Dr. Sari Chairunnisa wears the Power Edit Boxy Blazer in Nature White.
Each year on Kartini Day, Indonesia honors the legacy of R.A. Kartini, a national heroine who fought for women’s rights and education. Today, women like dr. Sari, Deputy CEO of ParagonCorp, are carrying that torch forward for the modern Indonesian women.
In her role, dr. Sari leads end-to-end product development at one of Indonesia’s largest cosmetic companies, home to brands like Wardah and Earth Love Life. From brainstorming new product ideas to ensuring safety and quality through rigorous lab testing, dr. Sari’s work embodies innovation.
But her contribution doesn’t stop at product innovation.
A STEM Revolution, Led by Women
Traditionally, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has been a male-dominated field. At ParagonCorp, however, the story is different—and inspiring. “Alhamdulillah, in our R&D department of nearly 200 people, 80% are women,” dr. Sari proudly notes. “We encourage them to go beyond the lab—to conduct research with universities and present at international forums.”
This isn’t just about creating great cosmetics. It’s about creating role models, and showing young women across Indonesia that they, too, can build meaningful careers in science and innovation.
Driving Sustainability with Purpose
Beyond R&D, dr. Sari is also a champion of sustainability at ParagonCorp, aiming to pioneer end-to-end environmental practices across Indonesia’s cosmetic industry. From minimizing emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) to inspiring collaboration with organizations like SukkhaCitta, her vision is bold: “We want to be a success story—proof that sustainability and science can go hand in hand.”
She views SukkhaCitta, whose net-zero goals was verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), as an exemplar of the role models that Indonesian talents can produce. This is where ParagonCorp and SukkhaCitta’s drive and values resonate with each other, fueling one another to become inspirations for their respective industries.
A Ripple Effect of Empowerment
Dr. Sari credits her environment—family, colleagues, and mentors—for empowering her to do work that has real impact. “I hope this mindset creates a ripple effect,” she says. “That every Paragonian feels empowered to then empower their families, their communities.”
And her message to young women eyeing a future in STEM?
“When there are enough success stories, people are inspired. And once the ecosystem exists, universities will step in to nurture the next generation.”
We all need to start somewhere; let your journey become an inspiration for others to start paving their own pathways. Let us create a positive ripple effect and spread joy to those around us so that we can pave the way for our aspirations to come true. Mari kita membawa SukkhaCitta ke banyak orang.
As we commemorate Kartini Day, dr. Sari’s journey reminds us that Kartini’s dream is still alive—in every lab, classroom, and boardroom where women are boldly shaping Indonesia’s future.
