CECU is celebrating Women's History Month by sharing student and leadership stories.
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Women’s History Month Spotlight on Dana Persico, CEO and Executive Director of the Long Island Nails Skin and Hair Institute
As we celebrate Women's History Month, it is important to highlight women who are making a difference in their fields today. One such woman is Dana Persico, CEO and Executive Director of the Long Island Nails Skin and Hair Institute, located in Long Island, New York. With more than 30 years of experience in the beauty industry, Dana has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to offer her team, students, and community.
Dana began as a nail technician while she was in college. Although her parents did not initially approve of her interest in cosmetology, her passion for the beauty industry only grew stronger. She began her career as a receptionist at a hair salon, moved on to become a nail technician, and later progressed to waxing. While working as a nail technician, Dana noticed the lack of postgraduate education in the beauty industry, which led her to pursue a degree in psychology. After graduation, she began working in a psychiatric hospital with young adults and pre-adolescent individuals.
At the hospital, Dana realized that young people needed to feel good about themselves. She started teaching them simple beauty techniques, such as how to take care of their brows and how to give themselves at-home manicures. She also worked part-time at a small nail school two nights a week, where she taught aspiring nail technicians. Dana worked at the hospital for about six years until her director encouraged her to pursue her passion for beauty and wellness.
In 1995, Dana opened the Long Island Nails, Skin, and Hair Institute, which started with a 250-hour nail specialty course. She later added a standalone waxing program. Today, the school offers 14 programs and has grown from 70 students in its first year to over 500 students a year. During the first few years of the school’s opening, Dana's expertise in the beauty industry caught the attention of Sally Hansen, the beauty brand. Because she did not want to give up her passion for educating, Dana split half of her time between Sally Hansen and her school. Sally Hansen eventually asked her to become their global beauty expert, which led her to travel all over the world, representing their brands.
Apart from her success in the beauty industry, Dana is also known for her dedication to the mental health and well-being of her students. With the increasing decline in the overall mental health of students, Dana and her staff have learned how to be a resource for their students dealing with mental health issues. Dana is also involved with agencies, foundations, and community groups that can help her students address mental health.
Over the years, Dana has seen the role of women in the industry evolve from being an afterthought to being powerhouses. She encourages her students to become entrepreneurs as she believes entrepreneurship is the key to financial well-being and can help strengthen their communities.
Dana's journey is a testament to the importance of following your passions and not giving up, even in the face of resistance. Her dedication to helping others and providing ongoing education and opportunities in the beauty industry is inspiring and worthy of recognition during Women's History Month.
Dana began as a nail technician while she was in college. Although her parents did not initially approve of her interest in cosmetology, her passion for the beauty industry only grew stronger. She began her career as a receptionist at a hair salon, moved on to become a nail technician, and later progressed to waxing. While working as a nail technician, Dana noticed the lack of postgraduate education in the beauty industry, which led her to pursue a degree in psychology. After graduation, she began working in a psychiatric hospital with young adults and pre-adolescent individuals.
At the hospital, Dana realized that young people needed to feel good about themselves. She started teaching them simple beauty techniques, such as how to take care of their brows and how to give themselves at-home manicures. She also worked part-time at a small nail school two nights a week, where she taught aspiring nail technicians. Dana worked at the hospital for about six years until her director encouraged her to pursue her passion for beauty and wellness.
In 1995, Dana opened the Long Island Nails, Skin, and Hair Institute, which started with a 250-hour nail specialty course. She later added a standalone waxing program. Today, the school offers 14 programs and has grown from 70 students in its first year to over 500 students a year. During the first few years of the school’s opening, Dana's expertise in the beauty industry caught the attention of Sally Hansen, the beauty brand. Because she did not want to give up her passion for educating, Dana split half of her time between Sally Hansen and her school. Sally Hansen eventually asked her to become their global beauty expert, which led her to travel all over the world, representing their brands.
