- Nearly 200 students from across the US were accepted.
- Students receive exclusive access to industry experts and education.
- The new class commences during Premiere Orlando.
MARCH 11, 2025 (Scottsdale, AZ)—The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is thrilled to announce the Beacon Class of 2025, the newest group of emerging talent poised to shape the industry’s future.
The Beacon Program is a transformative initiative by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) that provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry leaders and mentors. By offering direct access to renowned experts, the Beacon Class of 2025 will gain the skills, insights, and relationships that will not only shape their careers but also influence the future of the beauty industry for years to come.
The full list of the Beacon Class of 2025 can be found HERE. Beacon’s legacy classes include influential educators like Michelle O’Connor, Michael DeVellis, John Mosley, Jamal Edmonds, and many others.
“The opportunity to connect students with the best in the industry and provide mentorship is crucial to their success and the success of our industry,” said Leslie Perry, Executive Director, PBA. “The PBA deeply appreciates the dedication of these educators, whose passion helps mold the future of the industry.”
This year’s Beacon event will take place alongside Premiere Orlando, from May 31st to June 2nd. Students will have the chance to explore the largest beauty trade show in the United States and witness the prestigious 36th Annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). Beacon students will also receive swag bags containing hundreds of dollars worth of products, courtesy of Beacon and NAHA sponsors.
PBA extends its gratitude to the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, which offers travel grants of up to $250 for the first 100 applicants to help ease the financial burden of attending Beacon. Additionally, PBA thanks The Associated Skin Care Professionals for providing $200 travel reimbursements to five skincare students.
Applying to Beacon requires a rigorous selection process, including submission of a BEAUTISTA Portfolio, a video introduction, a social media portfolio, and a letter of recommendation. Applications are reviewed by a panel of esteemed industry judges, including salon owners, manufacturers, and distributors.
To learn more about Beacon, visit probeauty.org/beacon-student-program. For sponsorship opportunities, click here.
About The Professional Beauty Association
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is the leading membership organization uniting beauty professionals to shape the future of the industry. We keep professional beauty professional—championing policies that protect the industry, providing trusted resources, and fostering a powerful community built on connection, creativity, and growth. We serve licensed professionals, salon and spa owners, independent stylists, students, distributors, and manufacturers—providing the education, resources, and advocacy they need to succeed today and thrive tomorrow. We are the platform for excellence—home to North American Hairstyling Awards, Beacon Student Program, and Executive Summit—and the catalyst for change, strengthening businesses and supporting beauty professionals in times of crisis through the PBA Disaster Relief Fund and other charitable programs. When beauty thrives, we all do. Become a member and be part of the movement defining what’s next in beauty. Join us at probeauty.org.
