At the core of every successful organization is a leader who lifts others up. This year, we are thrilled to recognize our Vice President of Legal Operations, Naisha Covarrubias, as Mary Kay’s Leader of the Year for the North America Region—an honor that celebrates far more than titles or accomplishments.
Mary Kay’s “Leader of the Year” award shines a light on individuals who lead with compassion, embody the company’s values, and create meaningful impact. It represents a culture where people are encouraged to strive, to be acknowledged, and to uplift others along the way. Here, recognition isn’t solely about performance—it’s about ensuring that every individual feels appreciated, supported, and empowered.
As the steward of our global legal operations team, Naisha manages complex decisions with clarity and purpose. But what truly elevates her story is how she leads beyond the workplace. She’s a dedicated mother and daughter, balancing family responsibilities while thriving at one of the most iconic names in beauty and entrepreneurship. Her experience reflects the blend of strength, intention, and heart that defines authentic leadership—something many of us can relate to in our own journeys.
In a recent ten-question interview with Naisha, we uncovered many insights about her path, her personality, and her approach to leadership.
Q: How did your journey at Mary Kay begin?
A: Before joining Mary Kay, I spent 13 years practicing law for railroad companies—so moving into the beauty industry was a huge shift. Honestly, it felt like fate. On paper, the move made no sense, but the moment I met the team and learned about the mission, everything clicked. It felt like stepping into a world where purpose and passion meet…and everything is proudly Pink.
Q: What might surprise people about you?
A: Many are surprised to learn Spanish is my first language. Until college, I spent my summers studying in Buenos Aires—brushing up on Spanish, tango dancing, and even playing polo.
Q: What professional lesson do you wish you had learned sooner?
A: Growth doesn’t always come from doing more yourself; it often happens when you empower others. Early in my career, I equated success with carrying everything alone. Over time, I learned that leadership is rooted in trust. Delegating isn’t about handing off tasks—it’s giving others opportunities to excel. When you empower people, you expand what’s possible.
Q: What achievement are you most proud of?
A: Helping others reach their goals is what brings me the most pride. I’ve had the privilege of supporting several team members in their development, and watching their personal and professional growth is deeply rewarding. The biggest win for any leader is seeing someone surpass even their own expectations.
Q: What advice would you share with others at Mary Kay?
A: Stay humble, stay driven, and approach your work as if your name were on the building. Show up with intention, act with excellence and urgency, and honor the legacy of a family whose vision continues to open doors for millions. That mindset changes everything.
Q: Who outside Mary Kay has had the greatest influence on you?
A: My Abuela, who is now 96, has profoundly shaped my life. Her faith, dedication to family, and constant reminder to place everything in God’s hands guide me daily. Her quiet strength influences how I live and lead. She’s also been a loyal Mary Kay skincare fan for decades—and trust me, it shows. She’s nearly wrinkle-free!
Q: If you could switch roles with someone at Mary Kay for a day, who would it be?
A: I’d trade places with one of our scientists. I’d love to see the innovation happening in the labs, don a lab coat, and pretend I know all there is to know about peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinol.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: The best wisdom came from my father: always leave things better than you found them. I’ve watched him live by that principle every day—respecting everyone, acting on great ideas, and elevating everything he touches. That philosophy guides how I approach every part of my life.
Q: What’s one item on your desk you can’t live without?
A: Coffee—without question. It keeps me focused, kind, and functioning. It’s the real unsung hero of my workday.
Q: What’s your most memorable “oops” moment at work?
A: Early in my legal career, I emailed a deposition summary to a client—which unfortunately included a humorous description of an opposing counsel who brought his parrot to the meeting. I accidentally copied him on the email. Let’s just say the parrot wasn’t the only one making noise after that. Since then, I avoid “Reply All,” rebuild my recipient lists from scratch, and quadruple-check before hitting send.
Power Advice from Naisha
“You don’t have to get everything perfect—just act with purpose. The greatest strength you bring to any role, at work or at home, is your full, authentic self.”
