The Estée Lauder Companies have partnered with Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, to launch a transformative initiative called WRITING CHANGE. This three-year, $3 million program aims to support grassroots organizations dedicated to advancing literacy as a pathway to equality, access, and social change.
Amanda Gorman, a prominent voice in contemporary poetry and activism, advocated for issues such as racial equality, feminism, and environmental justice. Inspired by influential figures like Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, Gorman has always aimed to use her platform to foster societal change. Her performance at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, where she delivered her poignant poem "The Hill We Climb," catapulted her to international fame and solidified her role as a powerful advocate for youth and marginalized communities.
The Estée Lauder Companies announced the partnership with Gorman in September 2021, marking their first integrated, multi-year collaboration with a global changemaker. Gorman was named Global Changemaker and Curator of WRITING CHANGE, reflecting the shared commitment of both parties to nurturing young talent and amplifying underrepresented voices.
"We are thrilled to partner with Amanda as we embark on this collective journey to strengthen our commitment to girls’ education, helping provide the skills needed to be heard around the globe," said Fabrizio Freda, President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies. The company has committed $3 million over three years to support the initiative, which aligns with their broader goals of promoting health, education, and environmental well-being among diverse global communities.
Since its inception in late 2022, WRITING CHANGE has made notable progress. One year into the initiative, by December 2023, the program had already reached numerous at-risk youth in underserved communities, providing them with essential literacy resources and mentorship opportunities. Collaborating closely with grassroots organizations, the initiative aims to bring about real and meaningful impact through literacy, voice, and self-expression.
Amanda Gorman continues to engage in various scholarly endeavors, currently diving into the works of past African American writers such as Toni Morrison and Martin Luther King Jr. She is dedicated to furthering the legacy of these literary giants while inspiring a new generation of readers and writers.
Gorman's partnership with Estée Lauder is seamlessly integrated into her broader mission of activism. As part of the partnership, she has featured in various Estée Lauder campaigns since Spring 2022, using her influential voice to inspire confidence and leadership among young people globally.
"Our company was founded by Estée Lauder, an extraordinary woman who paved the way for women everywhere to believe anything is possible," said Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Executive Group President of The Estée Lauder Companies. "Amanda’s powerful presence and inspirational voice bring hope and confidence to the next generation of leaders. Together, we will create real and meaningful impact."
As WRITING CHANGE moves forward into its second and third years, the partnership between Estée Lauder and Amanda Gorman is poised to leave an indelible mark on both the literary world and the lives of countless young individuals. The initiative stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that through the power of words and collective action, meaningful societal change is not only possible but within reach.
