Jennie Lobato ’00  was among L’Oréal Paris’ 2022 Women of Worth. Chosen for her role in launching , an organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged children through the use of art therapy-based programming, Lobato was one of 10 women to receive the honor.

L’Oréal Paris conceived the award to celebrate all the beautiful things women do, specifically the causes they devote their time to — and each year the cosmetics giant launches a nationwide search for extraordinary female nonprofit leaders. Honorees receive $20,000 to support their cause, mentorship from the L’Oréal Paris network, and a national platform to tell their stories. Over the past 17 years, the company has recognized 170 Women of Worth from across the US.

Lobato, whose parents immigrated to New Jersey from Uruguay, grew up torn between a need to blend in with local US culture and a desire to cling to her heritage. Art was her outlet — and in understanding its influence on her own formative years, she created drawchange to use art as a means to help children experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty.