As a trailblazer in the corporate world for 25 years, Ms. Roché mentored women by encouraging them to fi nd their voices and take bold career risks to excel. Her vision for empowered businesswomen carried over into her work on behalf of girls when, in 2000, she assumed the role of president and CEO of Girls Inc. the nonprofi t organization whose mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. 

Before joining Girls Inc. Ms. Roché served as president and chief operating officer of Carson Products Company, and vice president of global marketing at Avon Products, Inc. While at Avon, Ms. Roché broke new ground, becoming Avon's first African American female vice president, the first African American vice president of marketing, and the company's first vice president of global marketing. 

Ms. Roché has received widespread acclaim for her achievements in the business world: In 1998, Business Week selected her as one of the Top Managers to Watch, and in 1997 she was featured on the cover of Fortune. In 2006, she received the Legacy Award during Black Enterprise magazine's Women of Power Summit, and in 2007 she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from Columbia University Women in Business. 

Ms. Roché is a graduate of Dillard University in New Orleans and holds an MBA from Columbia University. She has successfully completed Stanford University's Senior Executive Program and holds honorary doctorate degrees from Dillard University and North Adams State College. She currently sits on the board of directors of AT&T Inc. Macy's Inc. Tupperware Brands, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. and the Association of Governing Boards. She is the chair of the board of trustees for Dillard University.