THE 2026 JUDGES

AKEMI OOKA

Akemi Ooka has over 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods, spanning Fortune500 companies to start-ups. She has led chemical procurement at Clorox, formulation and fragrance development at Method, and served as VP of Product at J.R. Watkins, overseeing product development, quality, regulatory compliance, and third-party manufacturing. Currently, Akemi leads the Independent Beauty Association’s (IBA) global supply chain and sustainability program, supporting small- to medium-sized beauty and personal care businesses. She holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Rutgers University and a PhD in chemistry from UCLA.

Independent Beauty Association, VP of Supply Chain and Sustainability Resources

Alexis Rodriguez Alvich

Alexis is Acting Chief Marketing Officer of No Makeup Makeup and founder and Chief Brand Officer of Harper Grey Consulting. An industry-recognized communications and brand marketing leader, she's known for building iconic brands for 25+ years. Most notably, Alexis has shaped global marketing and communications strategies for some of the most influential brands in beauty and fashion, including Augustinus Bader, Shiseido Fragrances, Aveda, PVH, MAC Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and DVF. Known for her ability to translate founder vision into culturally resonant brand narratives, she's helped elevate brand equity, drive consumer engagement, and fuel sustained business growth across both heritage and emerging brands.

ALLISON SLATER RAY

Allison Slater Ray is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in beauty, wellness, and e-commerce. As co-founder of Breakthru Beauty, she provides C-level guidance on brand development, marketing, and team building. Her clients include Supergoop!, Afterpay, Charlotte Tilbury, and Live Tinted. Allison previously served as President at MBX and SVP of Marketing at IT Cosmetics, driving its $1.2 billion acquisition by L'Oréal. She also spent over a decade at Sephora. Allison advises on growth strategy and serves on the boards of Wander Beauty, All Golden, and Cove Brands.

Breakthru Beauty, Co-Founder

ALYSSA AUBERGER

Alyssa Auberger is Baker McKenzie’s Chief Sustainability Officer, leading the firm’s sustainability initiatives both internally and externally. She oversees sustainability goals, reporting, and client offerings, while managing relationships with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Global Compact, and the World Economic Forum. With nearly 30 years of experience, Alyssa previously served as an M&A partner and was ranked a “Leading Individual” by Legal 500 in luxury goods. She also led the firm’s Global Consumer Goods and Retail industry group.

Baker McKenzie, Chief Sustainability Officer

AMMIN YOUSSOUF

Ammin Youssouf is a serial entrepreneur and conference speaker with a master’s degree in international trade from Sorbonne University. He co-founded Big Youth, an award-winning digital agency, and Afrobytes, a leading African tech event that evolved into the African Tech Industry Club. He is now the co-founder of The Colors, an agency specializing in the multicultural beauty market. Ammin has been recognized by Fast Company and Entrepreneur magazine for his contributions to business and innovation.

The Colors, Co-Founder

AMY NICOLE COHEN

Amy Nicole Cohen is an entrepreneur, beauty expert, and founder of Chic Studios School of Makeup, which she launched in 2009. With locations in NYC, LA, and Denver, the school has graduated over 4,500 artists. In 2020, she expanded to an online platform. In 2022, Amy founded “The Chic Experience”, offering events like The Chic Retreat, The Chic Summer Series, and The Chic Summit, focused on self-development, business, and leadership for women and entrepreneurs.

Chic Studios / The Chic Experience, Founder, CEO

ANNA VALE

Anna Vale is a marketing and communications expert, speaker, and mentor with over two decades of experience in the beauty industry. She has held executive roles at top prestige beauty brands in the US, UK, and Middle East. Anna partners with indie beauty brands and beauty founders to scale marketing efforts, build brand awareness, and drive consumer engagement, combining a big brand mindset with the agility of smaller companies. Her expertise spans skincare, fragrance, hair, and makeup, having worked with brands like Youth To The People, Tom Ford Beauty, La Mer, Hourglass Cosmetics, and Clinique, among others.

