Tod Arbogast
I am Vice President, Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility at Avon, where I oversee the company’s comprehensive long-term corporate responsibility strategy. My goal is to minimize Avon’s impact on natural and human resources. I joined the company in November 2009 after a long career at Dell, Inc. where my final role was Director, Sustainable Business and Dell Giving. When developing Avon’s policies and processes, I assess the “profit, people, planet” impacts, including the economic value to the company’s shareholders; the ethical responsibility of the enterprise; and its impact on people, communities, and the environment.

Susan Arnot Heaney
I joined Avon in 1997, and my role as Executive Director, Corporate Responsibility includes creating this Blog and serving as Managing Editor through 2012. In my tenure at Avon I have worked for both the corporation and the Avon Foundation for Women, and the Corporate Responsibility role combines the best of all worlds: a corporate position that is driven by the mission to do well by doing good. One of my greatest privileges at Avon is being project leader for the Hello Green Tomorrow Project, a global mobilization and fundraising effort to help end deforestation. I am also responsible for our Corporate Responsibility communications, the Avon Corporate Responsibility Report, reporting to stakeholders and rating organizations, and driving internal engagement.   We welcome feedback to the Avon’s Calling Blog: provide your thoughts on the Comments section of each post, or contact us at avoncr@avon.com.
Priscilla Chang
I am currently a graduate student at the University of Michigan, pursuing an MBA and public policy dual-degree, with an emphasis in strategic corporate responsibility.  Policy interests include economic development through technology and environmental policy.  Presently, I am an ORISE intern at the Environmental Protection Agency at the Office of Transportation & Air Quality in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

I had the privilege to intern with Avon Products, Inc. as a Corporate Responsibility intern in the summer of 2012. I worked in close partnership with the Executive Director of Corporate Responsibility on global engagement, fundraising, and communication programs in support of Avon’s corporate responsibility agenda, with a focus on sustainability. Key projects included updating the online Corporate Responsibility Report,  supporting the Hello Green Tomorrow global mobilization and fundraising program, global associate engagement programs, and internal and external communications such as social media, blogs, newsletters and public relations.  I also supported Avon’s Paper Promise by working closely with the paper procurement leader and auditing Avon’s 2011 paper purchases down to the mill level.

Judy Cherry
When I did my first Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in 2004, I had no idea that I would still be participating for another 9 years, but here I am. That first walk changed my life.

At the time when I first participated in the Avon Walks I was working as a Quality Assurance consultant for FDA regulated businesses, and I loved my job. However, 4 years ago I retired so that I could spend full time raising funds to help defeat breast cancer – a cause especially meaningful to me since I am myself a survivor. I thought about it and realized that once in every person’s life they should be able to do something about which they are passionate.

I have been married for 46 years to a man who at first didn’t understand this passion to work so hard for no tangible reward, but now he understands and is incredibly supportive. Without his support, it would be very hard to do this.

Walking alone for two days and 39 miles is tough, so I started a team Solo Strutters USA. Now I can go into any of the Avon Walk cities and know that I have friends to help me get through each walk. What they give to me, I try to give to them by letting them know how important they are to those who are fighting the disease. My professional life was filled with teamwork, so it seemed a natural thing to use my abilities to help other walkers to feel they had a “family” at each walk. To date, our teams have raised over $3 million dollars.

Of all the things I’ve done in my life, my own family is the most rewarding, but my association with Avon Foundation for Women is a close second. I love being able to share to other participants the care and support that Avon has shown to me.

Lírio Cipriani
I am proud to be one of the creators of Instituto Avon in Brazil, and have served as Executive Director for almost 10 years. The Instituto Avon is committed to preserving life, with a focus on the issues of breast cancer and violence against women.

My university degree is in Sociology, and I later specialized in Human Resources at Fundação Getúlio Vargas. My professional career at Avon Brazil has spanned many different areas, which has given me broad experience in many different disciplines, including Sales, Benefits, Human Resources, Marketing and Communications, and training programs at Avon Italy and in the U.S. provided international experience. One of my roles at Avon Brazil was Corporate Affairs Director, representing the company and as board member of the ABIHPEC – the Brazilian Association of Personal Hygiene, Fragrance and Cosmetic Companies. In the past I also chaired the Brazilian Association of Direct Sales.

