Earlier this month, beauty pros from across the country gathered at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center for the third annual Beauty Gives Back. The sold-out event once again proved it is more than a conference — it’s a whole movement shaping the very future of the beauty industry.
Created by and Mireya Villarreal, Founder and CEO of the Pink Pewter Foundation and Julie Hightower, Executive Board President of the Daisie Foundation, Beauty Gives Back 2025 brought together over 1,000 pros, students, educators, and brand leaders for a high-energy day of education, connection, and community — with a mission to inspire, develop, empower and give.
A Transformative Day for Salon Professionals at Every Level
The 2025 event delivered a curated lineup of more than 25 speakers and sessions that offered real-world strategies and heartfelt storytelling — bridging technical skill with business acumen and emotional resilience. “We’re not just teaching skills — we’re offering access, mentorship, and real stories that show what’s possible,” said co-founder Villarreal. Hightower added, “This isn’t about a moment; it’s about building momentum. When the beauty industry comes together like this, the impact is exponential.”
Beauty Gives Back 2025 Featured Sessions
- Breaking Cycles, Building Empires: A Latina Founder’s Road to Impact – with Nadine Ramos of LASIO
- Beauty Beyond the Chair: Cultivating Community and Wellness in Your Career – a panel presented by Ulta Beauty, featuring Dani Darmanin, Beto Sanchez and Bianca Donahue. Moderated by our own Kelly Ehlers, founder of The Evoke Agency and co-founder of The Tease.
- Building a Beauty Community with SalonCentric #ItTakesAPro – led by Siiri Parks, SalonCentric
- Redefining Beauty Standards: Driving Change in Hair Care Legislation & Culture – presented by amika, and featuring Gianne L. Doherty, Keya Neal, Cara Crafton, and Jody Tyvela of the PBA
- From Craft to Career: Lessons on Leadership & Client Loyalty – featuring Dimitra Louro, Mailá Extensions
- Beauty on Your Terms: Entrepreneurial Journeys from Every Angle – featuring Jesse (Kirby) Perez Gil, Steve Wren, Dylan Pritchard and Kim Roxie. Hosted by Corey Gray from Hairdustry Podcast
- The Psychology of Beauty: How Your Work Impacts Client Wellness & Confidence – featuring Dr. David Camacho, UI Health
- Legacy Through the Clippers: The Ripple Effect of Barbering – featuring Larry Roberts
A Surprise That Stole the Spotlight
The emotional high point of the day came when North Lawndale (IL) College Prep senior Jessica Thurmond, who went viral for styling classmates’ hair in her school bathroom, was awarded a full-ride scholarship to Pivot Point Academy, valued at over $22,500.00.
The audience gave her a standing ovation, underscoring the event’s core mission of creating tangible change for aspiring professionals. Beauty Gives Back also celebrated incredible moments of giving, from scholarships and grants awarded to students and professionals. A full-ride cosmetology scholarship was also given from Larry’s Barber College valued at $14,939.00.
To date, Beauty Gives Back has awarded $170,000+ to students and industry professionals!
How You Can Get Involved
As Beauty Gives Back continues to grow, it remains grounded in its mission: to create opportunities for emerging beauty professionals — especially those facing financial hardship — through events, education, and ongoing support.
To learn more, donate, or get involved in upcoming events and scholarship programs, visit beautygivesbackfoundation.org.
