This past May, Empire Education Group held its 8th Annual Future Professionals Expo in Hershey, Pennsylvania for its students across the country. Designed to jump start young professionals’ careers, this year 2,000 students attended advanced education classes, networked with fellow students, educators and industry leaders, and tested the newest in-salon products and tools.
Highlights of the event included: Congressman Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania’s fifth district and Robert J. DeSousa, the state director for Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, were invited by Empire Education Group’s CEO and Chairman Frank Schoeneman as a way for government officials to learn about the beauty industry firsthand and encourage beauty professionals to be more politically active. Also, the national competition finals were held, where after six months of competing at a local level seven students were awarded honors in men’s and women’s hairstyling, makeup and nails.
Additionally, Julie Jenkins of Kennesaw, Georgia was named Educator of the Year; Keira Pasquarella of Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania was named Future Professional of the Year; Sasha Brown of Boston was awarded the first Master Apprentice title after her work was critiqued in two rounds and a final interview with celebrity stylist and Masters of Beauty advanced education headliner Nick Arrojo. Brown’s prize is a one-year apprenticeship at Arrojo’s studio in New York City. “When you stay focused on your success, the magic is waiting in a career in which you can have fun, be creative and follow your passion,” Arrojo said.
Companies on hand that offered advanced education included Goldwell, ISO, Kenra Professional, McBride, American Crew and Sexy Hair. Talking to students further about future career opportunities were Great Clips, Hair Cuttery, Master Cuts and Smart Style. —Aja Edwards