Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Chesterfield FC Community Trust is delighted to announce Wesco Anixter as a Gold Friend of the Trust, following their generous sponsorship of the Trust’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) football teams from ages four to 16 and adults.

Since the initial sponsorship, the organisations have worked closely together to deliver true social impact and improve employee engagement.

Demonstrating their steadfast commitment, Wesco employees took part in a fundraising walk, raising a total of £2,400, to support the Trust’s SEND football teams. The team’s funds were matched by Wesco Cares, Wesco’s corporate philanthropic program, further strengthening the impact of their contribution.

“Having Wesco Anixter sponsor our SEND football shirt has meant so much,” said SEND football coach Craig Dawson of the invaluable support from Wesco Anixter. “The money they have raised for us means that each team gets to play in the same kit, just like the first team!”

Coach Craig continued, “The smiles on the participants’ faces when they all went out on that first match together were just brilliant, then to top it off, having a pitch-side photo at the SMH Group Stadium with Wesco means so much.”

“During our Christmas party, we wrapped a photo for each participant to open, and they absolutely loved it. A few participants said that they felt exactly like the first team. I just wanted to thank Wesco Anixter for all their support; without it, we would be relying on self-funding.”

Further strengthening their ties with the Trust, Wesco employees also offered their time through volunteering. They redecorated the on-site classroom and helped to create Christmas hampers, which were distributed to those in need in the local area.

The Trust also delivered engagement sessions at two of Wesco Anixter’s locations to mark International Men’s Day in November 2025. The CFCCT team highlighted the local services they deliver and gave a taster session of chair-based exercise.

Andrea Parkinson, Head of Healthy Communities at CFCCT, commented, “It was great to deliver a presentation to staff at Wesco, informing them of the wide range of programmes and support that the Trust provides to help meet the needs of the local community.”

“Wesco Anixter is proud to partner with the Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust to make a meaningful impact in the Chesterfield community,” said Emma Briddon, Executive Assistant – International Markets (EMEA & APAC).  “With our EMEA regional office and distribution centre located here in Chesterfield, we recognise the importance of supporting the areas where our teams live and work, and we’re pleased to offer opportunities for employee volunteering. The Trust is a fantastic partner, doing essential work. We’re also excited to sponsor the SEND teams, which bring people together and foster a strong sense of community.”

The Trust is grateful for Wesco Anixter’s sponsorship, fundraising efforts, and ongoing volunteering support, which have made a tangible difference to the SEND football teams and the wider community.

Complimentary Webinar:

New Regulations Shaping the Food Industry in 2026

Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 9:00 AM PST (12:00 PM EST)

Register Here

Join SCS Global Services for an introductory webinar on the Non-Ultra Processed Foods (Non-UPF) Verification program, a new third-party certification designed to help brands validate that their products avoid ultra-processing techniques and ingredients. As consumer demand for cleaner, less processed foods continues to surge, brands need credible ways to demonstrate their commitment to minimal processing, ingredient integrity and transparency. Led by experts from SCS Global Services, this interactive webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Non-UPF standard, and outline the criteria used to evaluate ingredients, processing techniques, and product formulations. Attendees will gain practical guidance on how verification works, what documentation is required, and how to determine whether their products are eligible for Non-UPF status.

Key takeaways include:

• How the Non-UPF standard defines “ultra-processed”
• Key requirements of the Non-UPF Verification Standard
• The certification process
• Benefits of Non-UPF Verification for market differentiation and consumer trust
• Timeline and next steps to get started

The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions directly to SCS experts.

REGISTER HERE

By registering, you will get access to the webinar recording.

For inquiries, contact:

Shyama Devarajan 
Senior Marketing Analyst, SCS Global Services 
sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com

Complimentary Webinar:

New Regulations Shaping the Food Industry in 2026

Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 9:00 AM PST (12:00 PM EST)

Register Here

Join SCS Global Services for an introductory webinar on the Non-Ultra Processed Foods (Non-UPF) Verification program, a new third-party certification designed to help brands validate that their products avoid ultra-processing techniques and ingredients. As consumer demand for cleaner, less processed foods continues to surge, brands need credible ways to demonstrate their commitment to minimal processing, ingredient integrity and transparency. Led by experts from SCS Global Services, this interactive webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Non-UPF standard, and outline the criteria used to evaluate ingredients, processing techniques, and product formulations. Attendees will gain practical guidance on how verification works, what documentation is required, and how to determine whether their products are eligible for Non-UPF status.

