The number one thing we hear from entrepreneurs and artists and creatives when we ask them about their education is about how irrelevant it was to their story. Sure, some folks had wonderful educational experiences, but for many their experiences left them feeling ill prepared for life and their careers. So, we wanted to create a space for folks to share their experiences and ideas for how we can improve our educational system.

Gellisa Fevrier

If I could change one thing about the education system, especially in beauty school, it would be the lack of real, in-depth education on how to properly service clients with textured hair not just with styling, but with true care. That includes understanding scalp health, moisture balance, product knowledge, and the science behind different curl patterns. Unfortunately, most cosmetology programs still treat textured hair as an elective, not a standard, and that leaves new stylists feeling unprepared and clients feeling unseen. Read more>>

Gustavo Rey

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be to introduce real world life skills, entrepreneurship, and self-discovery much earlier in a student’s journey. Right now, most of us are trained to follow a path designed for stability, not fulfillment. We’re told to get good grades, pick a “safe” career, and stick with it, but no one teaches us how to explore who we really are, what we love, and how to turn those passions into a meaningful life or career. Read more>>

Obatola Layiwola

The once-symbiotic relationship between industry and academia has been strained in recent years by rapid technological advancement and the accelerating pace of innovation. Traditionally, the industry has leaned on academia for foundational research and expert insight to inform product and service development. In return, academic institutions have benefited from industry funding, internship opportunities, and real-world application of scholarly knowledge. Read more>>

Taysiah Lawson

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be eliminating the “one size fits all” approach. Every child learns differently, has unique interests, and processes the world in their own way, yet most traditional systems still expect uniform outcomes and compliance-based learning. This is not only outdated but deeply ineffective in preparing students for a fulfilling life or career. Read more>>