Estee Lauder named to Fast Company’s list of world’s most innovative companies of 2024 for Corporate Social Responsibility; award recognizes WRITING CHANGE, ELC's literacy initiative with National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman

ELC is one of 10 companies recognized for Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives by Fast Company, for the impact they have had in their global or local communities.

The award honors the impactful work of the literacy-based organizations behind WRITING CHANGE: American Library Association, Girls Write Now, MIGIZI, We Need Diverse Books and WriteGirl. Each with distinct perspectives on advancing literacy in their communities, these organization are known for workshops and mentorship, creative programs that combine art and writing, bringing books and authors to schools, and much more to support the next generation.

WRITING CHANGE has been highlighted for its efforts to support grassroots organizations dedicated to advancing literacy as a pathway to equality, access, and social change through the power of young voices. The initiative, launched in 2021, and with plans to expand in its third year, continues to use access, advocacy, and artistic expression as guiding pillars for its grantmaking and programming. WRITING CHANGE is an extension of the values and vision of ELC’s founder, Mrs. Estée Lauder. In highlighting the program, Fast Company shared, “Estée Lauder was a visionary founder who built an iconic cosmetics company at a time when most women did not start companies or even have jobs outside the home. Today, her company, which is now valued at $50 billion, invests in future generations of young women who could similarly defy expectations if given the opportunity.”

Each year, Fast Company shares this highly anticipated and competitive list, highlighting companies that "push for substantial change to the sector in which they operate or find ways to lessen the impact of their own operations.”

See the full list of honorees and read more about ELC’s recognition.