Real Stories. Real Strength. 30 Years of Impact.

A Gentle Note to Page Visitors

As we honor the Mary Kay Ash Foundation’s 30th anniversary, we are deeply grateful to all who shared their stories and reflected on why this mission resonates so deeply. This gallery includes real experiences related to cancer and domestic violence. While shared with care and purpose, some stories may be emotional or sensitive for certain audiences. Please take care while viewing and step away or seek support if needed. If you find yourself in need of immediate assistance, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7:

Click the images below to read individual testimonials.

Ryan Rogers, Vice President, Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors

I am deeply honored to serve on the Foundation’s Board, advancing a mission inspired by my grandmother’s legacy – one she held close to her heart. My time on the Board has given me the privilege of playing an active role in building a safer, healthier world for women through the work of our Foundation and its extraordinary community partners.

From supporting more than 300 cancer researchers to funding over 3,000 domestic violence shelter grants – often providing critical, timely resources when they’re needed most – I am grateful for the trust placed in me to help steward this mission.

Together, we have achieved meaningful progress over the past 30 years, and I am even more inspired by what lies ahead as we continue advancing women’s health, safety, and well-being for generations to come.

Michael Lunceford, President, Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors

I have had the rare opportunity to witness three decades of purposeful, mission-driven work from day one when the Mary Kay Ash Foundation was established. Over the years, its name, logo, partners, and supporters have grown and changed, but one thing has remained steadfast: the mission – the very heart and soul of the Foundation and living proof of Mary Kay Ash’s dream for women realized.

There is something truly extraordinary about watching an idea grow from inception to 30 years of impact – more than $100 million donated and countless women’s lives changed for the better.

Having known and worked alongside Mary Kay Ash, I am reminded every day that her spirit lives on through this work. Carrying the Foundation’s mission forward is humbling, inspiring, and an honor. Looking ahead to the next 30 years, I know she would be deeply proud of all we have accomplished – while gently reminding us not to “rest on our laurels,” as there is still important work to be done.

Jessica Bair, Board Member, Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation has always held a special place in my heart. From my teenage years spent attending seminars and volunteering at the foundation’s booth, I knew it was a cause I would care deeply about. I never imagined that two decades later, I would be raising three daughters. Our mission has gained so much more significance now. I strive to keep our efforts alive to create a safer and healthier environment for women and girls for many years ahead. I envision a future where my daughters don’t encounter a cancer diagnosis or find themselves trapped in unhealthy relationships. I hope for a world where they feel empowered and self-assured.

I look forward to the day that I can pass my position on the board to one of my girls.

Jennifer LaPietra, Patient Assistance Program Manager, CancerCare

By easing the burden of transportation, childcare, and homecare costs, this program reduces financial toxicity and ensures clients can continue life-saving treatments. We are deeply grateful for MKAF’s mission-driven commitment to improving our clients’ quality of life. Thank you, MKAF, for your values-driven mission that truly enriches the lives of women with cancer everywhere!

Valentina Hoyos, MD, Associate Professor, Baylor College of Medicine

I cannot thank the Mary Kay Ash Foundation enough for the support of this work. Your investment has been instrumental in enabling us to develop and expand this immunopeptidomics-guided pipeline for identifying and engineering TCRs targeting breast cancer antigens. We are deeply grateful for MKAF’s commitment to advancing innovative research for patients with breast cancer.

Ronny Drapkin, MD, PhD, Professor of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania

Mary Kay Ash Foundation support came at a pivotal moment in my early career, when bold ideas often outpace available funding. Their investment provided not only critical resources, but also a strong vote of confidence that allowed us to pursue innovative questions about the origins of ovarian cancer—particularly the then-emerging concept that many of these cancers arise from the Fallopian tube rather than the ovary itself. That early support helped lay the groundwork for discoveries that have since reshaped our understanding of disease initiation and opened new avenues for early detection and prevention. Equally important, the Foundation’s commitment to advancing research with urgency and purpose continues to inspire our work. I am deeply grateful to have been part of their mission and to see the lasting impact of their vision over the past 30 years.

Karl Munger, PhD, Tufts University School of Medicine

I want to express my sincere thanks to the Mary Kay Ash Foundation for their invaluable support of this project. The foundation was the sole source of funding for this work, and the study would truly not have been possible without your commitment.