Fractional CMO & Brand Marketing and Communications Leadership Consultant and Advisor

APRIL UCHITEL

April Uchitel is the CEO and co-founder of THE BOARD, a vetted community of over 230 consultants providing C-level expertise to companies like FARFETCH and MODA OPERANDI. As former CEO of Violet Grey, she drove the company's growth strategy, preparing it for acquisition. She also served as Interim CEO at ONDA Beauty, leading a successful turnaround. Previously, as Chief Brand Officer at Spring, she brought over 1,600 brands to the platform. April’s 25-year career in fashion includes nine years as EVP at DVF. A sought-after thought leader, she mentors, invests, and advocates for civic engagement through IAMAVOTER. Her leadership has been featured in Women@Forbes and Oprah Daily.

The Board, Co-Founder, CEO

BIRNUR ARAL

Birnur Aral has over 20 years of experience in the consumer products industry, with roles at Unilever, Takasago, and as the Beauty, Health, and Sustainability Lab Director at Good Housekeeping magazine. She led product studies and reviews that reached 50 million readers monthly and endorsed products for the Good Housekeeping Seal. Birnur also launched the magazine's Sustainable Innovation Awards and Raise the Green Bar Sustainability Summits. Holding degrees in chemical engineering, sustainability analytics, and advanced studies, she now consults for consumer brands, mentors students, and contributes to industry journals, with a focus on growth and building consumer trust.

Advisory by Birnur Aral / Stevens Institute of Technology Founder / Research Scientist

BRANDON L. FORD, ESQ

Brandon L. Ford is the Sales Director at Formulated Solutions, a leader in contract manufacturing for beauty, personal care, and healthcare products. With over 20 years of experience in business development, legal strategy, and product innovation, he has driven growth for both emerging and established beauty and wellness brands. Previously, as Chief Accelerator Director at Lubrizol Life Science, Brandon launched the first supplier-driven accelerator program, bringing over 100 products to market globally. His expertise in strategic growth and legal compliance helps guide brands from concept to commercialization.

The Langston Blake Agency, Consultant

CARMINE MONTALTO

Carmine Montalto is the founder of Carmine Montalto INK and the creative force behind The Skincarma Blog. Based in Brooklyn, Carmine is a seasoned copywriter, brand strategist, and skincare enthusiast with over 25 years in beauty. He has developed brand identities and crafted product copy for notable brands like Kiehl's, Pavise, Sofia Vergara’s toty, Living Proof, Dr. Jart, and more. Through his Skincarma Blog and Substack podcast, Carmine shares expert skincare advice, product reviews, and insights on skin health. He has also contributed articles on skincare routines, sunscreen, and photoaging to blogs like Skinfix, RoC, and ZO Skin Health.

Carmine Montalto INK / The Skincarma Blog, Founder Creative Director

Colleen Quinn

Colleen is an internationally recognized R&D scientist and cosmetic formulator with over 20 years of experience in clinical trial design, product formulation, and women's health innovation. She has served as Principal Investigator on clinical trials for a broad portfolio of brands, bringing investigator-level scientific rigor to product development and clinical validation. Colleen partners closely with brands across scalp care, haircare, skincare, and women's health bringing deep expertise in botanical intelligence, biotech, and sustainable formulation, combined with genuine curiosity for emerging ingredients and technologies, to ensure every product stands out in the market. Colleen approaches each collaboration with a personalized touch, aligning scientific rigor with brand vision to translate complex evidence into high-performance, consumer-trusted innovation building long-term partnerships defined by transparency, creativity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

DEANNA KANGAS

Deanna Kangas is a seasoned C-level executive with over 25 years of experience in building visionary brands and leading business turnarounds. She partners with top private equity firms to assess beauty company acquisitions and was instrumental in launching Florence by Mills and GXVE Beauty by Gwen Stefani. Deanna also helped establish Ouai, the globally successful, social media-driven haircare brand. As CEO of Stila Cosmetics, she successfully revitalized the company. Her career includes turning around Mattel’s Barbie Collectors division, founding Gloss.com, and launching Michael Jordan Cologne at XEL. Deanna serves on the boards of Communities In Schools of Los Angeles, CEW, and YPO.

