YWCA Northern New Jersey Partners with Ulta Beauty to Uplift Young Women Through Wellness and STEM

OCTOBER 21, 2025 – YWCA Northern New Jersey (YWCANNJ), in partnership with Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, is proud to announce its participation in Pretty Empowered, a nationwide initiative that took place on Oct. 18, 2025, designed to inspire and empower young women through education, wellness, and career exploration. 

Pretty Empowered engages students in interactive sessions focused on wellness, cosmetic science, supply chain logistics and store operations, and STEM-based career pathways. This year’s theme, “Beauty is Belonging,” highlights the importance of inclusion and self-expression in shaping future leaders. YWCANNJ welcomed approximately 100 students to participate in the program at Montclair State University. The initiative emphasizes self-care, confidence, and leadership development, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among participants.

“We’re proud to return for a second year of Pretty Empowered and continue creating opportunities for young women to see themselves in the worlds of STEM and beauty,” said YWCA Northern New Jersey CEO Helen Archontou, MSW, LSW. “This year’s theme, Beauty is Belonging, perfectly reflects our mission. Through this initiative, we’re helping young women see that they belong in every space—whether in a lab, a boardroom, or behind the scenes innovating the next big idea. When we nurture confidence, inclusion, and representation, we unlock the full potential of the next generation of women leaders.”

Launched in 2022 by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago with support from the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, Pretty Empowered has grown rapidly. From one site in its inaugural year to eight locations nationwide in 2024, the initiative has reached over 1,200 participants. 

Other participating YWCAs include YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region, YWCA Glendale & Pasadena, YWCA Greater Atlanta, YWCA Kitsap County, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, YWCA Metropolitan St. Louis, and YWCA South Florida.

Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation’s continued support has been instrumental in expanding Pretty Empowered. Their commitment to the holistic well-being of women and teens aligns seamlessly with YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

“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,” said Amiee Bayer Thomas, chief retail officer at Ulta Beauty and board member for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. “By creating spaces that foster confidence, belonging, and curiosity, we’re helping young women explore new possibilities – in beauty, in STEM, and beyond – and empowering the next generation of leaders.”

For more information about Pretty Empowered or to get involved visit ywcannj.org.

About YWCA Northern New Jersey

For over a century, YWCA Northern New Jersey has improved the lives of thousands of women, girls, and families and is on the forefront of the fight against gender and racial discrimination. We work to build more just and inclusive communities through programs for women and girls, anti-racism training, and policy advocacy. We operate healingSPACE, Bergen County’s only Sexual Violence Resource Center (hotline number: 201-487-2227) and provide year-round child care, and senior wellness programs. YWCA Northern New Jersey serves Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties. To learn more, visit ywcannj.org and follow @ywcannj on social media.