Countdown to Connections 2012 -- The Power of Passion Featuring Iris Krasnow: 30 Women Who Changed Our World

Women have the power to change our world. Our 'Countdown to Connections' highlights 30 women whose passion has made our world a better place.

3.  Estee Lauder

"Measure your success in dollars, not degrees."

Estée Lauder's name is synonymous with beauty and healthy skin. An astute businesswoman, she made a fortune manufacturing, marketing and distributing cosmetics to women around the world under several trade names, then used the power of her position and fortune to support causes that were important to her.

Raised in New York in the early 1900s, Estée learned from her mother about the harmful effects of the sun on skin. Estée vowed early on that no one would ever say to her that she could not afford something; some day she would have so much money that she could buy anything she wanted.

She created the formulas for her signature line of skin care products and was an extraordinarily talented promoter and savvy businesswoman who clearly understood what would motivate women (and more recently, men) to purchase the skin care products and fragrances she developed.

A philanthropist, she contributed to National Cancer Care and to the Manhattan League. The Lauder family is also known for charity work in Jewish and other causes.
Estée Lauder died on April 24, 2004 at her home in Manhattan. She was ninety-seven years old

Source: Jewish Women’s Archive