In recent years, my focus has been on the Third Sector, and more specifically in Private Social Investment and Cause-Related Marketing.

Niru Davé
I am a safety and health professional with 34 years of experience in the safety field, and currently serve as Senior Manager, Global Safety, Health & Loss Prevention for Avon. I joined the company in 2006 and am based in the corporate headquarters in New York City. In my safety career I have worked in five industries: cosmetics, pulp & paper, pharmaceutical, insurance loss control, and financial services. My education includes a related Masters degree and a professional certification (Certified Safety Professional, CSP). Immediately previous to this work, I was in the field of vocational rehabilitation counseling for two years, and prior to that worked as a mechanical engineer for about five years designing pressure vessels.

Tricia Heinz
I am Senior Manager, Global Lead for Print & Paper, leading the sourcing team responsible for all printed literature in North America.  I work closely with Avon’s regional print & paper sourcing leads to achieve best total value, which includes cost, service and quality to the company.  We support Avon’s Paper Promise, ensuring our paper suppliers meet our key goals to promote sustainable forest use, reduce demands on forests and promote clean production practices.  We expect through these efforts to meet our goal to purchase 100% certified or post-consumer recycled content paper by 2020.  I joined the company in March 2010 after a long career in print production and paper sourcing, most recently as the Vice President, Production at Zagat Survey.

Mike Hercek
I am Senior Manager of Global Environmental Affairs. I joined Avon in 1990 and was responsible for starting Avon’s Global Environmental programs including policy formulation and implementation . I work closely with our worldwide environmental team to assure compliance with environmental regulations, minimize Avon’s carbon footprint and overall environmental footprint and to continuously improve Avon’s environmental responsibility efforts.

Marc Hurlbert, PhD
I serve as the executive director of the global breast cancer programs of the Avon Foundation for Women and the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. The Crusade, which has programs in 58 countries, provides more than $50 million to breast cancer philanthropy annually. My responsibilities include developing the Crusade’s overall strategy, setting funding guidelines, implementing programs and monitoring the progress of grant recipients. Since the Crusade launched in 1992, more than $780 million has been raised and awarded to support research and advancing access to care, regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

In 2010 and 2011 I was proud to be elected by my peers to serve as the Chairman of the Board of the Health Research Alliance, an alliance of 50 nonprofit organizations that collectively award $1.5-billion in annual health research grants to 5,500 research investigators. Currently I serve as Chairman of the Cancer Committee for Columbia University-New York Presbyterian Hospital.

I received my undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Kansas and a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and completed my training with a postdoctoral fellowship at New York University Medical Center, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine.

Carol M. Kurzig
I joined the Avon Foundation for Women in January 2004, and serve as its President. The Avon Foundation was created in 1955 to “improve the lives of women” and today leads the largest corporate-affiliated global philanthropy focused solely on causes of importance to women. More than $910 million has been raised and awarded primarily for breast cancer research and access to quality care, and for domestic and gender violence education, prevention and support programs.

Prior to joining Avon, I was President of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s New York City Chapter, and Director of Public Services at The Foundation Center, and my current work perfectly complements those experiences. The Avon Foundation receives generous support from Avon Products, but it also engages the public. I lead our grassroots outreach to raise awareness and funds through events, donations, and cause marketing, as well as directing our partnerships with and funding of leading US and global nonprofits working to end domestic and gender violence and eradicate breast cancer.

Xiaochun Luo, PhD
I am currently Group Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer for Avon, based in the Global Research & Development Center in Suffern, NY.  I am responsible for leading the Global R&D organization in its drive for innovation and the development of breakthrough technologies in beauty products.  I have been with Avon since 1999, when I joined the company as Director of Global Hair Care.  Prior to working at Avon, I spent almost 10 years in Global R&D at Procter & Gamble Company, including three years in Japan establishing a New Technology organization for P&G’s Asia-Pacific region.