Apart from her success in the beauty industry, Dana is also known for her dedication to the mental health and well-being of her students. With the increasing decline in the overall mental health of students, Dana and her staff have learned how to be a resource for their students dealing with mental health issues. Dana is also involved with agencies, foundations, and community groups that can help her students address mental health.
Over the years, Dana has seen the role of women in the industry evolve from being an afterthought to being powerhouses. She encourages her students to become entrepreneurs as she believes entrepreneurship is the key to financial well-being and can help strengthen their communities.
Dana's journey is a testament to the importance of following your passions and not giving up, even in the face of resistance. Her dedication to helping others and providing ongoing education and opportunities in the beauty industry is inspiring and worthy of recognition during Women's History Month.
Student Stories
Tracy Dinh - Graduate of North-West College
Tracy is a resident of Northern California and a first-generation college student. Her family immigrated to America from Vietnam, and now, just one generation later, Tracy is making her family proud in her new career as a pharmacy technician.
Just a few years ago, Tracy was balancing babysitting her younger cousins, nieces, and nephews with working full-time in the food service industry. Back then, she viewed her work simply as a way to pay the bills and survive. Day after day, she was working long, unpredictable hours with low pay, leaving her exhausted and frustrated. However, after a conversation with her aunt who works in the medical field, Tracy’s perspective changed. She decided to pursue a career in healthcare to give her the stability and security she so desperately needed.
Tracy came across North-West College, a private career education college located in nearby Anaheim, and enrolled in their pharmacy technician program. Their flexible schedule allowed her to attend classes in the morning so she could still work and support her family in the afternoons and evenings. Her school gave her the hands-on training needed to succeed and even placed her in an internship that materialized into her current full-time job.
Today, Tracy is on a promising career trajectory with clear growth opportunities ahead. After gaining more experience as a technician, Tracy hopes to go back to school to become a pharmacist.
Just a few years ago, Tracy was balancing babysitting her younger cousins, nieces, and nephews with working full-time in the food service industry. Back then, she viewed her work simply as a way to pay the bills and survive. Day after day, she was working long, unpredictable hours with low pay, leaving her exhausted and frustrated. However, after a conversation with her aunt who works in the medical field, Tracy’s perspective changed. She decided to pursue a career in healthcare to give her the stability and security she so desperately needed.
Tracy came across North-West College, a private career education college located in nearby Anaheim, and enrolled in their pharmacy technician program. Their flexible schedule allowed her to attend classes in the morning so she could still work and support her family in the afternoons and evenings. Her school gave her the hands-on training needed to succeed and even placed her in an internship that materialized into her current full-time job.
Today, Tracy is on a promising career trajectory with clear growth opportunities ahead. After gaining more experience as a technician, Tracy hopes to go back to school to become a pharmacist.
Margaret Tiller - Graduate of Southeastern Institute
For the bulk of her early professional career, Margaret bounced between part-time retail and hospitality jobs. When she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, she discovered the Massage Therapy Program at Southeastern Institute. Throughout her life she had a passion for healing others, and now she was finding a way to bring that passion to her professional career.
Thanks to the flexible schedule, Margaret was able to maintain a part-time job while going to school. A few months into her program, she left school to manage a mental health diagnosis, determine the right medication and focus on her mental well-being. Despite it all, she decided to return to Southeastern to complete her massage therapy program. The support of her instructors and classmates enabled her to tackle new challenges and find her new passion in life.
Since completing her program, she has worked as a certified massage therapist for three different studios in greater Charlotte. As she looks ahead to the future, she dreams of owning her own studio where she can incorporate massage therapy with art and music therapy for her clients.
Thanks to the flexible schedule, Margaret was able to maintain a part-time job while going to school. A few months into her program, she left school to manage a mental health diagnosis, determine the right medication and focus on her mental well-being. Despite it all, she decided to return to Southeastern to complete her massage therapy program. The support of her instructors and classmates enabled her to tackle new challenges and find her new passion in life.
Since completing her program, she has worked as a certified massage therapist for three different studios in greater Charlotte. As she looks ahead to the future, she dreams of owning her own studio where she can incorporate massage therapy with art and music therapy for her clients.
