Spring 2026 Leo Passage Scholarship Winners

Honoring the Past and Celebrating the Future: Leo Passage Scholarship Winners (Spring 2026)

SUMMARY: Pivot Point proudly celebrates the Spring 2026 Leo Passage Scholarship recipients. These four exceptional students and educators embody creativity, leadership and a passion for beauty education. In partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, the Dare to Lead Student Scholarship awarded $7,500 each to two deserving students. The recipients are Joshua Ciprian of Milan Institute in Houston, Texas, and Annyat Bibi of The Salon Professional Academy in Dallas, Texas. The Pass It On Educator Scholarship awarded $2,500 each to Shawnqna (Che) Chinn of Wellness Abound in Atlanta, Georgia, and Cassandra Boone of Crave Beauty Academy in Ballwin, Missouri. Together, these $20,000 in scholarships honor Leo Passage’s enduring legacy of empowering individuals and transforming lives through education.

At Pivot Point, we believe education has the power to transform lives. This belief was central to the vision of our founder, Leo Passage, whose legacy continues to inspire creativity, innovation and the sharing of knowledge.

To honor his legacy and carry his vision forward, we’re proud to partner with Beauty Changes Lives to offer the Leo Passage Scholarships—two opportunities that empower aspiring beauty professionals and dedicated educators to pursue their passions and shape the future of the industry.

We’re thrilled to celebrate the Spring 2026 recipients of the Dare to Lead Student Scholarship and Pass It On Educator Scholarship, recognizing their commitment to education, professional growth and making a lasting impact.

Dare to Lead Student Scholarship Recipients

The Dare to Lead Student Scholarship awards $7,500 each to two cosmetology or barbering students who demonstrate creativity, leadership and a passion for innovation. These scholarships empower aspiring beauty professionals to push boundaries, pursue their dreams and inspire the next generation of industry leaders.

We’re proud to recognize this year’s recipients:

Joshua Ciprian
Milan Institute
Houston, TX
@jociprian

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“To the Leo Passage Family Foundation,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for awarding me this scholarship. Receiving this honor is
something I will never forget.

When I submitted my application and recorded my video, I honestly never imagined I would be
selected as one of only two recipients this semester. Learning that I had been chosen left me
speechless. I am incredibly grateful, humbled, and proud.

Your belief in me is more than financial support; it is a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and
a willingness to pursue your dreams truly matter. This scholarship has given me even more
confidence as I begin my journey through cosmetology school, and it motivates me to continue
growing as both a professional and a leader.

I look forward to showing you the impact your investment will have, not only as I complete school
and earn my license, but also through the work I do to serve others and inspire those around me. I
hope to represent your foundation with integrity, passion, and gratitude every step of the way.

Thank you for believing in me and for creating opportunities that change lives. I will always be
grateful for The Leo Passage Family Foundation and will proudly share your mission with others as
proof that nothing is impossible when someone believes in your potential.

I am excited for what lies ahead, and I hope our paths continue to cross in the future.”

— Joshua Ciprian

Annyat Bibi
The Salon Professional Academy
Dallas, Texas
@bibiannyat

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Joshua and Annyat exemplify exceptional artistry, creativity and leadership, embodying the qualities that will shape the future of the beauty industry. Their passion and vision serve as a powerful reminder that the next generation of industry leaders is already making its mark.

Pass It On Educator Scholarship Recipients

The Pass It On Educator Scholarship recognizes licensed educators who are dedicated to inspiring, mentoring and developing the next generation of beauty professionals. Each recipient receives $2,500 to pursue advanced education and professional development. Empowering them to expand their knowledge, strengthen their skills and make an even greater impact on the students they teach.

We’re proud to recognize this year’s recipients:

Shawnqna (Che) Chinn
Wellness Abound
Atlanta, GA
@wellnessabound

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Cassandra Boone
Crave Beauty Academy
Ballwin, MO
@ictnails

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Shawnqna and Cassandra embody the spirit of “Pass It On” through their dedication to education, mentorship and lifelong learning. Their commitment to inspiring and empowering others helps ensure that the next generation of beauty professionals gains not only technical skills, but also the confidence, guidance and passion to succeed.

Continuing Leo Passage’s Legacy

The Leo Passage Scholarships represent more than financial support. They are a lasting tribute to Leo’s belief in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen communities. Through these awards, his legacy of generosity, leadership and innovation lives on in the students and educators who continue to inspire others and shape the future of the beauty industry.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Joshua, Annyat, Shawnqna and Cassandra! Their achievements, passion and dedication reflect the transformative power of beauty education. They remind us that the future of our industry is in capable, inspiring hands.

FALL 2025 WINNERS

SPRING 2025 WINNERS

Looking Ahead to Future Scholarship Opportunities

The next Leo Passage Scholarship cycle is still on the horizon, but it’s never too early to start planning! Whether you’re a student ready to dare to lead or an educator eager to pass it on, future scholarship opportunities can help support your education, advance your career and shape the future of beauty. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming application dates and opportunities to apply.

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

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.

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Today’s students need more than technical training to succeed—and schools need more than a curriculum provider. Pivot Point partners with schools worldwide to bridge the gap between education and career success. Through a comprehensive learning ecosystem, the education extends far beyond licensure preparation and state board examinations. Grounded in the belief that understanding why is just as important as knowing how. We combine industry-leading technical education with the business, financial, digital, and interpersonal skills learners need to thrive in today’s beauty industry.

From financial literacy and client-building strategies to social media marketing, professionalism, wellness, and career readiness, we help schools graduate confident, capable professionals who are prepared not just to earn a license and pass the state exam—but to build lasting, successful careers.

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