On November 12, 2025, the Lifelong Learning Center welcomed students, faculty, and industry partners for Beauty Means Business: Career Paths Around the Beauty You See, an immersive professional development event hosted by Abbe Rosenthal, Assistant Director and lead of Corporate Partnerships for the Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree. The session featured leaders and scientists from Kobo Products, Inc., a global materials technology company known for its advancements in pigment, color, and dispersion innovations used in cosmetics and personal care.
The event was well-attended by both MBS students and Rutgers undergraduate students. Rosenthal opened the event by recognizing and thanking the MBS team: Kelly Montgomery, Dr. Deborah Silver, Dr. Jay Goldring, Lori Dars, Brenda Rodriguez, and Shefali Singh for their support in coordinating the event. Rosenthal also expressed gratitude for the presence of Kobo Products’ President and CEO, David Schlossman, and the full team of expert panelists who joined the event to share their knowledge and encourage students in the beauty and personal care space.
The purpose of the event was to provide students with insight into the science and innovation driving Kobo’s product portfolio, including pigments, color dispersions, film formers, and sunscreen technologies. Kobo is a global leader in cosmetic raw materials, with operations spanning the United States, Japan, Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Europe, France, and the United Kingdom, with more than 250 employees worldwide.
“Kobo employs several Rutgers students,” said David Schlossman, President at Kobo Products. “The event gave us an opportunity to give back and provide Rutgers students an opportunity to see a window to their future. Also, there could be opportunities to have a technical collaboration to create new materials.”
The Master of Business and Science degree offers a robust concentration in Personal Care Science, where students gain a strong foundation in formulation science while taking applied business courses. Our Personal Care Science alumni have gone on to work at companies including L’Oréal, Colgate-Palmolive, Johnson & Johnson, and more!
However, this event wasn’t just for students in our Life Sciences track. It provided a useful learning and networking experience for students in all other MBS concentrations as well.
Meet the panelists, the leaders from Kobo Products
1. David Schlossman, President at Kobo Products
Years at Kobo: 38 years
Schlossman shared Kobo’s global growth story and emphasized how innovation in beauty requires both scientific rigor and creative interpretation.
2. Sandi Tortorella – Director of Human Resources
Years at Kobo: 25 years
Tortorella discussed what HR looks for when hiring and promoting employees, highlighting the importance of professionalism, curiosity, and strong communication skills.
3. Kiory Parker – Human Resources Supervisor
Years at Kobo: 13 years
Parker is a Rutgers alumna. She provided practical resume and interview tips for students exploring careers in cosmetic science and business.
4. Graham Bereza – R&D Powder Lab
Years at Kobo: 6 years
Bereza is a Rutgers alumnus and a former Quality Control technician. He presented a video demonstration of R&D lab equipment used in the development of pigments and powder dispersions.
5. Geminie DeAsis – Quality Control Project Manager
Years at Kobo: 12 years, 28+ years total industry experience
DeAsis demonstrated a live hydrophobicity test showing Kobo’s superior material performance compared to market alternatives.
6. Nicholas Quinteros – Senior Chemist in Application Lab
Years in cosmetics: 7+ years, including experience at Coty, with patented formulas of foundation and mascara
Quinteros demonstrated KOBOTINT technology and an inclusive water–in–oil zinc sunscreen that avoids a white cast for deeper skin tones, highlighting the deeper message that Kobo products, Inc. values and encourages inclusivity.
7. Dr. Yun Shao – Senior Vice President, Research & Development
Years at Kobo: 25+ years
Dr. Shao has held roles across R&D, QC, and Regulatory Affairs and emphasized the rising importance of cosmetic regulatory science in global product development.
8. Andrea Laserna – Senior Marketing Coordinator
Years at Kobo: 3.5 years
Laserna is a Rutgers alumna. She described Kobo’s approach to science-driven storytelling in marketing, participation in 25+ global trade shows, and the company’s in-house podcast, No Filter with Kobo.
9. Cheres Chambers – Sales Manager, North America
Years at Kobo: Since 2013, with 10+ years of experience in cosmetic science sales
Chambers explained that sales in beauty are relationship-driven and how these professional relationships can lead to various opportunities, not just for professional growth but also for personal growth. She encouraged students to join NYSCC and industry events to foster connections.
10. Angie Paez – Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Years in industry: 30+ years
Paez is a Rutgers Alumna. She mentioned starting her career in a completely different field from the one she now works in and shared lessons from her career journey, reminding students that “things don’t always turn out as you plan—and that’s okay.”
Key Takeaways: What Beauty Means in Business
Here are some key insights shared during the event:
The panel emphasized that modern beauty is deeply rooted in technology, including pigments, dispersions, film formers, and innovations in sunscreen.
The speakers highlighted that inclusion and consumer-centered formulations are at the core of product development, as demonstrated by the KOBOTINT shade matching system designed for all skin tones, promoting inclusivity.
Students also gained a deeper understanding of the lab-to-launch pipeline, showcasing collaboration across R&D, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, Sales, and Marketing to deliver safe and effective products to consumers.
The panel shared valuable career insights with attendees on:
- Building a strong professional identity
- Tailoring resumes to job functions, even when still developing technical skills
- Demonstrating curiosity and willingness to learn
- Engaging with professional organizations such as the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) and the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC)
The speakers highlighted that careers within the beauty industry are non-linear, require adaptability, and are grounded in respect for one another, discipline for the job, and continuous learning about the industry.
Schlossman highlighted the value of this event for both Rutgers students and his team.
“The students could see the potentialities of their education,” said Schlossman. “Kobo people had an opportunity to present together: we all felt a part of something bigger than our individual presentation.”
He also offered advice for students interested in entering the cosmetic industry.
“Work hard. Remember, the journey is just starting. Be respectful of others with more experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
To celebrate the event, all attendees received goodie bags featuring products from OGEE and Evereden, valued Kobo client brands. Following the presentation, an informal networking session allowed students to speak directly with the Kobo Products panelists, ask follow-up questions, and explore internship and career interests within the cosmetics and personal care industry.
The Rutgers MBS community extends gratitude to all the presenters from Kobo Products for an unforgettable evening!
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