Skin care company Rodan + Fields has launched a $350,000 partnership with the leadership organization Girls Inc. to address the persistent gender gap in STEM entrepreneurship. The initiative provides direct financial support and mentorship to young women, aiming to cultivate a new generation of science-driven business leaders.
The investment splits into two primary channels: a $100,000 allocation for the Rodan + Fields Futures Scholarship and a $250,000 commitment to Project Accelerate, the flagship college and career readiness program from Girls Inc. By supporting these efforts, the company seeks to improve representation in a sector where only 28% of startups currently include a female founder.
Dimitri Haloulos, CEO of Rodan + Fields, noted that the brand—founded by Stanford-trained dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields—views scientific innovation as a vehicle for professional independence. Beyond direct funding, the partnership includes "From Lab to Leadership" experiences. Starting in November, participants will visit the company’s Berkeley innovation lab to engage with scientists and gain exposure to product development cycles.
Project Accelerate, which has served over 8,400 participants since its 2021 launch, focuses on long-term career development ranging from internship placements to college application support. With this infusion of capital, the program aims to expand its professional development footprint across the Girls Inc. network. Dr. Stephanie J. Hull, President and CEO of Girls Inc., highlighted that the collaboration provides the necessary mentorship and career exploration tools to help girls navigate high-level STEM environments.
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