Key takeaways include:

• How the Non-UPF standard defines “ultra-processed”
• Key requirements of the Non-UPF Verification Standard
• The certification process
• Benefits of Non-UPF Verification for market differentiation and consumer trust
• Timeline and next steps to get started

The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions directly to SCS experts.

REGISTER HERE

By registering, you will get access to the webinar recording.

For inquiries, contact:

Shyama Devarajan 
Senior Marketing Analyst, SCS Global Services 
sdevarajan@scsglobalservices.com

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com 

While women remain underrepresented in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and tech workforce, their participation is considered crucial for developing the right AI for tomorrow. At Mary Kay, the #1 direct selling brand of skincare and color cosmetics in the world^[1], women are shaping the future of beauty by embracing AI and technology.

Enters Ada McLaughlin, Senior Product Manager with the Digital Business Solutions team at Mary Kay. Ada is passionate about building inclusive, tech-driven experiences that blend creativity, science, and purpose, and has expertise in global product innovation, user-centered design, and emerging technologies. She has recently spoken at various high profile tech events such as the Augmented Enterprise Summit in Dallas and on Euromonitor’s panel titled “Future of Retail: Navigating E-Commerce Disruption” held in Chicago. Let’s chat with Ada about Mary Kay’s immersive beauty tech solutions and the critical importance and competitive advantage of having more women in AI-driven careers, because the future of AI needs more women. 

^{Ada McLaughlin, Senior Product Manager with the Digital Business Solutions team at Mary Kay (Photo Courtesy: Ada McLaughlin).}

Ada, tell us a bit about yourself. Who is the real woman behind the tech solutions?

• I have been with Mary Kay for almost 15 years now and before that I was in the early (and cool) years of Facebook in California. I was born and raised in Colombia, I also spent some time working in Brazil, so I speak Spanish, and a bit of Portuguese. But most importantly, I’m passionate about equipping Mary Kay’s Independent Beauty Consultants with tools that empower them to run a thriving business in the digital world and enhance our consumers’ experience. And when I’m not working with tech, I love to read, I am into the CB Strike series, I’m also a mom to Mia, who is six, and a cat-mom to Mac.

How does AI and Tech “fit” with the Beauty Consultants selling Mary Kay products around the world?

• Mary Kay’s mission is to enrich women’s lives – today, that means enriching their digital lives as well! We are always evolving in how we support our Independent Beauty Consultants, including through significant tech advancements in AI and AR. The ultimate goal is to make it easier for our beauty consultants to run their businesses and give them more ways to connect with and serve their customers.
• Digital business success is indeed a combination of the irreplaceable human touch with technology. I like to say that technology is an “amplifier” – the perfect ally for our Beauty Consultants who are delivering a best-in-class experience as personal beauty advisors. It’s “she” who helps us bring credibility, education, and the emotional connection that drives consumer loyalty. Spoiler alert, Mary Kay just ranked #2 on Forbes Best Customer Service list for 2026!

One of Mary Kay’s most recent innovations, the “AI Foundation Finder” sits at the intersection of beauty and technology. What’s the story?

• A first in the direct selling industry, this AI Foundation Finder uses advanced artificial intelligence to scan a customer’s face on their mobile phone and provide personalized foundation shade recommendations in just seconds allowing the precise detection of 151 facial feature points. What sets this AI-powered tool apart is that it is informed by a scientifically developed scale offering an inclusive and nuanced understanding of human skin tones.
• We made a deliberate choice to launch the Foundation Finder as a web-based tool, not a separate app to enhance our e-commerce experience, and support our Beauty Consultants’ personal websites.
• Our Foundation Finder is a perfect example of how technology can help our Independent Beauty Consultants do what they do best, “sell”, and allow new consumers to discover Mary Kay products through a personalized and immediate experience.

How can AI and AR bridge the gap between digital recommendations and the sensory aspects of beauty shopping to build consumer trust?

• Regarding our color product portfolio, AI + AR enable Mary Kay to recreate that “counter” experience or the “Mary Kay in-person parties or consultations” digitally. Tools like the AI Foundation Finder or the MirrorMe™ Virtual Try-On app let customers find their best matches and try shades on their own faces in seconds — turning digital shopping into an interactive, confidence-building moment.
• We monitor satisfaction, purchase intent, and shade accuracy by market to keep refining results. We see high engagement with the tools in “time spent – over 5 minutes each time!”; “scans – over 100 thousand in just a few weeks!”; and millions of try-ons.
• This combination of tech, data, and human guidance gives women the confidence to click “buy,” even without touching the product first.
• At Mary Kay, we believe technology should make beauty more personal, immersive, and empowering.