Strategic Growth Consulting, Beauty Advisor and Investor

DON FREY

With over 35 years of experience in the personal care and cosmetics industry, Don Frey is the President and CEO of the Independent Beauty Association (IBA). He has extensive expertise in R&D, including formulation, package engineering, safety and toxicology, consumer insights, and regulatory development. Don has worked with major brands like Procter & Gamble, CoverGirl, Gillette, Avon, Method, and The Honest Company, and has global experience, including two years in Japan to help build P&G’s Asian personal care business. He is an active industry leader, serving on multiple boards and committees, including Cradle2Cradle’s Standards Steering Committee.

Independent Beauty Association, President and CEO

DR. SHIRLEY MADHÈRE

Dr. Shirley Madhère is a cosmetic surgery fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with extensive training in general and plastic surgery, as well as cosmetic surgery. A graduate of Boston University and a combined program at Dartmouth Medical School and Brown University, she furthered her expertise with residencies at Montefiore Medical Center and subspecialty training at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Madhère is the founder of Holistic Plastic Surgery, a unique practice philosophy combining aesthetic surgery with wellness, skincare, and complementary medicine. She is also the founder of Jet Set Beauty Rx and Click-Lift.com, an award-winning e-consult platform. Dr. Madhère is the creator of the Forever F.A.B. Podcast, which has won an Apple award for its coverage of fashion, wellness, and beauty.

Holistic Plastic Surgery, Founder

GINGER KING

Ginger King is an award-winning cosmetic chemist and founder of Grace Kingdom Beauty, a product development firm specializing in bringing beauty brands from concept to launch. With multiple patents and awards in the beauty industry, Ginger has served as an Allure magazine beauty judge since 2017, Yahoo’s Diversity in Beauty Award recipient in 2018, and has been a judge for the Beauty Packaging Awards and New Beauty Magazine’s Brain Trust. She is also the founder of FanLoveBeauty, a clean, vegan brand inspired by Daymond John of Shark Tank. Ginger is frequently quoted in top beauty magazines and is a regular contributor to TV beauty segments.

Grace Kingdom Beauty, Founder, Cosmetic Chemist

HAWEYA MOHAMED

Haweya Mohamed co-founded The Colors in 2019, an agency based in Paris specializing in the fast-growing multicultural beauty market. She has been recognized for her work as an entrepreneur and advocate for women in tech by Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, among others.

The Colors, Co-Founder

IAN MICHAEL CRUMM

Ian Michael Crumm is a celebrity esthetician, skincare expert, and co-host of the educational beauty podcast BeautyCurious. He is best known for his signature three-step facial program that has attracted star-studded clientele including movie producers and singers. With special interests in sun safety and skin cancer awareness, Michael uses his platform to advance skin cancer education. He is a committee member for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Champions for Change Gala and the Melanoma Research Foundation Gala.

Celebrity Esthetician

IRYNA KREMIN

Iryna Kremin, the founder of INNOCOS (INNOvation in COSmetics)―an international thought leadership platform to keep up with latest trends and innovations in beauty and its impact on our lives, commerce, and all things future! Successful businesses are built on good relationships, and it's amazing how a bit of a personal touch can go a long way. To form such relationships, we create unforgettable experiences that are educational, inspirational, and fun!

INNOCOS, Founder, CEO

JAMÉ JACKSON GADSDEN

Jamé Jackson Gadsden is an award-winning fashion and beauty expert, media personality, and journalist. She founded TheBlondeMisfit.com, one of the top 100 fashion and beauty sites globally, and runs Misfit Creative Media. Previously, Jamé served as Senior Beauty Editor at Yahoo and style and beauty writer at BuzzFeed. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she amplifies multicultural representation in beauty. In 2016, she was named one of Google’s “Women to Watch.” Her influential work has been recognized by Business of Fashion, Refinery29, Forbes, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, and Allure, marking her as a pivotal voice in the industry.