Amy Norton, Chief Development Officer, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation has been a long-standing partner with Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. Together, we have raised life-saving awareness and support for thousands of women and children in the DFW area and beyond, providing hope, healing and safety for those who need it the most. With 1 in 3 women in Texas experiencing abuse, we applaud the Mary Kay Foundation for their steadfast support and unwavering desire to create a safer world for women everywhere.

Becky Park, Executive Director, Conference on Crimes Against Women

For more than 20 years, Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW) has been honored to stand alongside the Mary Kay Ash Foundation in a shared commitment to ending domestic violence and strengthening the professionals who respond to it every day.
CCAW’s purpose is to equip law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, medical professionals, and first responders with the knowledge and tools they need to protect survivors and hold offenders accountable. MKAF’s steadfast, long-term support has been instrumental in allowing CCAW to grow, evolve, and expand our national reach.
Because of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation’s partnership, CCAW has trained more than 60,000 professionals nationwide, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond individual classrooms or conferences. Each trained professional represents countless survivors who are met with greater understanding, trauma-informed responses, and coordinated systems of support within their communities.

Katie Ray Jones, CEO, National Domestic Violence Hotline

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation’s 30-year commitment to ending domestic violence has helped shape what is possible for victims and survivors nationwide. Their partnership has strengthened the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s ability to show up, 24/7, day after day, for those reaching out for help. As we approach our 8 millionth call this spring, we are profoundly grateful for a partnership rooted in trust, hope, and an unwavering belief in survivors.

Christina Goodman, President, Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation

Mary Kay Ash believed in the power of women to change the world – that conviction lives on through her namesake Foundation’s bold commitment to advancing women’s health by investing in early detection and better treatments. When brilliant minds like Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy, MD and compassionate hearts come together, extraordinary things happen. This partnership is focused on bringing hope, healing, and new possibilities to patients and families across our communities.

Alma Munoz, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

Siempre apoyaré las causas dedicadas a la investigación del cáncer.
El cáncer tocó mi vida de la manera más inesperada hace 31 años.
Apenas dos semanas después de firmar mi acuerdo como Consultora de Belleza de Mary Kay, mi madre falleció, víctima de cáncer de estómago.
Darme cuenta de que esta enfermedad puede afectar a cualquiera transformó por completo la forma en que la percibo.
Esa fue la primera vez que tuve contacto con un diagnóstico de este tipo. En consecuencia, aprendí que todavía queda mucho trabajo por hacer en lo que respecta a la prevención y erradicación de este terrible flagelo.
Me encanta pertenecer a una empresa con corazón y propósito. 💕
Gracias, Mary Kay, por fomentar este sentido de hermandad a través de nuestra fundación. 💕

I will always support causes dedicated to cancer research. Cancer touched my life in the most unexpected way 31 years ago. Just two weeks after signing my agreement as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, my mother passed away, a victim of stomach cancer.
Realizing that this disease can affect anyone completely transformed the way I view it. That was the first time I had ever come into contact with such a diagnosis. Consequently, I learned that there is still so much work to be done regarding the prevention and eradication of this terrible scourge. I love belonging to a company with heart and purpose. 💕 Thank you, Mary Kay, for fostering this sense of sisterhood through our foundation. 💕

Ann Ivers, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

I want women to know they don’t have to stay in a horrible situation. To know that they deserve a better life for she and her children. We lost my sister in law to breast cancer at 49, which was 31 years ago. She had 2 rounds of chemo which made her violently ill! I don’t want that for ANYONE. The research has helped so many women and made their journey tolerable. Thanks to the MARY KAY FOUNDATION for making a difference in our WORLD in so MANY ways! People and LOVE!

Bruny Queen, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

I joined the foundation because I’ve had several family members and friends who have been affected by Cancer.
I believe that our donations to research to cure cancer. I have lost many to Cancer but I have hope that we will find a cure. My husband is a cancer survivor. I lost my brother in 1983 to cancer at the age of 28. I could go on naming those I’ve lost but I believe in that a cure will save many. I believe in helping families against domestic violence.

