Josephine Mills ’87 MBA certainly gives new meaning to the words “Avon lady.”
Since 2003, Mills has served as executive director of global government affairs at Avon Products in New York City.
Avon is a $10 billion consumer products beauty company with sales operations in more than 100 countries. It provides goods to consumers through a direct-selling distribution model and compensation system employing approximately six million independent Avon sales representatives worldwide.
In her current role, Mills is responsible for public policy, legislative and other matters that could potentially influence direct selling or cosmetics businesses.
“I feel honored to be what I would describe as a member of the Avon family, she says. “Avon holds dear five values: trust, respect belief, humility and integrity. During my 23 years at Avon, I’ve seen firsthand how these values support the highest ethical business standards. This is the Avon culture. What I love most about my job at Avon is Avon itself—its culture and its people, the associates, independent sales representatives, and the customers. I believe all those touched in some way by Avon are proud of Avon and I am among the proudest.”
In addition to her efforts to increase productivity, improve practices and effectiveness, and reduce costs, Mills looks to lead Avon to new levels in the government affairs arena, establishing policy that will empower women worldwide and improve lives for generations to come.
She often finds that her biggest obstacle to accomplishing these goals is resources.
“We continually need to do more with less,” she says. “Our jobs are no different than our real lives. How do we improve what we do, who we are, what we stand for? This is an ongoing challenge we all face each and every day in our jobs and in our personal lives.”
Mills considers her UNH experience very rewarding.
“I found the professors to be knowledgeable and engaging,” she says. “The campus and the resources were far beyond my expectations. What is most important is that the degree I received has carried me throughout my career and will continue to do so. I would advise others to continue their education and I would highly recommend UNH.”
Posted Fall 2010