Let’s talk about empowerment and the “Women in Technology Group” at Mary Kay?

• I am a firm believer women bring unique perspectives to the AI world and confident in the future rise of women in the Tech world. To help enable that change, I am a proud member and co-lead of the Mary Kay Women in Technology Group. Established back in 2011, this is a group of passionate women who are committed to advancing women’s equality in the tech industry.
• We believe that technology can empower women to achieve their personal and professional goals at Mary Kay and beyond, and we want to inspire more women to join us in this exciting field.​ We do this by providing opportunities for mentorship, which a crucial lever to help women grow networking, well-being, community outreach, and Mary Kay business knowledge. Through these programs, we aim to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence among our members and partners.​

Why do you believe AI should include more women?

• If you look at AI development, women’s contributions are essential for creating safer, more ethical, and more equitable AI today and in the future. Beyond the core skills, women tend to approach AI with a collaborative mindset, and a focus on the human impact and user-friendly design which are most needed.
• However, there is significant AI usage gap between women and men. A recent global research from the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard Business School highlights a 25% gap in AI usage between men and women. Rapidly closing what experts identify as the “Gap to Growth” is essential for women’s digital advancement at large.

What is your word of inspiration to your daughter and to the Next Generation?

• My word of advice to my daughter is: “Take risks, you belong.” And a quote borrowed from Mary Kay Ash: “For every failure, there’s an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.”
• I am inspired to help create the empowering sense of community around AI and technology that women need to thrive. To all the women in AI out there: I encourage you to build your digital presence and increase your visibility. You belong, and the world needs you!

^{Ada McLaughlin on Euromonitor’s panel titled “Future of Retail: Navigating E-Commerce Disruption” (Photo Courtesy: Ada McLaughlin).}

Did You Know:

• 2026: Women represent less than 30% to 35% of the global tech workforce, with only 10% holding CEO or top tech roles in AI organizations.^[2]
• 2025: Mary Kay launches AI Foundation Finder.
• 2011: Mary Kay launches its Women in Tech Employee Group.

Learn more about Mary Kay digital tools: here.

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

# # #

^{[1] “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”
[2] Source: https://women-in-tech.org/}

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com 

While women remain underrepresented in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and tech workforce, their participation is considered crucial for developing the right AI for tomorrow. At Mary Kay, the #1 direct selling brand of skincare and color cosmetics in the world^[1], women are shaping the future of beauty by embracing AI and technology.

Enters Ada McLaughlin, Senior Product Manager with the Digital Business Solutions team at Mary Kay. Ada is passionate about building inclusive, tech-driven experiences that blend creativity, science, and purpose, and has expertise in global product innovation, user-centered design, and emerging technologies. She has recently spoken at various high profile tech events such as the Augmented Enterprise Summit in Dallas and on Euromonitor’s panel titled “Future of Retail: Navigating E-Commerce Disruption” held in Chicago. Let’s chat with Ada about Mary Kay’s immersive beauty tech solutions and the critical importance and competitive advantage of having more women in AI-driven careers, because the future of AI needs more women. 

^{Ada McLaughlin, Senior Product Manager with the Digital Business Solutions team at Mary Kay (Photo Courtesy: Ada McLaughlin).}

Ada, tell us a bit about yourself. Who is the real woman behind the tech solutions?

• I have been with Mary Kay for almost 15 years now and before that I was in the early (and cool) years of Facebook in California. I was born and raised in Colombia, I also spent some time working in Brazil, so I speak Spanish, and a bit of Portuguese. But most importantly, I’m passionate about equipping Mary Kay’s Independent Beauty Consultants with tools that empower them to run a thriving business in the digital world and enhance our consumers’ experience. And when I’m not working with tech, I love to read, I am into the CB Strike series, I’m also a mom to Mia, who is six, and a cat-mom to Mac.

How does AI and Tech “fit” with the Beauty Consultants selling Mary Kay products around the world?