Cindy Johnson, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

One night in September of 1987 my husband and I were cuddling and he felt a lump in my left Breast. I know it was there but at the time I was 29 and was afraid to tell him. He made me promise to get it checked out. I did make an appointment with my OBGYN. She sent me for a Mamagram. The technician told me she didn’t think it was anything because it didn’t have tenicals. Then I had an appointment set a a few days latervwith a surgeon. He did a needle biopsy. We waited it seemed like forever for the results to come back. He called us in, he said it was a Carsonoma and it was embedded in the upper part of my Breast. They set surgery up for October 17, 1987. The doctor told my husband I had a full Radical Mastectomy also 7 of my 21 Limoh Nodes were infected. I has stage 4 cancer.. A Week later I was doing Chemo, 1 week on 1 week of for 6 months I did not need any Radiation. After I was done with the Chemo I chose to have my right Breast removed because I had a 95% of the cancer traveling. After I was all finished with Chemo and surgeries I took my son and we went to church. I needed to find God in my life because He kept alive for a reason. The more I went to church the more I learned and fell in Live with God. Then I came into this great company and I blossomed through His word and Mary Kay. I hope my story helps someone who’s going through Cancer and Chemo. Thank you for allowing me to tell you story.

Cristal Perez, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

I support the Mary Kay Ash Foundation because it has had a real impact on my life through my mom. I’ve seen firsthand how hard she worked and how much dedication she put into building something for our family. Because of Mary Kay, we were able to have our own home, and that means everything to me.
Watching her journey inspired me so much. It showed me what strength, perseverance, and passion look like, especially as a woman working to create a better future for her family.
That’s why I want to be part of this mission too. As a full-time student, I’m motivated to follow in her footsteps and continue supporting something that empowers women, helps families, and creates real change in people’s lives.

Dionne Carter, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

I’m a IBC and I am in my fifth year of being cancer free and surviving this disease. I will say that my cancer wasn’t as severe as some others but it was so scary because it came with other issues post surgery. I am so thankful that I made it through this trial so I can testify to other people that may go through it!!! I am grateful that Mary Kay donates to cancer research. Mary Kay happens to donate to another organization that is unfortunately near to my family and that is domestic violence. I have daughter who is currently struggling to get through her situation, it’s hard because as a mom i am trying to educate myself in order to help her make sure she gets free of this horrible situation and maybe even help others who need to get out; be able to do so!!! God bless Mary Kay!!!

Elizabeth Maxwell, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

I give because I have been affected by cancer. My mother had cancer and recently my sister had cancer. I am a retired teacher and have seen what domestic violence can do to children as well as women. Giving is also something we should all do no matter what.

Elvira Cabelli, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

I personally haven’t been a victim of Domestic Violence and so far, no cancer. However, I’m a mandated reporter in my full-time profession as a Dental Hygienist and I also look for cancers in the head and neck. Unfortunately, there are too many cancer patients out there and I make sure I’m around to support them. I’m all about screenings and prevention.

Felicia Clark, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

My I story continues to change. I started my Mary Kay journey in 2018. I was invited to a skin care party and loved it! I wasn’t active that year due to my personal health scare leading to surgery near the end of that year. I restarted in 2019! By 2021 I was most improved! In 2023, another health scare, this time my mom. October 2024 she went into cardiac arrest 3x. She passed away in May 2025. I didn’t do much with my business during that time but didn’t want to stop. My goal is to sell sell sell!!! And to empower women and let them know that they are stronger than think! I took me too long for me to realize that for myself.

Hali Herman, Mary Kay Independent Beauty

I support the Mary Kay Ash foundation because several women in my family and friends circle have been affected by cancer, especially cancers affecting women. No one at the age of 38 should have to go through breast cancer followed by ovarian cancer one year later. No one at the age of 50 should be diagnosed with breast cancer and have to have a double mastectomy. No one should have to worry now, being here for their children and grandchildren. But it happens!

Women around the world should be able to receive the treatment and care. They deserve and the research should continue to help prevent women’s cancer and receive the support and care they deserve when they are going through treatment and beyond.

Jennifer Barker, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

My Granny had breast cancer and had to have a mammogram. I also have a child hood friend that has had breast cancer. She is my age. I hope that there is a cure soon.