MisfitCreativeMedia.co, Founder and Lifestyle Media Personality

JEANNIE JOSHI

Jeannie Joshi is a marketing creative with nearly 20 years of experience shaping brand and digital strategy for major corporations like L'Oréal, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and start-ups like Casabella. She has led integrated branding efforts for consumer goods and internal communications, with roles at Bristol Myers Squibb, Bath & Body Works, and Viant. Jeannie has worked with agencies like R/GA and Interbrand, focusing on strategic partnerships, luxury retail, and consumer goods. She’s also served as an Adjunct Lecturer at Pratt Institute and CUNY, specializing in communication and interdisciplinary design, and believes in the vital role of brand in the digital age.

Director & Global Brand Strategist, Design Educator

JEFF LEE

Jeff Lee has been working in the global retail industry for over 30 years. He’s held creative and executive roles with major brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret, Aeropostale, and Nine West, and has a consulting client list that includes H&M, Vans, Toms, Good Chemistry, Jellysmack, Donna Karan Home, and more. He’s worked extensively in every major global market, with much time spent in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.

Creative Consultant

Julia Bellary + Sasa Li

GlowJob is the beauty podcast that makes you hotter and smarter. Hosted by best friends Julia and Sasa, GlowJob breaks down the business, drama, and pop culture shaping beauty today—from billion-dollar brand moves to celebrity scandals. With humor, data, and unapologetic candor, the duo decode how skincare, makeup, and wellness collide with money, media, and modern womanhood.

KAREN YOUNG

Before founding The Young Group in 1999, Karen Young was VP of Marketing, Advertising, and Product Development at Lancôme, a division of L'Oréal. Prior to that, she spent 17 years at Estée Lauder, including as Executive Director of Color Cosmetics. A certified personal trainer and nutritionist, Karen has developed concepts and products for brands like Dove, Bath & Body Works, Neutrogena, and Vichy, and worked with top beauty brands like Christian Dior Beauté, Shiseido, and CHANEL. She is an Adjunct Professor at The Fashion Institute of Technology and serves on the board of Fashion Group International.

The Young Group, CEO

Kelly St. John

Kelly St. John is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of KSJ Collective, a leading strategic growth partner for high-growth beauty brands navigating the path to retail success. The consultancy has partnered with 100+ brands since 2018 and maintains a proprietary network of 1,800+ beauty retailer relationships. Beyond KSJ Collective, Kelly is an active voice shaping the future of the beauty industry. She is a member of THE BOARD, an Ambassador for CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women), course lead for The Founders Program in partnership with Fixer Advisory Group, and board member of the Independent Beauty Association (IBA).

LAUREN GOLIK

Lauren Golik is a designer and consultant with a focus in sustainability. She has developed beauty and personal care packaging for the past 15 years, with both agency and in-house design leadership experience. Lauren recently launched a consultancy to support brands in the sustainable packaging journey.

BraveNew Design Consultancy, Founder

MANESSA LORMEJUSTE

Manessa Lormejuste is a beauty scientist and product developer with expertise in creating impactful products. She has held roles at L’Oréal USA, Beautycounter, and Farmacy Beauty, starting her career as a formulation chemist on award-winning haircare and skincare products. In 2024, she founded her consulting firm, LORM·CO, to deliver science-backed innovations for select brands. Manessa holds a bachelor of arts degree in chemical biology and a master of science degree in personal care from Rutgers University. She is also the scientific advisor for MMARA, a #beautytech company, and was named a 2024 Top 30 Beauty Product Developer by Beauty Independent.

Product Developer and Beauty Scientist

MATIN MAULAWIZADA

Matin, an Afghan-born makeup artist, initially studied molecular biology before transitioning to beauty. His clientele includes A-listers like Claire Danes, Lupita Nyong’o, and Angelina Jolie, with his work featured in top magazines such as Elle, Marie Claire, and Harper's Bazaar. Matin is passionate about clean beauty and serves as a brand ambassador for Chapstick. He co-founded the Afghan Hands Foundation, empowering women in Kabul with skills to achieve financial independence. Recognized by major media outlets, Matin's career spans two decades, blending creativity with a commitment to social change and global inspiration.

