Mary Alice Stephenson is a fashion and beauty expert who has had a career that many would envy. Starting from her days at Boston University’s College of Communication, she quickly made a name for herself in the fashion industry. Landing a job at Vogue after impressing Anna Wintour, Stephenson went on to work at other prestigious fashion magazines like Allure, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire. She also styled celebrities such as Beyoncé and Sarah Jessica Parker, solidifying her reputation as a top stylist in the industry.
Throughout her career, Stephenson has been a sought-after style expert, appearing on popular TV shows like Good Morning America, The Today Show, and CNN. She has also worked with major global brands like MAC Cosmetics, Neiman Marcus, and Calvin Klein. However, despite all the glitz and glamour of the fashion world, Stephenson felt the need to do more with her talents.
This led her to found GLAM4GOOD, a nonprofit organization that repurposes surplus goods from the fashion and beauty industries to help those in need. Since its inception in 2012, GLAM4GOOD has assisted over 150,000 recipients, including individuals battling cancer, families recovering from natural disasters, children in foster care, and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization distributes clothing and personal-care essentials to those who are experiencing clothing and personal-care insecurity.
Stephenson recognized the massive surplus inventories of unused goods in the fashion and beauty industries and saw an opportunity to make a difference. By partnering with over 500 brand partners, including H&M, American Eagle, and Tommy Hilfiger, GLAM4GOOD has distributed millions of items of clothing and personal-care products worth an estimated $70 million. High-profile figures like former First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey have also joined forces with GLAM4GOOD on various giving initiatives.
One of the most impactful partnerships for GLAM4GOOD was with Boston University’s Newbury Center, which supports first-generation students. In a recent event at BU, GLAM4GOOD provided clothing and toiletries to over 575 first-gen students, giving them essential items for job interviews and daily life. Stephenson was deeply moved by the experience, noting the importance of providing basic necessities to students who may be struggling financially.
Stephenson credits her time at Boston University for giving her the skills and confidence to succeed in the competitive fashion industry. The support she received during her studies helped her break into the field and eventually launch GLAM4GOOD. She emphasizes the importance of using her voice and connections to make a positive impact, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between giving and receiving.
Overall, Mary Alice Stephenson’s journey from fashion maven to philanthropist showcases the power of using one’s talents for good. Through GLAM4GOOD, she has transformed surplus fashion and beauty products into tools for empowerment and support for those in need, proving that style and substance can go hand in hand.