Ruby Devine is the vibrant owner of a leading salon in Alexandria, VA. With over two decades of industry experience and a passion for education, Ruby is currently an educator for Danger Jones and brand ambassador for Brazilian Bond Builder, AntidoPro, and Olivia Garden. Her salon, established in 2018, boasts a team of 14 talented individuals. Recognized for her excellence, Ruby's salon has been featured in top publications and named one of Alexandria's most influential establishments. With her salon and team at the heart of her success, Ruby continues to inspire and empower in the beauty industry.

Serkan Ozturk brings over ten years of experience in haircutting, color, and styling to the team at George Salon, having studied at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Academy in London. He draws clients of all ages and backgrounds who appreciate his artistry, engaging personality, and ability to connect and communicate with them. His specialties include both classic and trendy cuts as well as dynamic color work. Serkan is also passionate about continuing education, taking various classes throughout the year to further his skills, as well as encouraging the team at the salon to never stop learning their craft

As a texture-centric colorist, silk press artist, and cosmetic chemist, Victor Scotti, Jr.’s mission is to create spaces, opportunities, and experiences for folx to feel seen, beautiful, confident, and worthy -- simply because they deserve it. Coming of age in the ‘90s on the South Side of Chicago, he didn’t feel comfortable — explicitly and implicitly — exploring beauty, aesthetic, and personal expression. He wants to change that for the next generation through Our S.P.A.C.E. (safety, play, agency, community, exploration), a holistic beauty & wellness exploration space, where he is Founder and Creative Director.

Victor is Aveda-trained, Hair Has No Gender Affirming Service Provider, Redken Safe Space certified, and a mentee of John Mosley (@PopularNobody). He is an Aveda Digital Artist Ambassador, promoting new products for the brand such as the Botanical Repair Flash Treatment. He’s also a cosmetic chemist and launched his first product of the V. Anthony Artistry line: Pinq Magic Hair Oil. He was accepted into PBA’s Beacon Class of 2024 and is excited to attend Premiere and NAHA in Orlando, Florida this June. Victor’s work has been seen on the DC Fashion Week runway and you can also find him lending his voice within the industry on The Hairdresser Strong Podcast. As a lifelong student, Victor is a member of the Professional Beauty Association, Black Beauty Association, and takes continuing education classes through Aveda, Mizani, and L’Oréal. In addition to being a beauty expert and content creator, Victor is a social innovator and philanthropist. He is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ) Fraternity, Inc. and began the Scotti Legacy Scholarship Fund in 2020 at UPenn, an endowed $150K investment in Black men pursuing a humanities degree, where he earned his BA in Sociology in 2013. When Victor is not creating magic in the salon, you can find him at home with his husband, Gary. They are proud to call Capitol Hill, Washington, DC home & have a community of friends-turned-family that surround them. You can learn more about him @v_anthonyartistry, bio.site/v_anthonyartistry, and canvasme.com/canvas/victor-scotti.

Vonetta Dumas Jennings, a seasoned Cosmetology Instructor, Master Hair Stylist, and Image Management Specialist, boasts nearly 30 years of expertise in hair care and styling. Starting her career in Cincinnati and rising to prominence in Washington, DC, Vonetta has gained acclaim for creating Signature Images for a varied clientele, including diplomats and celebrities. In 2011, she founded Signature Image Salon, an Aveda Concept Salon in DC, renowned for its empowerment and community focus. Vonetta is recognized for her comprehensive approach to beauty, providing personalized image branding alongside top-notch salon services. A respected figure in the beauty industry, she has appeared in various media outlets, is a member of The DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology, and co-authored “Executive Etiquette Power.”

Committed to professional development, Vonetta conducts workshops for cosmetologists, emphasizing community engagement. Her accolades include the 2023 Leadership and Service Award and the Washington Women of Excellence Award for Women Empowerment.

Outside work, Vonetta enjoys an active lifestyle with interests in sports, boating, golfing, and hiking, drawing creative inspiration from worldwide travel. She holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University. Vonetta is dedicated to enhancing the skills and professionalism of cosmetologists, aiming to elevate their careers through education and broader platform engagement.

Kathleen has been a driving force in the beauty industry for over 26 years, from the beginnings as a shampoo assistant and salon receptionist to becoming a stylist and salon owner. After years of advanced color training, she gradually transitioned into a sought-after colorist, earning recognition within the industry. While advancing in the color world, she took on manager roles and created thriving salon teams. In 2013, Kathleen realized her long-standing dream of entrepreneurship by opening Howard County's first eco-friendly salon, guided by an organic mission that resonated deeply with her values. With 18 years of experience behind the chair and a decade of salon ownership under her belt, Kathleen embodies a blend of expertise and passion. She is driven by a desire to nurture and empower stylists, and strongly believes in the power of education and mentorship to shape the future of the beauty industry.

As a salon owner and dedicated salon coach, I specialize in nurturing leadership skills and fostering vibrant salon cultures. With over 20+years in the industry, I combine my hands-on ownership experience with a passion for team development. My goal is to empower individuals to not only excel in their craft but to also lead and contribute to a thriving salon community.

Industry leader in salon management, growing Progressions salon to 9,000 square foot retail space, and managing over 40 award-winning stylists, colorists, manicurists, estheticians and customer service employees. Attended various trade shows (accessories, design, retailer, and high end crafts) to supply our in-salon boutique. Managed business aspects of fast-paced multi-million dollar salon, including property management, accounting, communications, web development, staff leadership, and trade connections.

Domenique Harrison, MPH, LMFT, LPCC, is a licensed psychotherapist, the founder of The Racial Equity Therapist, and the creator of The Racial Equity Therapists presents The Conversations Deck - a 150 discussion questions card deck to spark authentic conversations exploring Histories, Identities, Relationship Dynamics, and Experiences while fostering healthier connections. With Master's degrees in Public Health and Clinical Psychology and licenses in marriage and family therapy and professional clinical counseling, Domenique specializes in working with Black millennials and couples at the intersection of race and relationships. She believes that individual wellness is intertwined with healthy relationships, and her work in and out of the therapy room reflects that. To learn more about Domenique and her services, follow her on Instagram at the username @theracialequitytherapist or check out her website at https://theracialequitytherapist.com/.

I am a licensed insurance and investment professional with over 5 years of experience. My focus is educating main street families and helping them in different areas of finance, assisting them in preparation for retirement and ensuring that they are financially protected in the case of an unexpected loss.

Shelley is a Director of Public Markets at Howard Hughes Medical Institute (“HHMI”), a $25 billion endowment that funds basic science research in the US. Before joining HHMI in 2013, Shelley spent five years in New York as analyst of hedge fund due diligence at Merrill Lynch and before that at Tower Capital, an equity long/short fund of hedge funds. Shelley graduated from the University of Virginia’s McIntyre School of Commerce in 2008 with a double major in finance and accounting.