Matin Maulawizada LLC, Makeup Artist

MELONEY MOORE

Meloney Moore is a dynamic educator and marketing professional currently serving as the Associate Dean of The De Sole School of Business Innovation at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). With over 17 years of experience, she has built global brands and created engaging retail experiences for industry giants like Estée Lauder, Toys "R" Us, Diageo, and Liz Claiborne. Known for her unique approach to teaching, Meloney has cultivated a “funnel of creative talent” within the classroom, contributing significantly to the creative business landscape. Her work has been recognized in Glamour, Elle, and Dazed. Meloney holds a bachelor of arts degree in marketing and government from the University of Notre Dame and a master of business administration degree from Cornell University.

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Associate Dean of The De Sole School of Business Innovation

MILLIE KENDALL O.B.E.

Millie Kendall O.B.E. is the CEO of the British Beauty Council, a retail expert, and brand creator. With 30 years in beauty, she has played a key role in the success of brands like Shu Uemura, Aveda, Tweezerman, L’Occitane, and Ruby & Millie. In 1998, she co-launched Ruby & Millie, a pioneering mid-priced makeup brand. Millie co-founded BeautyMART in 2012, a disruptive beauty retail concept. In 2015, she launched Brandstand Communications with Anna-Marie Solowij. Millie was awarded an MBE in 2007 and an O.B.E. in 2022 for her contributions to the industry.

British Beauty Council, CEO

Nadia Yousif

Nadia is a beauty industry executive and brand builder with more than two decades of experience launching and scaling luxury beauty brands. Most recently, she served as President and General Manager of Costa Brazil, where she led the brand’s strategic relaunch and global sales across retail, hospitality, and direct-to-consumer channels. Nadia helped build Costa Brazil from inception through acquisition and international expansion. Her career spans brand development, global distribution, and P&L leadership across emerging and established prestige brands. Known for her strategic perspective on brand building, Nadia works with founders and leadership teams to translate vision into scalable businesses.

OCEAN MCDAETH

Ocean McDaeth is a hairstylist and independent educator located in Portland, Oregon. She works at Dreamboat Salon behind the chair and is their Director of Education. Ocean has been featured in InStyle magazine, Modern Salon magazine, and was a finalist in the Behind The Chair One Shot Awards 2023

Dreamboat Salon, Hairstylist, Director of Education

Oshiya Savur

Oshiya is a versatile, full stack business executive, who has a proven track record in launching Day 0 brands to scaling high growth startups and transforming high-stakes, iconic heritage brands. She possesses a distinct panoramic view of the industry, having worked in every beauty and personal care category and navigated the diverging complexities of both prestige and mass-market channels, internationally and in North America. Her leadership at PE-backed Maesa, Charlotte Tilbury, Revlon and Unilever showcases capacity to harmonize the agility & mindset of an entrepreneur with the financial rigor of a C-suite executive. This has led to her recognition as an Adweek 50 honoree in 2024.

Pamel GIll-Alabaster

Pamela is a chief sustainability, marketing, and corporate affairs executive with more than 35 years of leadership across the global beauty and consumer sectors. Most recently Chief Sustainability Officer at Kenvue, she built the company’s ESG strategy and Healthy Lives Mission following its $15 billion spin-off from Johnson & Johnson. Pamela previously held senior leadership roles at Mattel, The Estée Lauder Companies, Revlon, and L’Oréal, building iconic brands including Lancôme and L’Oréal Paris while advancing sustainability and reputation strategy. Recognized by Forbes, TriplePundit, and Women in Sustainability Leadership, Pamela teaches ESG corporate strategy at Columbia University.

RICHARD KESTENBAUM

Richard Kestenbaum is a Partner at Triangle Capital, advising clients in retail and consumer merchandising. He is a frequently quoted expert in the industry and contributes to Forbes.com. Previously, Richard was a Managing Director at Financo, Inc., and a Partner at Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he led a team handling middle-market M&A. He co-authored three books on finance and programming and served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of International Business at NYU. Richard holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from NYU and a master of business administration degree in finance from Harvard University.