Jessica Jones Mateo, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

I support Mary Kay Ash foundation because I watched my aunt go through domestic violence. At that time there was no support for her besides family. She survived and was able to get away from it. I want to be apart of something that helps women in these situations that have no family or support. My aunt survived, but there is still plenty of women going through this that need the resources offered by Mary Kay Ash Foundation.

Juanita Juarez, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

Mary Kay changed my life. I couldn’t walk. I was a person that had a lot of fear in life. I didn’t know how to read and write. or use anything social I was a person that couldn’t be out of Home. I didn’t know what was a vacation or going out of town. I was afraid to to drive nut one day consultant. Talk to me about Marykay products after using and then they gave me an invitation to come to see. What was Mary Kay about and I went to Vegas. I was so scared because I didn’t wanna go cause I didn’t wanna be out of my Home. Now I’m a different person I can read. I can write. I know about social media. I can go on thank you vacation. I can drive. I’m a different person. I cannot believe that Mary Kay has changed my life completely. Am a consultant of Mary Kay and I love every moment of it. My family notice that I’m happy I’m a different person and every day I can help more people and I can learn more about their lives and change their lives in many ways, especially talking about the Lord this business of Mary Kay. I love because a lot of people don’t understand that Lord comes first than anything else and that the first thing I put in my life Lord comes first and then my family and my business. I’ve been growing so much that I just love every moment of it. Thank you Mary Kay for my life in the life on my family. I’m so blessed being in this beautiful company And from all this, I can stand up I can walk and I can say I am proud of myself being a different woman spiritually emotionally and healthwise thank you Mary Kay for coming to my life.

Karen Massengale, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultnat

My daughter passed away in 2023 of cancer, not a typical “female cancer,” but none the less. I love being part of a sales company and foundation that consistently strives to excel in research and development for women.

Kelly Green, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

The worst time of my life began on a normal Monday night in 2021. I had just gotten off of a weekly virtual meeting with my Mary Kay friends and I went back into the kitchen to find my boyfriend pointing a knife at me. That was just the beginning of what turned into daily physical and mental abuse for the next 6 months. The pain, shame, and loneliness I experienced during that time of my life is indescribable. I finally built up the courage to tell my closest friends what was going on, and they helped me find resources and services that I could use in order to leave. Resources for survivors, like the ones I needed most in that moment, are supported by organizations like the Mary Kay Ash Foundation. Their continued support of domestic violence shelters and service centers across the country helps survivors just like me find their voice again.

Being both an Ambassador for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation and Elite American Miss New York has opened opportunities for me to be a difference maker for domestic violence survivors across the country. From building my community service platform called Support Survivors, to sharing the mission of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation with others, I have turned my pain into my passion for helping other women experiencing the effects of domestic violence. Using my story to connect with other survivors and my community, I have been able to speak to nearly a thousand high school students about red flags to recognize in relationships and how they can support someone experiencing domestic violence. I have also collected nearly $1,000 worth of hygiene and personal care items to be donated to my local domestic violence shelter through my Mary Kay business.

Using my voice to advocate for other survivors and to share the mission of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation is an honor that I do not take lightly. I hope that as I continue to support survivors, you will join me in making a difference for survivors like me through the Mary Kay Ash Foundation.

Laura Holdaway-Phillips, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

We are all connected and we either experienced or know someone close to us that has experienced both camcer and domestic violence, I truly believe helping each other is the only way. That we count our blessings and work until everyone is safe and we have cures readily available to all.

Mary Wright, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

Llevo 33 años en Mary Kay y soy madre de cuatro hijos. Sufrí violencia doméstica y tuve que abandonar mi matrimonio porque tenía un esposo que era abusivo en muchos sentidos: no nos permitía hablar español ni comer tortillas, y siempre nos mantenía silenciados; nunca interactuaba con los niños ni nos llevaba a ningún lugar. Además de todo eso, me gritaba en el dormitorio, rompía vasos y espejos y —debido a que yo estaba en Mary Kay— me llamaba mujer estúpida y fracasada, simplemente por vender cremas. Hoy ayudo a otras mujeres a escapar de la violencia doméstica, y dono alimentos, ropa y apoyo económico —financiado con mis propias ganancias— a personas de bajos recursos que están atravesando, o han atravesado, esta inmensa lucha en sus vidas. Amo a mi Mary Kay porque, aquí, soy feliz. GRACIAS, MARY KAY.