• Mary Kay’s mission is to enrich women’s lives – today, that means enriching their digital lives as well! We are always evolving in how we support our Independent Beauty Consultants, including through significant tech advancements in AI and AR. The ultimate goal is to make it easier for our beauty consultants to run their businesses and give them more ways to connect with and serve their customers.
• Digital business success is indeed a combination of the irreplaceable human touch with technology. I like to say that technology is an “amplifier” – the perfect ally for our Beauty Consultants who are delivering a best-in-class experience as personal beauty advisors. It’s “she” who helps us bring credibility, education, and the emotional connection that drives consumer loyalty. Spoiler alert, Mary Kay just ranked #2 on Forbes Best Customer Service list for 2026!

One of Mary Kay’s most recent innovations, the “AI Foundation Finder” sits at the intersection of beauty and technology. What’s the story?

• A first in the direct selling industry, this AI Foundation Finder uses advanced artificial intelligence to scan a customer’s face on their mobile phone and provide personalized foundation shade recommendations in just seconds allowing the precise detection of 151 facial feature points. What sets this AI-powered tool apart is that it is informed by a scientifically developed scale offering an inclusive and nuanced understanding of human skin tones.
• We made a deliberate choice to launch the Foundation Finder as a web-based tool, not a separate app to enhance our e-commerce experience, and support our Beauty Consultants’ personal websites.
• Our Foundation Finder is a perfect example of how technology can help our Independent Beauty Consultants do what they do best, “sell”, and allow new consumers to discover Mary Kay products through a personalized and immediate experience.

How can AI and AR bridge the gap between digital recommendations and the sensory aspects of beauty shopping to build consumer trust?

• Regarding our color product portfolio, AI + AR enable Mary Kay to recreate that “counter” experience or the “Mary Kay in-person parties or consultations” digitally. Tools like the AI Foundation Finder or the MirrorMe™ Virtual Try-On app let customers find their best matches and try shades on their own faces in seconds — turning digital shopping into an interactive, confidence-building moment.
• We monitor satisfaction, purchase intent, and shade accuracy by market to keep refining results. We see high engagement with the tools in “time spent – over 5 minutes each time!”; “scans – over 100 thousand in just a few weeks!”; and millions of try-ons.
• This combination of tech, data, and human guidance gives women the confidence to click “buy,” even without touching the product first.
• At Mary Kay, we believe technology should make beauty more personal, immersive, and empowering.

Let’s talk about empowerment and the “Women in Technology Group” at Mary Kay?

• I am a firm believer women bring unique perspectives to the AI world and confident in the future rise of women in the Tech world. To help enable that change, I am a proud member and co-lead of the Mary Kay Women in Technology Group. Established back in 2011, this is a group of passionate women who are committed to advancing women’s equality in the tech industry.
• We believe that technology can empower women to achieve their personal and professional goals at Mary Kay and beyond, and we want to inspire more women to join us in this exciting field.​ We do this by providing opportunities for mentorship, which a crucial lever to help women grow networking, well-being, community outreach, and Mary Kay business knowledge. Through these programs, we aim to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence among our members and partners.​

Why do you believe AI should include more women?

• If you look at AI development, women’s contributions are essential for creating safer, more ethical, and more equitable AI today and in the future. Beyond the core skills, women tend to approach AI with a collaborative mindset, and a focus on the human impact and user-friendly design which are most needed.
• However, there is significant AI usage gap between women and men. A recent global research from the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard Business School highlights a 25% gap in AI usage between men and women. Rapidly closing what experts identify as the “Gap to Growth” is essential for women’s digital advancement at large.

What is your word of inspiration to your daughter and to the Next Generation?

• My word of advice to my daughter is: “Take risks, you belong.” And a quote borrowed from Mary Kay Ash: “For every failure, there’s an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.”
• I am inspired to help create the empowering sense of community around AI and technology that women need to thrive. To all the women in AI out there: I encourage you to build your digital presence and increase your visibility. You belong, and the world needs you!

^{Ada McLaughlin on Euromonitor’s panel titled “Future of Retail: Navigating E-Commerce Disruption” (Photo Courtesy: Ada McLaughlin).}

Did You Know:

• 2026: Women represent less than 30% to 35% of the global tech workforce, with only 10% holding CEO or top tech roles in AI organizations.^[2]
• 2025: Mary Kay launches AI Foundation Finder.
• 2011: Mary Kay launches its Women in Tech Employee Group.

Learn more about Mary Kay digital tools: here.

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

# # #

^{[1] “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”
[2] Source: https://women-in-tech.org/}