Lu Urdaneta, chief culture officer of Monat Global, is an honoree in the 2022 South Florida Business & Wealth’s Up & Comer Awards (SFBW).

Monat Global says it is “a global healthy-aging haircare, skincare and wellness innovator,” and the award recognizes young professionals. Lu was recognized alongside fellow honorees during an in-person ceremony and networking event on October 19.

Stuart A. MacMillan, president of Monat, says, “Lu has been instrumental in establishing a strong consumer social responsibility conscience, as she focused on our culture. I look forward to supporting her as she continues to find new ways to impact communities globally both as the Chief Culture Officer and as the lead for our philanthropic organization, Monat Gratitude.”

Urdaneta comments, “This is an exceptional group recognized by SFBW who are making major impacts in South Florida, and I feel so inspired by their accomplishments. It’s an honor to be recognized among them. I’m eager to continue pursuing innovative strategies for Monat and Monat Gratitude to further our impact in this community and across the globe.”

Lu’s first role in 2014 was Senior Manager of Recognition and Gratitude. She built both departments to their current global operations. That same year, inspired to create a sharper focus on community outreach and philanthropy.

Lu began a movement within Monat Global that grew to become Monat Gratitude, Inc., a non-profit organization where she currently serves as CEO.

Under her leadership, Monat Gratitude launched a new grant program in September 2021 to help close achievement gaps in underserved communities. The organization donations of $1 million throughout a one-year period to nonprofits that support youth education initiatives.

So far in 2022, MONAT Gratitude has invested more than $500,000 in youth education programs.