The Estee Lauder Companies presented 14 of its employees, located in seven different countries, with the Third Annual Leonard A. Lauder Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The volunteer awards were created to recognize employees who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to volunteerism that is making a difference – and a significant impact – on their community.

“Congratulations to the Award winners on these well deserved honors,” said William P. Lauder, executive chairman, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Volunteerism is an integral part of The Estée Lauder Companies’ heritage, and these employees have gone above the call of duty by donating their personal time and efforts to non-profit organizations that are meaningful to each of them.”

William Lauder continued, “In Fiscal Year 2012, more than 3,200 of our employees contributed approximately 16,000 volunteer hours through more than 280 non-profit organizations in the United States alone. Today’s winners reflect our ongoing commitment to volunteerism worldwide.”

This year’s winners have all demonstrated exceptional service to their communities, and the primary non-profit partner supported by each will receive a $2,500 donation. They are:

Phillip Ing, vice president of International special and retail events, MAC Cosmetics, for his work with the AIDS Committee of Toronto.

Natthaya Kanokmethapong, area manager, Clinique, Northern Region of Thailand, of the Asia Pacific region for her work with the Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. the Princess Mother.

Sue Knight, Internet/returns/reworks supervisor, Kites Croft, UK, for her work with Havant & District Mencap.

Farrah Marin-Serralta, marketing administrator, Aramis and Designer Fragrances/Aveda/GoodSkin Labs/ Lab Series, of the Travel Retail division for her work with the charity, Water.

Ma. Teresa Cuéllar Molina, national sales manager, MAC Cosmetics, México, of the Latin America region for her work with Mi Ultimo Deseo (My Last Wish).

Leebashni Reddy, account executive, The Estée Lauder Companies South Africa, of the Europe Middle East and Africa region, for her work with the RP Moodley School for Disabled Children.

The Leonard A. Lauder Volunteer Leader of the Year Award celebrates an individual who has inspired and led fellow employees to make an impact through volunteerism.

This year’s recipient is: Douglas R. Wood, vice president, enterprise architecture, strategy and security for his work with the Somaly Mam Foundation.

The Leonard A. Lauder Volunteer Team of the Year Award acknowledges outstanding commitment by a department or group of employees who have made a significant impact on the community utilizing volunteerism.

This year’s award is given to The Aveda Global Education Team in North America for their work with Project Homeless Connect. The Aveda Global Education Team recipients are:

Shelley Barnes, executive director, field education & program development

Deanna Carciofini, administrative assistant, global education

Kyle Miner, manager, shows & production

Wendy Rose, salon development partner, Aveda Services Midwest

Stephanie Wagner, executive director, Retail Education

The Estée Lauder Companies Recognition for Outstanding Community Service honors employees who have elevated The Estée Lauder Companies’ core values by engaging colleagues in volunteer service. This year’s winners are:

Barbara Pomilla, director, global manufacturing planning and optimization, Melville, NY for her leadership since 1997 in energizing ELC colleagues through volunteer opportunities. The benefiting organization is The Muscular Dystrophy organization.

Yoko Ogata, La Mer expert/ La Mer sales department, Fujisaki department store, Sendai, Japan for offering hope and encouragement to earthquake survivors in Japan by enlisting beauty experts to visit shelters and provide makeovers. The benefiting organization is Tokyo de Volunteer.