Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation Scholarship Winners Announced

The Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation is honoring three future beauty professionals with tuition scholarships.

Each scholarship recipient submitted a three-minute video explaining why beauty was her passion and how a career in beauty will help her fulfill her purpose.

“These young women share a passion for helping others look and feel better and their videos conveyed how a career in beauty will ultimately help them make their communities more beautiful places,” said Lynelle Lynch, president of the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation.

Recipients of the spring 2019 scholarships are as follows:

Latoya Benjamin, Summerville, S.C., Paul Mitchell I The School

Latoya receives a $3,750 Andrew Gomez Barbering and Cosmetology scholarship toward her cosmetology school tuition. She describes her journey toward becoming a cosmetologist as characterized by perseverance. “I know the impossible can become possible when you never give up no matter how hard the journey may be,” says Benjamin in her application video. After graduating and earning her license, Latoya wants to open a salon and follow the Paul Mitchell legacy of holding events that celebrate and give back to the local community.

Ivie Slaughter, League City, Texas, Paul Mitchell the School I Webster

Ivie receives a $3,750 Andrew Gomez Barbering and Cosmetology scholarship. The mother of twin sons born premature, Ivie realized how a hairstyle and makeup provided comfort when her sons were hospitalized. “I want to help my clients feel like they can deal with whatever life hands them and conquer the world, because when you feel good, there is nothing that can stop you,” says Ivie in her application video.

Paola Meneses, Valley Village, Calif., Aveda Institute

Paola receives a $2,500 Andrew Gomez Esthetics & Nails scholarship. The skincare and makeup enthusiast believes makeup and skincare can draw out the unique beauty that resides in each client. She is also an advocate for embracing self-care not just for special occasions but every day. “I love showing people that caring for yourself is vital to finding happiness,” she says in her scholarship video. Paola will graduate Aveda Institute in October 2019 and looks forward to exploring the many different career opportunities available to licensed estheticians.

More information is available at www.beautychangeslives.org/scholarships.