I received my Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Purdue University and have authored numerous scientific papers, book chapters and patents in biological research fields.  I am proud to have been recently selected as one of the 100 Women Leaders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) from the organization STEMconnector.

I am married with two sons and enjoy spending time with my family.

Louise M. Matthews
As Vice President of Global Real Estate and Facilities at Avon, I am responsible for strategic planning, transaction and asset management of the company’s global real estate portfolio of over 20 million square feet. My role includes the coordination and oversight of multi-disciplinary teams of architects, engineers, and project managers for the development of new offices, manufacturing and distribution facilities around the globe. My recent projects include site selection and development of new facilities in the UK, Brazil, Colombia, and the relocation of Avon’s North American business unit and global marketing functions to 777 Third Avenue in New York. I have become the “green building” guru at Avon, leading the company’s efforts to design and build sustainable environments for new office and distribution facilities globally.

Prior to joining Avon in 2004, I was Director of Corporate Real Estate for Colgate-Palmolive Company. Similar to my role at Avon, I was responsible for developing and implementing plans for the company’s real estate assets which supported business needs around the world. Prior to joining Colgate, I was a Principal of the Praedium Group, a real estate advisory firm.

Leslie Mays
As Vice President and Chief Inclusion Officer for Avon Products Inc., I am responsible for designing and driving a business-centric, results-oriented diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategy for Avon worldwide.

Prior to joining Avon, I served in senior executive roles for numerous leading global corporations, including Pfizer Inc., Royal Dutch Shell, General Mills and, most recently, Kimberly Clark, in Dallas, Texas, as lead D&I strategy advisor to the company’s corporate executive team.

I have worked as an executive level specialist in this field for over 20 years.  Past accomplishments that make me proud include the establishment of the first auditable global D&I policy in a multinational corporation, which was implemented in 140 countries; the creation and establishment of effective employee network groups sponsored by leadership teams in Asia, Latin America, Europe and Africa; and D&I education, engagement and planning for leadership teams around the world.  My work in the D&I field has resulted in several awards and professional commendations and has been featured in several articles, books, and research in academic, business and trade publications.

My service on the boards of several professional and non-profit organizations includes the Executive Leadership Council, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., the Conference Board Diversity Round Table, Girl Scouts of Greater New York, and the Evidence Dance Company.  I am a graduate of Texas Southern University.

Lisa Monoson
I am a wife and mother to 3 sons.  I grew up in Boca Raton, Florida, graduated from Spanish River High School and in 1992 I married my high school sweetie. From 1994 through 2000 I ran a successful home day care business, and then in October 2000 I became an Avon Independent. Sales Representative and never looked back. Avon has become my fulltime career:  I am now an Executive Unit Leader with over 350+ Sales Representatives in my Unit and I have served thousands of customers over the years. I love being my own boss, setting my own hours and having the freedom to work when I want.  My family is #1 importance, so having a business that fits around my busy life has been a blessing. I love being able to empower others with Avon’s wonderful products and opportunity.

Rosana Tepedino
I live in São Paulo, Brazil with my husband, Roger, and two young sons, Rafael and Miguel.  I have been an Avon Sales Representative for about six years, and my husband and I are partners in our Avon business. Several years ago I left my fulltime job to focus on my Avon business, and I have been able to overcome challenges and achieve great success.  I am an Avon “Superstar” and thanks to this Avon success, my husband and I paid off the mortgage on our house and bought a new car.

In  my personal life, I am doing my best  to organize my home, take care of the education, health and welfare of my children, and take care of me and my relationship with my husband. The flexibility of my Avon business helps me achieve all of this. My degree is in Public Relations and Marketing, and I plan to continue my professional development and add value to the services I offer my customers, including new methods to acquire customers and courses geared to the business of beauty.  Regarding my Avon business, I plan to constantly improve my performance and become part of the Gallery of Honor. This is not a dream — it is a goal.