Triangle Capital, Partner

ROSEANNA ROBERTS

Roseanna Roberts has spent over 15 years as a trend authority, helping leading brands identify and capitalize on emerging shifts in culture and consumer behavior. Called "a bonafide trend expert" by TIME magazine, she currently leads Global Trend Foresight at Estée Lauder Companies, guiding product innovation and marketing strategies across its portfolio. Previously, she ran her own consulting practice, partnering with global beauty brands like Coty, Ilia, Shiseido, and Walgreens. Roseanna has spoken internationally and been featured in major publications, including WWD and Refinery29, for her expertise in trends and strategic business insights

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Global Innovation Insights & Trends Intelligence

SASKIA WILSON BROWN

Saskia Wilson-Brown is a Cuban-British-American artist based in Los Angeles and the founder of The Institute for Art and Olfaction (IAO), established in 2012. IAO fosters creativity and experimentation with scent, partnering with institutions like the Getty Institute, Hammer Museum, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. In 2013, she launched the Art and Olfaction Awards for independent perfumers and initiated Open Source Smell Culture in 2018. Saskia has lectured at the Royal College of Art and New Mexico Highlands University. She also hosts Perfume on the Radio, is writing a book set for 2026, and is pursuing a PhD at University College Dublin.

The Institute for Art and Olfaction, Director / Founder

SHARONDA NEWSOME

Sharonda Newsome is the Director of Scientific Affairs at Happy Farm Botanicals Laboratories, specializing in clean beauty research and development. With over six years at the ISO-certified Maryland-based facility, she has led a team of chemists and developed award-winning skincare, haircare, and personal care formulas for major retailers. Her background as an educator and strong communication skills have made her a trusted partner for brands and consultants. Sharonda excels in creating innovative prototypes and sustainable ingredient combinations that deliver effective, unique user experiences. She holds a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Howard University and is a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists.

Happy Farm Botanicals, Director of Scientific Affairs

SIR CANDLE MAN

Sir Candle Man is the world’s #1 home fragrance creator, personality, author, and brand consultant, with over 400,000 followers. Known for his mission to illuminate the world with scent, style, and inspiration, he curates exquisite perfumes and candles while bringing elegance to travel and home decor. He’s collaborated with iconic brands like CHANEL, Target, and Walmart, authored the book Let It Burn, and created a candle with LAFCO, recognized by Forbes as one of 2023's best scents. Sir Candle Man has been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, New York Magazine, House Beautiful, The Drew Barrymore Show, and GMA.com.

Sir Candle Man LLC, Brand Consultant

SUSANAH ZEFFIRO BEAUMONT

Susanah is a perpetually curious and accomplished media leader with a repeat track record of driving innovation for Fortune 100 brands across emerging platforms and new technologies. She currently leads U.S. market expansion for BeReal, a global social media platform with 40 million active users, focused on authenticity and unfiltered connection. Following its 2024 acquisition by VooDoo, BeReal is scaling globally, with Susanah leading vision, growth, and monetization for the Beauty, Luxury, and Retail verticals. Prior to BeReal, Susanah served as Head of Industry at a subsidiary of Epic Games, overseeing gaming integrations, virtual experiences, and commerce within Fortnite and Roblox. Earlier, she built and led Spotify’s first Beauty Partnerships Team, launching first-to-market campaigns and securing multi-year 8-figure partnerships with global beauty leaders like L'Oréal, Shiseido, Estée Lauder, and COTY. A passionate beauty aficionado, Susanah is deeply committed to advancing the industry with futurist strategies and solutions.

BeReal, US Market Lead

Zsolt Farkas

Zsolt is the founder of Evolut, a beauty and wellness specialized marketing agency. With over a decade of hands-on experience in digital marketing, he has worked with brands across both the European and US markets. Zsolt holds executive education diplomas from Harvard Business School and EHL Hospitality Business School Lausanne, with credentials in luxury brand management.