Final Thoughts
Naisha’s story is a reminder that true leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about showing up with intention, staying grounded, and trusting in the difference you can make one purposeful step at a time.
Mary Kay’s “Leader of the Year” award shines a light on individuals who lead with compassion, embody the company’s values, and create meaningful impact. It represents a culture where people are encouraged to strive, to be acknowledged, and to uplift others along the way. Here, recognition isn’t solely about performance—it’s about ensuring that every individual feels appreciated, supported, and empowered.
As the steward of our global legal operations team, Naisha manages complex decisions with clarity and purpose. But what truly elevates her story is how she leads beyond the workplace. She’s a dedicated mother and daughter, balancing family responsibilities while thriving at one of the most iconic names in beauty and entrepreneurship. Her experience reflects the blend of strength, intention, and heart that defines authentic leadership—something many of us can relate to in our own journeys.
In a recent ten-question interview with Naisha, we uncovered many insights about her path, her personality, and her approach to leadership.
Q: How did your journey at Mary Kay begin?
A: Before joining Mary Kay, I spent 13 years practicing law for railroad companies—so moving into the beauty industry was a huge shift. Honestly, it felt like fate. On paper, the move made no sense, but the moment I met the team and learned about the mission, everything clicked. It felt like stepping into a world where purpose and passion meet…and everything is proudly Pink.
Q: What might surprise people about you?
A: Many are surprised to learn Spanish is my first language. Until college, I spent my summers studying in Buenos Aires—brushing up on Spanish, tango dancing, and even playing polo.
Q: What professional lesson do you wish you had learned sooner?
A: Growth doesn’t always come from doing more yourself; it often happens when you empower others. Early in my career, I equated success with carrying everything alone. Over time, I learned that leadership is rooted in trust. Delegating isn’t about handing off tasks—it’s giving others opportunities to excel. When you empower people, you expand what’s possible.
Q: What achievement are you most proud of?
A: Helping others reach their goals is what brings me the most pride. I’ve had the privilege of supporting several team members in their development, and watching their personal and professional growth is deeply rewarding. The biggest win for any leader is seeing someone surpass even their own expectations.
Q: What advice would you share with others at Mary Kay?
A: Stay humble, stay driven, and approach your work as if your name were on the building. Show up with intention, act with excellence and urgency, and honor the legacy of a family whose vision continues to open doors for millions. That mindset changes everything.
Q: Who outside Mary Kay has had the greatest influence on you?
A: My Abuela, who is now 96, has profoundly shaped my life. Her faith, dedication to family, and constant reminder to place everything in God’s hands guide me daily. Her quiet strength influences how I live and lead. She’s also been a loyal Mary Kay skincare fan for decades—and trust me, it shows. She’s nearly wrinkle-free!
Q: If you could switch roles with someone at Mary Kay for a day, who would it be?
A: I’d trade places with one of our scientists. I’d love to see the innovation happening in the labs, don a lab coat, and pretend I know all there is to know about peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinol.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: The best wisdom came from my father: always leave things better than you found them. I’ve watched him live by that principle every day—respecting everyone, acting on great ideas, and elevating everything he touches. That philosophy guides how I approach every part of my life.
Q: What’s one item on your desk you can’t live without?
A: Coffee—without question. It keeps me focused, kind, and functioning. It’s the real unsung hero of my workday.
Q: What’s your most memorable “oops” moment at work?
A: Early in my legal career, I emailed a deposition summary to a client—which unfortunately included a humorous description of an opposing counsel who brought his parrot to the meeting. I accidentally copied him on the email. Let’s just say the parrot wasn’t the only one making noise after that. Since then, I avoid “Reply All,” rebuild my recipient lists from scratch, and quadruple-check before hitting send.
Power Advice from Naisha
“You don’t have to get everything perfect—just act with purpose. The greatest strength you bring to any role, at work or at home, is your full, authentic self.”
Final Thoughts
Naisha’s story is a reminder that true leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about showing up with intention, staying grounded, and trusting in the difference you can make one purposeful step at a time.