02/06/2025
P&G Celebrates Women in STEM: A Legacy and Future of Innovation
For over 185 years, P&G has been innovating to create products that improve the lives of consumers around the world. From Tide Pods to OLAY Super Serum, P&G brands are built on a foundation of cutting-edge science and a deep understanding of the consumers we serve — over half of whom are women and girls.
We know that innovation thrives with a wide range of perspectives. Women influence over 80% of household purchasing decisions, and by understanding and reflecting their experiences, we've been able to create superior products that meet their needs at every life stage.
This is achieved in part by a workforce that reflects the uniqueness of everyone we serve. At P&G, women are behind some of our brands’ most innovative breakthroughs. They're the chemists developing new formulas, the engineers designing more accessible packaging and the researchers uncovering unmet consumer needs.
On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re recognizing the invaluable contributions of the talented women who power P&G innovation and looking to the future, supporting the next generation as they explore opportunities in STEM.
We recently hosted an immersive two-day event at our Research & Development centers for a group of young women from Girl Up, The Links and the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the science that goes into making their favorite products and the inclusive teams that bring them to life. These future innovators toured our labs, explored the contributions of women throughout P&G’s history, and learned firsthand from the scientists behind some of our most beloved brands, including Tide, Downy, OLAY and Venus.
Exploring Our Legacy of Innovation
The first day was spent exploring P&G’s rich history at our Heritage Center, where our Archivists guided the students through over 185 years of innovation. Our future STEM leaders explored displays highlighting the contributions of women innovators throughout the years, including Else Schulze, the first female PhD scientist hired at P&G in 1926 — setting the stage for the discoveries to come.
Discovering the Science Behind Our Brands
The second day was a whirlwind of scientific exploration. Students started their day at P&G’s Fabric Care labs, delving into the science behind beloved laundry products from Tide and Downy. Kim Romine and Jennifer Ahoni, two of P&G’s Fabric Care scientists, shared their expertise and career journeys, inspiring the students with their passion for science and the technical rigor behind products such as Tide Pods.
Interactive demonstrations brought our technologies to life, and a guided tour provided a firsthand look at the experimentation and testing that go into superior laundry solutions that deliver the highest standard of clean and keep clothes smelling fresh.
Next, the group participated in an immersive deep dive into the science of skin care with Dr. Rolanda Wilkerson, Senior Director and Scientist at P&G Beauty. Dr. Ro is one of the scientists behind some of P&G’s breakthrough skin care innovations, including OLAY’s Super Serum. Her expertise in organic chemistry and passion for inclusive product design have also shaped other P&G brands such as Pantene, driving unique solutions that meet a wide range of consumer hair and skin care needs.
The students explored the innovative technologies behind OLAY’s Cleansing Melts and Super Serum, getting hands-on with live demos and digital visualizations of their skin. Afterward, a tour of the Consumer Learning Center provided insights into how P&G uses consumer feedback to shape product development.
The final session of the event focused on the science of shaving with Betsy Compo, a Senior Scientist for Venus. A presentation and USB microscope demo brought the intricacies of hair removal to life, showcasing the science behind Venus’ smooth, comfortable shave. Betsy's work within Research & Development focuses on constantly innovating to deliver a superior razor design that helps women feel confident in their own skin.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Our support of women in science goes beyond our labs. Through impactful partnerships with organizations such as Girl Up and brand-driven programs like OLAY's Face the STEM Gap, we're creating opportunities, providing mentorship and cultivating a passion for science in young women and girls around the world.
Our recent event was a spark, igniting a passion for science, learning and leadership in the next generation. When we enable everyone — including young women and girls — to explore their interest in STEM, we unlock a world of possibilities that will help us serve all our consumers for years to come.
Learn more and join us in celebrating the power of #WomenInScience.
