YWCA & Ulta Beauty Inspire Girls in STEM with ‘Pretty Empowered’

Imagine a world where young girls are inspired to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math from an early age. That’s the vision behind the “Pretty Empowered” initiative, a powerful collaboration between the YWCA and the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation. This program is dedicated to nurturing the ambitions of young girls, focusing on STEM, wellness, and leadership development.

Inspiring Future Innovators

Launched by YWCA Chicago in 2022 and now expanding nationwide, “Pretty Empowered” aims to dismantle the gender gap in STEM fields, where women currently hold only about 26% of all positions. The initiative provides girls aged nine to 14 with interactive sessions designed to spark their interest and build their confidence. The theme for this year, “Beauty in Belonging,” emphasizes creating inclusive spaces where every girl feels valued and empowered.

Thanks to the support of the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, participants get hands-on experience and insights into various aspects of the beauty industry and beyond. They learn about cosmetic science, supply chain logistics, and store operations, while also diving deep into STEM careers, encouraging them to explore their potential in engineering, math, and the sciences.

Fostering Wellness, Leadership, and Belonging

Margaret Mitchell, CEO of YWCA USA, highlighted the initiative’s broader goals: “By centering wellness and STEM education, we’re helping young women see themselves as leaders, innovators, and changemakers.” The program goes beyond just career exploration; it aims to strengthen girls’ self-worth and leadership skills, preparing them to be the change-makers of tomorrow. Sessions range from calming yoga practices to engaging science lessons, all contributing to a holistic approach to empowerment.

A Growing Movement

With programming now active at eight YWCA sites across the U.S., including locations in Atlanta, Greater Los Angeles, and Florida, “Pretty Empowered” is becoming a significant annual event. Amiee Bayer Thomas, Chief Retail Officer at Ulta Beauty and a board member for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, expressed pride in the continued partnership. “Ulta Beauty is proud to continue our partnership with YWCA through Pretty Empowered, an initiative that reflects our shared commitment to helping young women realize their full potential,” she stated.

By creating environments that foster confidence, belonging, and curiosity, the initiative empowers young women to explore new possibilities in beauty, STEM, and beyond. It’s a vital step in ensuring the next generation of leaders is diverse, capable, and ready to make a difference.