Spring 2025 Leo Passage Scholarship Winners

Honoring the Past and Celebrating the Future: Leo Passage Scholarship Winners (Spring 2025)

At Pivot Point, we believe education transforms lives. That belief was at the core of our founder, Leo Passage, whose legacy is rooted in creativity, innovation, and the power of sharing knowledge. To carry his vision forward, we proudly partnered with Beauty Changes Lives to present the Leo Passage Scholarships—two opportunities designed to uplift students and educators who are shaping the future of the beauty industry.

We are thrilled to celebrate the Spring 2025 recipients of both the Dare to Lead Student Scholarship and the Pass It On Educator Scholarship.

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Dare to Lead Student Scholarship Recipients

The Dare to Lead Student Scholarship awards $7,500 each to two cosmetology or barbering students who embody creativity, leadership, and the drive to innovate. These scholarships support students eager to push boundaries and inspire the next generation of beauty professionals.

We proudly recognize this year’s recipients:

Olivia Bradin
Douglas J Aveda Institute
Royal Oak, MI
@ob.artistry

 

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Hugo Cifuentes
Aveda Arts & Science Institute
Arlington, VA
@hairaffair_byhc

 

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Olivia and Hugo have demonstrated not only exceptional artistry but also the leadership qualities that will help shape the future of our industry. Their passion and vision remind us that the next wave of leaders is already here.

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Pass It On Educator Scholarship Recipients

The Pass It On Educator Scholarship invests in licensed educators who dedicate themselves to inspiring and developing tomorrow’s professionals. Each award provides $2,500 toward advanced education, ensuring that educators can continue to grow while mentoring others.

This year’s honorees are:

Jennifer Kuhn
Eric Fisher Academy
Wichita, KS
@jfry0408

 

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Ellysse Clark
Tennessee School of Beauty
Knoxville, TN
@yourhairy.godmother

 

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Jennifer and Ellysse exemplify what it means to “pass it on.” Their commitment to learning and teaching ensures that future beauty professionals receive not just technical training, but inspiration, guidance, and a model of lifelong growth.

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Continuing Leo Passage’s Legacy

The Leo Passage Scholarships are more than financial support—they are a living tribute to Leo’s belief that education empowers individuals and uplifts communities. Through these awards, his spirit of generosity, leadership, and innovation continues to thrive in students and educators alike.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Olivia, Hugo, Jennifer, and Ellysse. Their achievements and dedication represent the very best of what beauty education can offer. They remind us that the future of the industry is in strong, capable hands.

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Applications for Fall Scholarships Now Open

Applications for the Fall 2025 scholarships are officially open! Whether you are a student ready to dare to lead or an educator eager to pass it on, this is your opportunity to gain support, grow your career, and help shape the future of beauty.

Learn more and apply here: https://beautychangeslives.org/scholarships-opportunities/

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About Beauty Changes Lives:

Beauty Changes Lives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—not a membership group. BCL is dedicated to uniting the beauty industry in support of the next generation of professionals. Since its founding, the organization has raised more than $8 million to fund scholarships. These programs elevate and advance careers in beauty and wellness.

To date, Beauty Changes Lives has transformed the lives of over 1,500 beauty and wellness professionals—as well as their families and communities—through education and opportunity. The organization facilitates scholarships, mentorship, advanced education, and career resources for individuals pursuing cosmetology, nails, massage, makeup, barbering, and esthetics.

Beauty Changes Lives believes that education empowers, community uplifts, and together we can shape the future of the industry.