Since my last post, I have been continuing my research through analyzing texts, attending events throughout NYC and conducting exciting interviews. I began this second phase of work by interviewing several staff members and the CEO of the GlamourGals Foundation, an organization which seeks to prevent elder isolation through intergenerational connection and complimentary makeovers. These interviews provided a nonprofit perspective on the role of Corporate Social Responsibility—particularly the ways in which social responsibility exists in that context, as well as the nonprofit relationship with the for-profit sector.
I was also very fortunate to have been granted additional interviews in the corporate and literary worlds. Beth Yoon, CEO of Falcony Handbags, and I discussed her experience in the vegan entrepreneurial space. I spoke with Corynne Corbett, multicultural beauty expert, CEO of Beauty Bizcamp, Inc. and president of The Beauty Swirl Inc., about her experiences with social responsibility across multiple sectors as well as her opinions on recent campaigns in the beauty industry. Andi Zeisler, founding editor of Bitch Magazine and author of We Were Feminists Once, shared her views on the intersection of gender, capitalism and the media, particularly in the beauty and feminine hygiene industries.
In a second visit to Sparks and Honey’s daily culture briefing, I followed up with cultural strategist Olivia McLean on recent campaigns in the beauty industry that are approaching gender and race in unexpected and controversial ways.
At the Pride parade in NYC, it was interesting to observe corporate sponsorship within and surrounding the event—I took note of the forms in which local businesses were displaying their support for the LGBTQ community (through posters, handwritten signs, symbols, stands, etc.).
In an effort to hear the ways in which Corporate Social Responsibility is being spoken about in public spaces, I attended a talk and networking event at the social impact community Be Social Change called “Emerging Trends in CSR—Social vs. Consumer Impact.” Throughout the evening, I made several contacts and observed the conversations and opinions that were being expressed surrounding social responsibility, gender, beauty and more.
In the next few weeks I will complete the interview portion of my research, transcribe the interviews, analyze the data in relation to the texts I have been reading and compile my findings into an academic paper. I am very grateful to have this opportunity, and look forward to continue combining my academic interests in my next two years of study at NYU.
