CORPORATE TRAILBLAZER ELECTED TO NONPROFIT'S TOP POST

CORPORATE TRAILBLAZER ELECTED TO NONPROFIT'S TOP POST
25-year Veteran Brings Business Savvy & Dedication to Girls Inc .®

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2000

NEW YORK, NY —Sept. 25, 2000 — Girls Incorporated, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, announced the appointment of Joyce M. Roché, a 25-year business veteran, as its new president and chief executive officer.

Roché, the former president of the Savannah, Georgia based Carson Inc. — an African American personal care company — will now head operations of the $9.9 million national youth organization founded in 1945.

“Joyce's journey up the corporate ladder truly symbolizes our message to girls. We are really eager and thrilled to have Joyce heading the organization,” said Francis Burnes, Chair of the National Board of Directors. “Her management and marketing experience is especially critical to our plans to expand our outreach efforts to millions of more girls across the country.”

Girls Inc. (formerly the Girls Club) seeks to empower and educate girls —many from underserved communities — through programs that range from pregnancy and drug abuse prevention to science and technology education provided in school and after-school settings nationwide.

Before joining Girls Inc., Roché served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Carson Products Company, and Vice President of Global Marketing at Avon Products, Inc. At Carson Inc. Roché guided the company's international expansion while managing the overall operations of the company.

At Avon, Roché became a pioneer, being named the company'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.

Throughout her career, Roché has always mentored other business women by encouraging them to speak out, be confident, and take bold career moves. As the President & CEO of Girls Inc., Roché hopes to extend this message to all girls nationwide.

“When I was growing up, there weren't many role models,” says Roché. “Girls need to know that they can do anything they want to. They also need to know they have the confidence and ability to take the healthy risks they need to achieve their dreams.”

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 SBC Communications Inc., Tupperware Corporation, and Anheuser-Busch Companies. She also sits on the Board of Trustees for Dillard University and the Queens College Foundation.