Growing up in socially disadvantaged and challenging environments – this is the harsh reality for many children and young adults worldwide. Escaping these circumstances, breaking the cycle, and achieving financial independence, however, is a difficult journey. This is why Shaping Futures, a global initiative by Schwarzkopf Professional, is dedicated to empowering young individuals through the craft of hairdressing. Born from a small Japanese project with Cambodian street children in 2008 and now partnering with SOS children’s villages and other local and global NGOs, Shaping Futures supports young adults from tough backgrounds by providing them with professional hairdressing skills and connecting them with secure job opportunities in partnering local salons worldwide.

In this episode, Janine talks to Kai Görlitz, Global CSR & Sustainability Manager at Henkel, and Margie Fuentes, a recent Shaping Futures graduate, about the story behind the initiative and how the program creates prospects for young adults all around the world today.

• What Shaping Futures is and stands for
  
• How the initiative supports and helps young adults
  
• How Shaping Futures changed Margie’s life
  

• Kai Görlitz, Global CSR & Sustainability Manager at Henkel
  
• Margie Fuentes, recent graduate from the Shaping Futures program
  
  

• More information regarding Shaping Futures: https://www.schwarzkopf-professional.com/com/en/you-and-us/shaping-futures.html
  
  
• Bui Van Son’s journey to running his own hair salon: https://www.henkel.com/spotlight/2021-05-17-shaping-a-successful-future-1202838
  
  
  

• How can algae help us detoxify the fashion industry – with Algaeing
  
  
• How to bring ideas to for sustainable solutions to life – with Henkel and "the Do school"
  
  
• Miteinander im Team – 25 Jahre Ehrenamt bei Henkel (only in German)