She holds an MBA from Montclair State University, a Bachelor's degree from Baruch College, and a Project Management certificate from Cornell University. She is currently on track to complete her Six Sigma certificate from Cornell University in Spring 2027. Elizabeth began her undergraduate studies intending to major in finance, but soon realized it wasn't the right path for her. Upon graduation and starting her career at Estee Lauder, she discovered an opportunity in supply chain early on—and leaning into that possibility turned out to be her best decision yet.

Originally from Guyana and raised in New York City, Elizabeth now lives in New Jersey with her family.

EARLY LIFE & EDUCATION

I was born in Guyana and immigrated to the United States when I was seven, settling in the Bronx. Adjusting to American culture in the second grade was challenging, but I pushed through. Once I found my footing in this new reality, everything began moving upward. My parents emphasized the importance of education and supported me in all my endeavors.

I became a true city girl. I began elementary school in the Bronx, later transferring to one in Brooklyn, where I also attended middle school. I always knew I wanted a career in business, so I applied to—and was accepted into—Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers in lower Manhattan.

Fortunately for me, the FWA was affiliated with my high school, and I knew I wanted to be part of it. I became a mentee in my junior year, and my mentor was Marjorie Neville. The best advice she gave me—one I always pass on to mentees—is the importance of maxing out your company's matching contribution when you become eligible for your 401(k)! She offered meaningful insights into navigating Corporate America, as well as guidance on effective networking and positioning myself for success. I remain deeply grateful.

High school was a pivotal time for me. I knew I wanted to work in Corporate America, and I understood early on that I needed to build connections and tap into networks that could give me insights I wouldn't find anywhere else. My work ethic is something I undoubtedly inherited from my mother. While in high school, I tutored Chemistry, worked as a cashier at a grocery store during the summers, and completed two internships—one at JPMorgan and another at the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and worked during the holidays as a seasonal freelancer and cashier at an Origins retail store. In my senior year, I was elected Vice President of the Student Government. I was always involved, always curious, and eager to learn as much as I could.

CAREER BEGINNINGS

Another incredible coincidence was that Estée Lauder was also affiliated with my high school. They ran an outreach program that allowed students to operate a fully functioning cosmetic store—complete with merchandising displays, product management, and a register. They also offered community service and volunteer opportunities, which I eagerly took part in. I was networking. I was building relationships with Corporate Executives. I recognized even then that these experiences were stepping stones in my career journey.

Upon graduating (2004), I was offered a part-time job that fit seamlessly with my college schedule. I was also selected as the high school mentee speaker at the FWA Gala, which was an incredibly memorable experience.I had hoped to go away for undergrad, but it was simply too costly for my family. Once I realized that wasn't an option, I knew Baruch was exactly where I wanted to be—and looking back, it truly was the path meant for me. While working part-time at Estée Lauder, I was accepted into their prestigious summer internship program, and in another summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Greece. During this period, my father became ill, and being close to home was important—another sign that staying in the city and commuting to school was exactly what I needed.

As I mentioned in my bio, I began at Baruch intending to major in Finance but quickly pivoted to Marketing Management. And once again, I found my way back to the FWA program as a mentee, this time paired with Pat Jaquay. I truly enjoyed the many events both on and off campus, and the support the team provided was invaluable. I was also deeply honored to be selected once again as the mentee speaker at the FWA Gala in my graduating year (2008). That moment was especially meaningful—it represented so much. I was the first in my family to graduate from college, and having my parents witness me standing on that stage, sharing my story in front of hundreds of people, was unforgettable.