Naomia Rivera - Occupational Therapy Assistant Program graduate from Pima Medical Institute
I served in the US Air Force for over 12 years, working in biomedical engineering and after medically retiring, I continued in the biomedical field, working up to director level. But, I found myself feeling unfulfilled. While in the Air Force, I had been injured and received occupational therapy (OT) for almost two years. Long story short, I was an OT patient who fell in love with OT … so I decided to take the risk of a career switch.
While researching Pima Medical Institute’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, I could not find one bad review. One day while feeling brave, I enrolled in the OTA program. The instructors were amazing, they all brought different perspectives and their breadth of experience added so much value. The way they handled us educationally was very OT like; lots of empathy, flexibility, individualized learning and challenges. By the end of my very first day of field work, I knew I had found my place and was meant to be an OTA. Finding a job was a seamless process. I had choices and I was able to leverage my previous experience into a nice entry-level salary. I am currently an OTA in Prescott Valley, AZ at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital that specializes in neuro and spine and I just love my job!
Because my parents taught me the value of community involvement, I have been actively involved in our state and national OT professional associations. I serve on a justice, diversity, equity and inclusion national committee. Recently, I was surprised and honored to receive the Arizona OTA of the Year Award. I received a quality education from amazing instructors at Pima Medical Institute. My daughter is currently enrolled in their OTA program and that’s about the best endorsement a mom could give!
While researching Pima Medical Institute’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program, I could not find one bad review. One day while feeling brave, I enrolled in the OTA program. The instructors were amazing, they all brought different perspectives and their breadth of experience added so much value. The way they handled us educationally was very OT like; lots of empathy, flexibility, individualized learning and challenges. By the end of my very first day of field work, I knew I had found my place and was meant to be an OTA. Finding a job was a seamless process. I had choices and I was able to leverage my previous experience into a nice entry-level salary. I am currently an OTA in Prescott Valley, AZ at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital that specializes in neuro and spine and I just love my job!
Because my parents taught me the value of community involvement, I have been actively involved in our state and national OT professional associations. I serve on a justice, diversity, equity and inclusion national committee. Recently, I was surprised and honored to receive the Arizona OTA of the Year Award. I received a quality education from amazing instructors at Pima Medical Institute. My daughter is currently enrolled in their OTA program and that’s about the best endorsement a mom could give!
Geanette Parker - Medical Billing and Coding certificate program graduate from Carrington College
I’ve worked in the medical field for 25 years. I started off as a certified nursing assistant, then worked as an emergency medical technician and a medical liaison. Medical Billing and Coding has always been a skillset I wanted to acquire, but I never felt I had the time to do it well. When you’re working full time, committing to a full-time college program is tough. But when I lost my job last February, new opportunities presented themselves. I was able to collect unemployment and I also qualified for the New Mexico Workforce Program, which offers grants to help retrain employees. That program covered the cost of my Carrington education, so it felt like the perfect time to make myself more employable once life started returning to normal.
I had heard about Carrington through local TV commercials. I really wanted to do something productive during the pandemic, so I checked out the Carrington website. I decided that returning to school when I wasn’t likely to find a job anyway made a lot of sense. Believe it or not, I was hired three weeks before I graduated! I started my new position as Business Office Manager at Genesis Health in Albuquerque on February 8—exactly one year to the day from when I lost my last job. I graduated on February 26. Even though I hadn’t yet completed my program when I interviewed, I knew having that education and training on my resume would prove valuable—and it did. I’m now managing a team of four and am really enjoying it. And since I live only six minutes from the office, I love my commute, too!
I had heard about Carrington through local TV commercials. I really wanted to do something productive during the pandemic, so I checked out the Carrington website. I decided that returning to school when I wasn’t likely to find a job anyway made a lot of sense. Believe it or not, I was hired three weeks before I graduated! I started my new position as Business Office Manager at Genesis Health in Albuquerque on February 8—exactly one year to the day from when I lost my last job. I graduated on February 26. Even though I hadn’t yet completed my program when I interviewed, I knew having that education and training on my resume would prove valuable—and it did. I’m now managing a team of four and am really enjoying it. And since I live only six minutes from the office, I love my commute, too!
