Leading global scientific communications for P&G’s iconic OLAY skin care brand, Rolanda Wilkerson works with dermatologists, clinicians and fellow scientists to elevate the science behind Olay while advancing its commitment to close the STEM gap for women and women of color around the world. She brings this same expertise to her role with P&G’s North America skin care brands, and guiding consumer engagement for P&G’s growing multicultural hair portfolio.
Rolanda’s 18-year career with P&G spans the Company’s hair, skin and personal care divisions, where her work as a scientist helps brands translate deep understanding of consumer’s hair and skin needs into meaningful, science-led innovation. An expert at helping consumers understand how new beauty technologies and innovations work, she has appeared in product education segments with media outlets like Essence, Ebony, Good Housekeeping, and O magazines as well as nationally-televised shows “The Talk” and “Dr. Oz”.
As part of her previous work in the hair care category, Rolanda helped pioneer advanced research for consumers of African Ancestry hair, harnessing her consumer, influencer and technical insights to create hair care products designed specifically for natural and textured hair, including My Black is Beautiful, Pantene Gold Series and Head & Shoulders Royal Oils – brands that have now been launched in multiple markets around the world spanning the US & UK to Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, Rolanda works with all brands across P&G Beauty portfolio to advance inclusive product design and deepen understanding of consumers’ unique needs.
An accomplished inspirational speaker, Rolanda’s personal passion is motivating young girls to pursue careers in STEM, a topic she has advocated for through her brand work as well as through personal appearances at events like TEDx. A member of several professional and service organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Queen City Ohio Chapter of the Links Incorporated, Rolanda has also served on The Nutrition Council of Cincinnati’s Board of Directors. Across her career, she’s been selected as a YWCA Rising Star, YMCA Black and Latino Achiever, and recognized as one of LEAD and Venue Magazine’s “Great Leaders Under 40.”
Rolanda received her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Louisiana State University and holds a Chemistry degree from Southern University. A resident of Cincinnati, Rolanda enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Jason and their three children, Jason, II, Jordan and Ava.
