Celebrating Women Pioneers: The Rose Project by Häagen-Dazs
On March 10, 2025, Häagen-Dazs announced the winners of The Rose Project, an initiative launched in honor of the brand's co-founder, Rose Mattus, aimed at recognizing extraordinary women worldwide. This year, five inspiring leaders were honored in celebration of International Women's Day and Women's History Month. They include Philomena Nwajagu from Nigeria, Faith Ida and Lorna Phillip from the UK, Dr. Nirja Joshi also from the UK, and Judit Giró Benet from Spain. Each winner will receive a grant of $20,000 from a total fund of $100,000, designed to support their impactful projects.
The Rose Project is dedicated to funding women who are making significant contributions to their communities and society at large. The initiative is notable not just for its financial support but also for its commitment to empowering women and celebrating their achievements. Among hundreds of nominations, these five laureates were selected by an all-female jury committed to championing women who break barriers.
The esteemed panel of judges included influential figures like Katie Piper, a British author and philanthropist, and Alejandra Orozco Loza, a two-time Olympic medalist diver from Mexico. Aurélie Lory, Global General Manager of Häagen-Dazs, also served as a judge, expressing her pride in honoring women who embody the spirit of innovation and social change.
“We are thrilled to announce this year's winners and to continue our commitment to supporting remarkable women, in the spirit of our co-founder Rose Mattus, who shaped Häagen-Dazs into the renowned brand it is today,” stated Lory.
This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also aims to bring awareness to the work of women from different backgrounds and regions. The winners were chosen based on their pioneering efforts and societal contributions, showcasing the vital importance of female leadership.
In addition to the primary recipients, this year also highlighted the top 50 nominees to showcase the wide-ranging talent and dedication of women globally. The stories of the winners and nominees can inspire a new generation of female leaders, illustrating that with support and recognition, barriers can indeed be broken.
For more information about The Rose Project, including the winners and their remarkable stories, visit
Häagen-Dazs Rose Project. You can also follow their efforts on Instagram under @haagendazs_roseproject.
In a world that is increasingly recognizing the vital role of women in various sectors, initiatives like The Rose Project serve as a needed reminder of the importance of supporting female pioneers. By highlighting their achievements, Häagen-Dazs plays a critical role in furthering conversations on gender equality and women’s empowerment, helping pave the way for future generations. Let us celebrate these women and their inspiring journeys, as they collectively shape a brighter future for all.