Recipients

$42,000 in scholarships awarded!

In memoriam of Bill Kaminski,

beloved donor and board member.

Minneapolis, MN – November 11, 2019   Twenty-five students each received $1,500 scholarships from the Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation, and one additional student received an honorary $4,500 memoriam scholarship in memory of the beloved donor and Board of Director member, Bill Kaminski. 

Bill began his career working as a barber with Joe Francis in 1969. Bill soon became one of the most successful franchisees in Joe'sorganization. He was recognized nationally by the International Franchise Association for his hard work and dedication. After Joe's death in 1994, Bill was one of the biggest contributors to establishing the Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation. He was a board member form it's beginning unitl his death in 2018.

Because of Bill’s huge presence and influence, the board unanimously decided to create the 2019 Bill Kaminski Award of $4,500. Never have we given such a huge award, but to honor Bill, this is absolutely the right thing to do! The selection committee chose Iztcel Meers, from the top pool of finalists. We were impressed by Iztcel’s life story and focus toward her goals, recognizing her dedication and hard work reflects the same qualities Bill possessed.

Iztcel Meers Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY Iztcel (Estelle) Meers, 26 years old, from Russell Springs, Kentucky is married with 3 children, ages six, four, and one.  Estelle began cosmetology school in February 2019 and expects to graduate in March 2020. She maintains a solid work history reflecting her strong work ethic and ambition. Her cosmetology instructor praised her natural talent, skills, work ethic, and dedication.

Estelle is a “Dreamer” becoming a naturalized citizen two years ago.  Her family emigrated to the United States when she was 15 months old. Between the expensive naturalization process and childcare for three children, we are happy to provide some financial assistance to achieve her goal.    

Iztcel realizes, from personal experience, there is a need for bilingual cosmetologists, and her plan is to work for a local salon to fulfill that need.  Within the next 10 years, her goal is to become an entrepreneur, and give back to her small town by helping others fresh out of cosmetology school. In choosing Estelle, we believe her strong foundation, resilience, positive attitude, and motivation will ensure a successful cosmetology career. 

In addition, 25 students from across the United States each received a $1,500 from the Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation. The scholarships are awarded directly toward tuition costs for cosmetology and barber education.  Over the past 22 years the Foundation has awarded 410 scholarships totaling $410,000 given to students of cosmetology and barber programs. Congratulations to our 2019 recipients and their schools!  This year's scholarship recipients are:

	Zoe Blanchard Continental Academie, Hudson, NH
	Elizabeth Brimeyer Capri College, Dubuque, IA
	Tina Corso Empire Beauty School, Hooksett, NH
	Carly Demmin Tricoci University of Beauty, Normal, IL
	Chole Denton MN West Community College, Worthington, MN
	Michaela Deus Taylor Andrews Academy, Provo, UT
	Mary Grayson Roger's Academy of Hair, Evansville, IN
No Image Available	Cortlynn Hamilton Taylor Andrews Academy, Provo, UT
	Carla Hoyt Empire Beauty School, Hooksett, NH
	Jessica Kurtz Empire Beauty School, Ashwaubenon, WI
	Moises Marquez Expertise Beauty Institute, North Las Vegas, NV
	Jeremy McKeever NW Louisiana Technical College, Schreveport, LA
	Marcello Mennone Paul Mitchell School, Tampa, FL
	Anitamae Quintin Rudy & Kelly Academy, Virginia Beach, VA
	Mario Rivera Paul Mitchell School, Sherman Oaks, CA
	Kaylin Robinson Toni & Guy Academy, Coeur d'Alene, ID
	Christa Schall Aveda Institute, Austintown, OH
	Grant Seymour Paul Mitchell School, Schenectady, NY
	Savanna Simmons Oliver Finley Academy, Boise, ID
	Sydney Smith Salon Institute, Lewis Center, OH
	Amiya Tillis Lawson State College, Birmingham, AL
	Zoie Twite The Salon Professional Academy, Onalaska, WI
	Yadira Valera-Hernandez Paul Mitchell School, Newark, DE
No Image Available	Becky Vanderwerp Aveda Institute, Grand Rapids, MI
	Alana White Paul Mitchell School, Columbia, SC
	Joe Francis & Bill Kaminski 1977 Award Ceremony

Each scholarship recipient demonstrated a strong commitment to complete his or her barber/cosmetology education as well as financial need.

The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation memorializes the life and achievements of Joe Francis, founder of The Barbers Corporation and the franchise systems: Cost Cutters, City Looks Salons, and We Care Hair, now Regis Corporation subsidiaries. 

Joe Francis’ story is literally one of rags to riches, beginning his first job as a shoeshine boy for a local barber school.  His labors eventually led him to enroll as a barber student where his entrepreneurial spirit flourished and his lifelong career in the industry took off. He built state of the art hair salons and began franchising first as The Barbers Hairstyling for Men and Women, Inc. 

He took his company public and established The Barbers Corporation. The Barbers grew to 1,200 franchise hair salons in the United States and Europe. Joe began with a one-chair barbershop, a self-made man who never forgot his early struggles and continuously looked for ways to help others find opportunities in the hair industry. Joe Francis was inducted posthumously into the National Barbers Hall of Fame.

 “The Scholarship Foundation was Joe’s dream. We have awarded 410 talented hairstylists and barbers with scholarships and we look forward to continuing our support of careers in the industry,” explained Florence Francis, widow of Joe Francis, Chairwoman, and Co-Founder of the Foundation.

 Joe’s daughter, and President of the Foundation, Barbara Francis, announced, “My Father worked tirelessly to strengthen the industry and elevate the hairstyling profession.  He believed it offered a path to self-fulfillment and reward.  He was determined to help deserving individuals launch their career. He wanted to give back to an industry that gave him so much.”