Inside e.l.f.’s Landmark Women in STEM Event at the United Nations Honoring Female Astronauts

e.l.f. Cosmetics is celebrating the intersection of beauty and empowerment.

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the brand supported astronaut Amanda Nguyen at a historic event at the United Nations in New York City. The gathering “celebrated women in science, technology, engineering and math by bringing together women astronauts to inspire the next generation of changemakers.”

Hosted by the Lady Astronaut Society, RISE Now, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Poland to the UN, and the UN Secretary General’s Spotlight Initiative, the 10th Annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Uplifting Women in STEM assembled a lineup of trailblazers. The event honored female astronauts — past and present — for the first time.

e.l.f. partner Amanda Nguyen, the soon-to-be first Vietnamese woman in space, took center stage alongside scientist and equality advocate Bill Nye, and NFL star, actor and activist Terry Crews.

Nguyen appears in the latest episode of e.l.f.’s new film series Show Your(s)e.l.f, which “was created to spotlight inspirational role models who embody e.l.f.’s advocacy of positivity, inclusivity and accessibility,” per the brand. Past guests have included singer-songwriter Viktoria Modesta, American swimmer Anastasia Pagonis and actor and model Chella Man.

In the episode, Nguyen shares what inspired her to become an astronaut as well as her mission to break barriers in STEM. She also reveals how her love for makeup, including her signature $9 red lip (e.l.f.’s O Face Satin Lipstick in the shade No Regrets) boosts her confidence.

In 2014, the Nguyen, a sexual assault survivor, founded Rise, a nonprofit organization that works to protect gender-based violence survivors.

“When I fight for survivors’ rights or reach for the stars as an astronaut, I’m reminded that no dream is too big,” Nguyen shared. “We must always believe in the power of possibility and the importance of bringing others along on the journey. I’m thrilled to partner with e.l.f. to elevate what’s possible for women and girls everywhere. Together, we’re ensuring that the next generation knows no limits.”

Ahead, go inside the United Nations General Assembly Hall for the landmark event celebrating women in STEM.