I have been with Mary Kay for 33 years and am a mother of four children. I suffered domestic violence and had to leave my marriage because I had a husband who was abusive in many ways: he wouldn’t let us speak Spanish or eat tortillas, and he always kept us silenced—he never engaged with the children or took us out anywhere. On top of all that, he would scream at me in the bedroom, smash glass and mirrors, and—because I was in Mary Kay—call me a stupid, failed woman just for selling creams. Today, I help women escape domestic violence, and I donate food, clothing, and financial support—funded by my earnings—to low-income individuals who are currently going through, or have gone through, this immense struggle in their lives. I love my Mary Kay because here, I am happy. THANK YOU, MARY KAY.

Michelle Overzet, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

My story begins as a child with stepfather abusing me and watching my family being abused as well. Then growing up to being abused in my relationships. all the way into my 40s from physical abuse to mental and verbal abuse. I almost lost my life a few times. the abuse made it hard to trust and i hated myself for the longest time.

Patti Harris, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

Dear Mary Kay Ash Foundation,
Thank you for all that you’ve done and all that you will be doing. I’ve been with the company for 32 years a director for 27. My dad had cancer in 1996 and Mary Kay Ash sent me a VHS to watch and a condolence card. My mother had cancer again in 1998 and again in 2010. The company has always been supportive of my family and myself during all of these hardships. And I recently left an abusive marriage of 22 years.in the dead of night with only my office furniture and office chair and a dresser. I’ve always supported the domestic violence shelters in the areas our unit are in..:Ridgecrest, California and Solano County. Recently Lodi house in. Lodi, California. But I never realized how important it was to reach out and bring those Christmas gifts and offer those gifts to the staff until I recently went through it myself. What a blessing this Company is and also Mary kay her self for starting this so long ago not knowing it was for me November 9, 2024. Thank you and God bless you, Patti Harris

Paula Tush, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

I am a victim of Domestic violence and thought my life was over. But I was ashamed of what people would think not because I was the victim but because I have a Law Enforcement degree I could help other people and could not help myself. But I do know God put in that position so I know exactly that a victim feels like. And with that knowledge I had helped so many Men and Women.

Sandi Mackay, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

Supporting the Mary Kay Ash Foundation and their work with local shelters and services is deeply personal for me. Domestic abuse is part of my story and in walking that difficult path, having support was a lifeline. Giving back and helping others who are navigating this darkness is an important way to uplift others to a life of freedom from abuse. I’m so thankful to be free and want that for all women and children in this situation. Through the MKA Foundation’s support of local programs and shelters, healing and brighter days are ahead!

Shelby Tollefson, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

I grew up in a very abusive household growing up. Watching my mom having to be brave enough to walk away from an abusive husband and start the trajectory of ending generational abuse, was truly inspiring. It’s because of her strength that I was able to continue the change with my children, knowing they will never know what it feels to be in that negative environment. We are now creating generational love, kindness and peace. Now, as an ambassador, I get to share this wonderful opportunity to give back and change generations to come!

Sue Webb, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

February will be my 44 th Anniversary in Mary Kay. When we had Mary Kay Ash with us, she always called us her daughters. It distressed her when a consultant or director was diagnosed with cancer and she wanted to do everything to help and support them, in addition to her own daughter passing from cancer., The Mary Kay Foundation is so important to me because of this history, to continue Mary Kay’s passion. I have worked with a local domestic shelter for over 20 years, in Phoenix. . Doves helps women over 55., in abusive situations.. I have gotten notes back thanking me for not considering them second class citizens and they are grateful that they haven’t been forgotten! I have four consultants in my unit who are also passionate ambassadors. I’m so grateful to Jessica and all she does for the Foundation. I believe Mary Kay is smiling in heaven as her work continues.