Moriah Martin - Medical Assistant Program graduate from Pima Medical Institute
I was a stay-at-home mom with four children under the age of five. I saw a commercial for Pima Medical Institute and decided to pursue my dream of a career in the medical field. From my first day I felt welcomed, my classmates were friendly, the course load was manageable and I realized this is what I was meant to do. Life was challenging as I was working full time at night to pay the bills, catching a few hours of sleep, and then going to school and caring for my kids during the day.
And then the pandemic hit. I lost my job. Our landlord sold the trailer we were living in and my family was forced out of our home. My husband and I and our little ones ages 5, 3, 2 and 1 slept in our van until we were able to move into an extended stay. It was rough! I got a job at the hotel where we were staying and began taking my classes virtually. It was difficult, but we were eventually able to move into our own apartment. Then I needed to give up my job to start my full-time externship and the bills started piling up. We barely had money for diapers. There was one day that it all felt overwhelming and I wanted to quit. I couldn’t see the long term and I was worried we might be homeless again. I called my mom and she reminded me that I was almost finished and encouraged me to continue. So I didn’t quit!
This has been the hardest year of my life! But recently, I was offered a job at Arizona Community Physicians and I am so excited to be doing a job I love. I set an example for my kids and my mom is so proud of me. I am grateful for Pima Medical. So many people there cared about me and helped me complete this journey. Thank you Pima Medical for jump starting my career in the medical field.
And then the pandemic hit. I lost my job. Our landlord sold the trailer we were living in and my family was forced out of our home. My husband and I and our little ones ages 5, 3, 2 and 1 slept in our van until we were able to move into an extended stay. It was rough! I got a job at the hotel where we were staying and began taking my classes virtually. It was difficult, but we were eventually able to move into our own apartment. Then I needed to give up my job to start my full-time externship and the bills started piling up. We barely had money for diapers. There was one day that it all felt overwhelming and I wanted to quit. I couldn’t see the long term and I was worried we might be homeless again. I called my mom and she reminded me that I was almost finished and encouraged me to continue. So I didn’t quit!
This has been the hardest year of my life! But recently, I was offered a job at Arizona Community Physicians and I am so excited to be doing a job I love. I set an example for my kids and my mom is so proud of me. I am grateful for Pima Medical. So many people there cared about me and helped me complete this journey. Thank you Pima Medical for jump starting my career in the medical field.
Sekayi Scott - Nursing Graduate of Brookline College
I chose Brookline as the location to complete my Bachelor’s degree due to the kindness of the people that worked there. As soon as I walked through the doors and made clear of my intentions of becoming a nurse, the Nursing Faculty and Staff made sure I had everything I needed to succeed. They also were invested in getting to know me as a person and not as a number to determine school pass rates. That alone was more than what other colleges in the area were willing to do.
The Brookline College Nursing Faculty and Staff have been involved in nurturing me as a student from the beginning. Not only did they provide an environment to study, but also ensured that troubles I faced (academic or otherwise) were met quickly. They allowed guidance to prevail so that when I struggled (as any nursing student does) they were there beside me with a guiding hand.
Education has always played an active role in my life. Both of my parents, as well as extended family members, have various degrees in a variety of career paths. I have learned from my family that education leads to opportunity and the ability to make choices, which in turn allows generations after you more opportunities to make the most of their lives.
The Brookline College Nursing Faculty and Staff have been involved in nurturing me as a student from the beginning. Not only did they provide an environment to study, but also ensured that troubles I faced (academic or otherwise) were met quickly. They allowed guidance to prevail so that when I struggled (as any nursing student does) they were there beside me with a guiding hand.
