The Power of Partnerships: Employees of The Estée Lauder Companies Making a Difference

Laurie Thompson shares her story.

Over the last 25 years, The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign (The Campaign) has been a leading voice for breast cancer awareness, igniting a global movement that has helped fund innovative research and inspired meaningful action against the disease.

Evelyn H. Lauder founded The Campaign and co-created the pink ribbon in 1992, sparking this global movement to end breast cancer. Mrs. Lauder founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) the following year in 1993 and The Campaign has remained a critical partner since. The Campaign has raised $70 million dollars globally, of which $56 million dollars has funded 225 medical research grants through the BCRF. Employees of The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) have played an integral role in The Campaign’s success in raising awareness and propelling research forward, faster.

We talked to several of the incredibly dedicated staff at The Estée Lauder Companies to learn what drives them, year after year, to support research.

Laurie Thompson serves as the National Sales Manager for Estée Lauder, Aerin Beauty based out of New York City. In her 20^th year at ELC, her role overseeing the Sales and Education team is focused on elevating the best quality service and experience for customers.

How do you raise money for The Campaign?

We have done walk-a-thons, employee dress down days, BCRF auctions, paint nights, restaurant fundraisers, car washes, bake sales, drama-thons, pink-out sporting events, beach strolls, and beauty advisor raffles just to name a few.

What inspires you to raise money for breast cancer research? 

I am inspired to raise money for The Campaign and specifically to fund research with the BCRF because my family, friends and colleagues have been affected by this terrible disease. As a team, we’ve lost loved ones along the way and we all feel a sense of responsibility to donate so we can help end breast cancer.

The research BCRF helps fund is tackling breast cancer on many fronts, including the study of prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. Through research scientists have been able to identify ways to reduce risk through our lifestyle and that’s really important knowledge to have.

Any words of inspiration for others who are hoping to make a difference like you have? 

There are so many amazing people on the team who are willing to take on leadership roles that inspire others to do more, share more and raise more. Find your ambassadors and unleash their creativity and passion to make a difference. It’s all about the TEAM—TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE MORE!