Suzanne Koelling, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

Growing up as a child my house was full of anger and abuse, the feeling of hopelessness not only permeated through the lives of myself and my sisters but it was palpable in my mother’s life. The shame that we felt because of what was happening to us was carried through and back then there were no resources or very few. We were able to come out of it and overcome but it wasn’t easy. It’s good to know there is more resources and awareness and I believe this is in large part to entities like the Mary Kay Ash Foundation. I became an ambassador for the foundation due to this. Little did I know that my life would be so affected by cancer less than two years after making that choice. I walked side by side with my mother and one of my best friends as they were diagnosed with Breast cancer just a few months apart from each other. Side by side I went with them through treatments including shaving my head with my girlfriend! I am happy to say due to research and innovations both are healthy and doing well today!

Terecita de Jesus Cobian, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

He sido esposa durante 31 años, madre de 6 hijos y abuela de 9 nietos. Nuestra familia ha crecido hasta incluir a 21 miembros. Dios ha bendecido verdaderamente mi vida, un hecho que se hace evidente en la gran familia que Él me ha dado. Además, tengo una carrera profesional como especialista en salud mental y educación… y, sin embargo, a pesar de todas estas bendiciones, me encontré sufriendo de depresión y albergando pensamientos suicidas. El año 2012 marcó un punto de inflexión en mi vida; permanecí inconsciente durante siete días tras un intento de quitarme la vida. Pero Dios tenía un plan maestro para mí… Él me dijo: “Aún no es tu hora. No te rindas; sé valiente y mira las bendiciones que tienes hoy. Tienes algo más”.
No lograba comprender qué cosas “mejores” podrían llegar a mi vida cuando ya lo tenía todo: un esposo que me ama, una familia que me ama, una carrera que me apasiona, un hogar, automóviles y libertad financiera.
Dios se refería a “Mary Kay”. Hoy, me apasiona mi nueva carrera: ser una “experta en el cuidado de la piel a través de Mary Kay”. Hoy, mi historia personal define el propósito de mi vida y mi fe… Mi “estilo de vida Mary Kay” me ha dado un PROPÓSITO. No suelo compartir mi historia a menudo, pero la recuerdo cada vez que veo un rostro afligido en medio de una vida llena de bendiciones. (Inmediatamente sintonizo una frecuencia de empatía y compasión). El estilo de vida Mary Kay me brindó disciplina y un renovado sentido de identidad como hija de Dios. Mary Kay me ayudó a comprender que, como mujer, poseo un espíritu de servicio y talentos ocultos listos para brillar; talentos que me permiten generar ingresos sin tener que abandonar jamás las bendiciones que ya atesoro. Los principios fundamentales —primero DIOS, segundo la FAMILIA y tercero la CARRERA—, junto con un plan diario de seis prioridades clave y la práctica de utilizar mi agenda con amor intencional, ¡han moldeado verdaderamente a la mujer que soy hoy! Despertar temprano para conectar con Dios y convertir mis 7 días en 9 días productivos de trabajo.
Hoy, amo vivir y dar vida a los demás a través de mi ejemplo. Estoy comprometida con mi Padre —el Rey— a seguir transformando mi vida, a ser luz para el mundo y sal para la tierra… mi mayor regalo es mi propia razón de ser: mi familia, ¡el clan Cobian Díaz Valenzuela!
Gracias, Padre. ¡Eres a Ti a quien deseo agradar! Gracias por darme la oportunidad de arrodillarme ante Ti y permitir que Tus maravillas se manifiesten a través de mí. Tu hija imperfecta, Terecita De Jesús.