Veronika Toth
I joined Avon in Hungary in 2011 after having worked in different communication agencies since 2005, and I currently hold the position of Communications Specialist. A strong advocate of corporate responsibility (CR), I have been able to strengthen the position of Avon as a great corporate citizen in Hungary. Well-known for our efforts in fighting breast cancer, Avon Hungary started working on its domestic violence strategy in 2010. Two years into the execution of the plans, by joining a civil initiative, I am proud that the company and its stakeholders managed to persuade the Hungarian parliament to pass legislation outlawing domestic violence in Hungary.

My professional interests focus on effective integration of CR values into the Avon brand, combining stakeholder engagement and communication activities. My responsibilities include PR and marketing, with a special focus on strengthening the link between brand, products and people. My current projects include developing the strategy for Breast Cancer Crusade for the next years and strengthening Avon’s fight against domestic violence in Hungary.

During my professional career, several projects have been honored with communications awards and shortlists. In 2006 I received my MA in communications, linguistic and literature. I enjoy drawing and painting, reading contemporary literature and doing sports.

Linda Walker
I am Manager of the World Wildlife (WWF) Fund Global Forest & Trade Network-North America (GFTN-NA). In my role, I work to promote responsible forest management and trade by engaging with North American companies to secure and implement their commitments to responsible forestry and credible certification. Prior to WWF, I worked with Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood program as a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain-of-custody auditor and project manager for U.S. companies seeking FSC certification. I also spent thirteen years at The Nature Conservancy, managing land stewardship and conservation real estate projects in the U.S. In 2006 I received a Masters of Forestry from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, focusing on Indonesian forestry and pulp/paper issues.

Venita Walker
I am a single mom of one child, a son named Aiden, as well as the oldest of seven siblings, and the aunt of 14 nieces and nephews. I currently live in Cincinnati, OH, where I grew up, and I’ve also lived in Atlanta, GA and Chicago, IL.

Since 2000 I’ve worked as a paralegal in law firms, and in 2002 I was promoted to Legal Supervisor. To date I still work as part of the legal management team with a law firm, and this leadership experience has helped with my Avon business. I am a Unit Leader, meaning I manage other Sales Representatives along with serving my own customers, and am a President’s Club Member, which is one of the Avon levels of sales achievement.

I love the flexibility of my Avon business – I’m working part-time and can earn as much as I strive for. Eventually I plan to use my Avon business to achieve freedom to spend even more time with my son.  I am able to keep my family first while doing something I love to do, including not only running my own successful Avon business, but also inspiring others with what they can do with the wonderful Avon opportunity.

Lisa Wilber
I currently live in a small town in New Hampshire, US with my young daughter, and have sold Avon since 1981 when I was 18 years old. I have been working fulltime at my Avon business since 1987, joining Avon’s Sales Leadership in 1993, achieving Senior Executive Unit Leader a year later, and I now have more than 1,800 Sales Representatives in 36 states on my “downline” team. Thanks to my Avon success, my life has changed. I went from living 18 years in a single wide trailer in a trailer park, driving a Yugo and eating macaroni to living in a 5,500 square foot dream home and traveling the world.   Because of my Avon earnings and the flexibility of working for myself, I was able to adopt my daughter as a newborn in 2005, when I was 42 years old.  With Avon I’ve earned more trips than I can count, including my favorites to Hawaii, Alaska and the Mediterranean.

My Avon business has allowed me to expand my skills, too: I became a professional speaker with the National Speakers Association in 1998 and have authored or co-authored a number of books.  I was even named to the list of the “50 Most Influential People in Direct Selling” by www.directsellinglive.com three different times.  I had to start a business page on Facebook when I hit the 5,000 friend limit on my personal page, but you can connect with me by going to www.facebook.com/winnerinyou.  I even have a radio show “Net-Work$ with Lisa Wilber” on WSMN 1590, which can be heard at www.wsmnradio.com.  All of this because I took a chance and tried Avon.