YWCA Northern New Jersey Partners with Ulta Beauty to Uplift Young Women Through Wellness and STEM
MONTCLAIR, NJ – OCTOBER 26, 2026 – YWCA Northern New Jersey (YWCANNJ) partnered with the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation to host Pretty Empowered, a nationwide initiative designed to inspire and empower young women through education, wellness, and career exploration. The event, held at Montclair State University, welcomed approximately 110 students for a day of interactive learning, self-expression, and leadership development.
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,” highlighted the importance of inclusion and self-expression in shaping future leaders. Through the program, participants explored their interests, developed confidence, and connected with opportunities to envision their futures.
YWCA Northern New Jersey welcomed Keyaira Boone, writer, columnist, and digital media consultant, as the event’s keynote speaker. Through her work in media and storytelling, Boone celebrates diverse voices and the power of self-expression, encouraging girls to embrace their individuality, build confidence, and recognize their unique potential.
“At YWCA Northern New Jersey, we believe every girl deserves the opportunity to discover her strengths, build confidence, and embrace her authentic self as she grows into the person she aspires to be,” said Helen Archontou, CEO of YWCA Northern New Jersey. “Through our partnership with Ulta Beauty and the Pretty Empowered initiative, we are creating a safe, supportive space where girls can explore their interests, express themselves, celebrate their individuality, and recognize their unique potential. We are grateful to Ulta Beauty for helping us inspire and empower the next generation of confident young women who embrace their authentic selves and envision a future filled with possibility.”
Launched in 2022 by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago with support from the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, Pretty Empowered has grown from a single location in its inaugural year to eight locations nationwide in 2024, reaching more than 1,200 participants. 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, YWCA Northern New Jersey, and YWCA South Florida.
The Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation’s continued support has been instrumental in expanding Pretty Empowered. Its commitment to the holistic well-being of women and teens aligns 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.”
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.