Beyond the Labels: A Student’s Insightful Journey Through Retail and DEI

Rooted in the inspiring backdrop of Colorado, Maya Layton ‘25 has always chosen the path less traveled. Initially enrolled in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences, she recognized her diverse interests and sought a business education to pave her way forward.

“I transferred to Whitman because of its hunger for growth,” and was excited at the prospect of learning “how to bring my passions to the world,” says Layton. “I knew I was in the right place when my accounting professor, Dr. (Willie) Reddick, showed his dedication to being a connector, not just a teacher. He sees others and wants to uplift them and help them expand their network—that’s powerful.”

Layton enjoys double majoring in retail management and management. She feels they provide a holistic understanding of the motivation aspect in businesses, adding, “It’s a misconception that retail is just clothing or hedonistic goods. That is a very niche part. Retail is really the idea of selling something.”

She likes how retail requires her to wear many hats, as it is dynamic. “One summer, I am selling wine, the next makeup, and who knows what the next one holds, hopefully yachts,” Layton says. Layton thrives in the consumer-based end of retail management, evident by her superb personability skills. It’s no wonder she can always be found talking to her peers or presenting for one of her many leadership positions on campus. In fact, she recently returned from participating in the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) in Washington, D.C., proudly representing the Whitman School.

She also brought her unique perspective to her internship at Estée Lauder this past summer, expressing how touched she was by the company’s honest support for her ambitions and how her role bridged her two passions— DEI and beauty. “I always hoped to be someone who can help others see who they are and their special place in the world. Estée Lauder forever changed how I think about corporate America due to how they celebrate their employees,” she says.

Layton details how impressive the company’s ID&E group is and how it is a leader in ensuring equal access to beauty and ceasing the negative beauty standards created by corporations. She is eager to return and wishes to join their Presidential Associate Program, an 18-month rotational program designed for recent graduates.

Hailing from Colorado, Layton attributes her determination to her many years of mountaineering and contemplation in nature. She states, “Climbing is a journey. You don’t see the mountain top at first, but you keep on going, and then the relief eventually comes as you get to the top and see that beautiful view.”

By Margaret Brown