struggles they are having. Walking up to a woman who is rocking her natural coils and saying, ‘you look good, I love your hair!’ That in itself is so empowering. Doing something that inspires others is empowering."

Naomi Dove

"When I became a working mom and was struggling to find balance, someone gave me really good advice: they said, ‘You are showing your daughter what you are passionate about.’ Years later I still remember this because, to me, it is fundamental to show her what I am passionate about and what she can do."

Janell Geason

Global Artistic Director, Aveda Makeup

"A number of times in my career, people have assumed that because I am a woman I couldn't do ‘the important task’ or I wouldn't want ‘the job,’ so what I would like is for the assumption to change. Anyone can do anything if they can put their mind to it and are willing to develop the skills! If I look back at my career, there have been a number of women who have believed in me and helped me to make decisions to better my career. This is why I am so committed to helping grow the next generation."

Christine Hall

VP, Research & Development, Estée Lauder