I have been a wife for 31 years, a mother of 6, and a grandmother of 9. Our family has grown to include 21 members. God has truly blessed my life—a fact made evident by the large family He gave me. Furthermore, I have a career as a specialist in mental health and education… yet, despite all these blessings, I found myself suffering from depression and harboring suicidal thoughts. The year 2012 marked a turning point in my life; I lay unconscious for seven days following an attempt to take my own life. But God had a master plan for me… He said, “It is not your time yet. Do not give up; be brave, and look at the blessings you have today! You have something more.”
I couldn’t understand what “better” things could possibly come my way when I already had it all: a husband who loves me, a family that loves me, a career I am passionate about, a home, cars, and financial freedom.
God was speaking about “Mary Kay.” Today, I am passionate about my new career: being a “skin care expert through Mary Kay.” Today, my personal story defines my life’s purpose and my faith… My “Mary Kay lifestyle” has given me PURPOSE. I don’t share my story often, but I am reminded of it every time I see a troubled face amidst a life full of blessings. (I immediately tune into a frequency of empathy and compassion.) The Mary Kay lifestyle gave me discipline and a renewed sense of identity as a daughter of God. Mary Kay helped me understand that, as a woman, I possess a spirit of service and hidden talents ready to shine—talents that allow me to generate income without ever having to abandon the blessings I already hold dear. The core principles—first GOD, second FAMILY, and third CAREER—along with a daily plan of six key priorities and the practice of using my planner with intentional love, have truly shaped the woman I am today! Waking up early to connect with God and extend my 7 days into 9 working days.
Today, I love living and bringing life to others through my example. I am committed to my Father—The King—to continue transforming my life, to be a light to the world, and salt to the earth… my greatest gift is my very reason for being: my family—the Cobian Diaz Valenzuela clan!
Thank you, Father. It is You I wish to please! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to kneel before You and allow Your wonders to manifest through me. Your imperfect daughter, Terecita De Jesús.

Terri Martinez, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant
When I first looked into the Mary Kay opportunity, one of the things I found was the Mary Kay Ash Foundation and it’s 2 pillars…both of which have great meaning to me.
The first was the Domestic Violence branch. My daughter and I escaped a terrifying situation. As a strong, independent, intelligent woman, imagine my shock when I realized I was a victim of domestic violence. I came from a loving home, no violence, no abuse and it wasn’t really talked about so I didn’t know the signs. By the time I “woke up” I was married and had an almost 2 year old little girl. The espisodes were escalting to a life and death situation and I knew, for her life and future, we had to get out. We were so fortunate to have somewhere to go that was safe until we could get back on our feet. Many women don’t have this opportunity. So many women stay in situations because they have nowhere to go or no ability to sustain themselves and their children. It kills me when I see this happening so everything this foundation does to help one more woman out of this is something I can’t even describe.
The second was the Cancers that affect women side. When I was in my early 30’s my best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, she had a 2 year old. She had a mastectomy and treatment. 2 years later, it hit her again on the other side. I’m so happy to say she is still with us (almost 30 years later). My mother in law has been a breast oncology nurse for most of her life so we were always up on our annual mammograms. Sadly, my Director, my Mary Kay momma, was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago. Donna K. Smith was a top Director for years, earning the use of the iconic Pink Cadillac for over 30 years. She fought hard but it took her from us in November of 2024. The funds given to the research of cancers affecting women is crucial to get us to a point where this just doesn’t happen anymore.
Tina Hammers, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

I have survived a domestic violence relationship. My first husband abused me. The day he choked me and had me pinned to the wall was it. I thought early in the relationship if we got married he wouldn’t be so jealous and the abuse would stop , wrong. It actually got worse. That was 4 years of my life..
I have had an aunt, friends, and my husband ex wife that have loss the fight against breast cancer. I was so excited to become a Mary Kay Ash Foundation Ambassador. This Foundation hits so close to home.

Wendy Sanders, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

I may not have personally walked the path of cancer or domestic violence, but both have left permanent footprints on my heart. Breast cancer took two women I loved deeply-my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law. They were strong, beautiful, and full of life. They were wives, mothers, sisters, and friends. Watching them fight, hope, and hold on taught me how precious life truly is. Losing them changed my family forever. Their courage still inspires me. At the same time, I watched another woman I love-my sister-live in fear for over 11 years in a violent marriage. Behind her smile was pain. Behind her silence was survival. She stayed longer than anyone would ever understand-until one day, she found the strength to leave. It was not easy. It was not quick. But she is safe today. And that, to me, is a miracle. These women remind me why the Mary Kay Ash Foundation matters.

Cancer steals too soon. Violence steals safety, confidence, and joy. But hope? Hope restores. Hope heals. Hope saves. Through my Mary Kay business, I choose to stand for women-because every woman deserves to feel cherished, safe, and supported. Supporting the Mary Kay Ash Foundation allows me to honor the women I’ve lost and the women who found their way to freedom. This is my “why”. This is my heart. This is why I give.

With love,
Wendy