Education has always played an active role in my life. Both of my parents, as well as extended family members, have various degrees in a variety of career paths. I have learned from my family that education leads to opportunity and the ability to make choices, which in turn allows generations after you more opportunities to make the most of their lives.
Sholanda (McGill) Henry - Respiratory Therapy Program graduate from Pima Medical Institute
I was raising four children and getting away from a domestic abuse situation when I moved to Las Vegas. I had been to college for accounting and business, but knew I needed a new direction. Through my daughter’s asthma and my exposure to the medical field, I realized I wanted to help others. After researching, I found Pima Medical Institute’s Respiratory Therapy program and ended up getting the last spot in my class.
Toward the end of the program, my daughter was kidnapped. I still made it to my clinical site after looking for her all over Vegas and putting up posters. I was so close to graduation and didn’t want to quit. It is certainly an accelerated program and wasn’t easy, but my instructors saw potential in me and pushed me. In fact, one of my instructors spent extra time tutoring me on mechanical ventilation so I wouldn’t fail. Thankfully, we ended up finding my daughter. It was such a painful time in my life, but when I walked across that stage at graduation, I felt so fulfilled.
I had several job offers, but chose to accept a respiratory therapist position at UMC where I had completed my clinicals. Later, my career took me to the Veterans Affair where I ran a C-Pap Clinic for a time. Currently, my husband and I own our own company, Simply Medical Recruiting. We even work with Pima Medical’s career services department to help find positions for their graduates. Pima Medical is a gateway to a better life. It has changed my life and has continued to open doors for me.
Toward the end of the program, my daughter was kidnapped. I still made it to my clinical site after looking for her all over Vegas and putting up posters. I was so close to graduation and didn’t want to quit. It is certainly an accelerated program and wasn’t easy, but my instructors saw potential in me and pushed me. In fact, one of my instructors spent extra time tutoring me on mechanical ventilation so I wouldn’t fail. Thankfully, we ended up finding my daughter. It was such a painful time in my life, but when I walked across that stage at graduation, I felt so fulfilled.
I had several job offers, but chose to accept a respiratory therapist position at UMC where I had completed my clinicals. Later, my career took me to the Veterans Affair where I ran a C-Pap Clinic for a time. Currently, my husband and I own our own company, Simply Medical Recruiting. We even work with Pima Medical’s career services department to help find positions for their graduates. Pima Medical is a gateway to a better life. It has changed my life and has continued to open doors for me.
Andrea Borras-Reed - Nursing graduate from Unitek
For me school has always been an option; it was just a matter of gaining the finances to do it. Being a mom at an early age, I wanted to set a good example for my kids and provide them with the life that I knew they deserved. Working in the healthcare field has always been a dream for me; it was just a matter of making it my reality. The first time I inquired about attending the nursing program at Unitek, financial aid was not available, and at that time I didn't have enough money. Because of the financial aspect, I decided to start off as a CNA. Once I was working as a CNA, I realized how much I wanted to be a nurse. My patients would often tell me how good of a nurse I would be and how they admired my resilience. Once I started attending school for my LVN, I became more confident, not just as a student, but as a person. I started believing in myself, knowing that I could make a difference was enough to drive me to keep going through the difficult tasks set in place. Once I graduated from Unitek, my degree allowed me to obtain jobs that would have been impossible to secure without education. Attending school has also inspired me to be the leader that I was destined to be.
Throughout my journey, I have been blessed with phenomenal relationships that have provided me with a great support system. In addition, I have been able to connect with people from around the world who share the same love for nursing, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Throughout my journey, I have been blessed with phenomenal relationships that have provided me with a great support system. In addition, I have been able to connect with people from around the world who share the same love for nursing, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Sandra Moreno - Graduate of Lamson Institute
For as long as she could remember, Sandra always had a passion for the healthcare sector and helping others. But, as a new wife and young mother to four children, she had to balance school, work, and family. And, despite graduating from a local community college in their Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program, she did not pass the necessary exam needed to enter the field. While others may have simply paid to take the test again, that was a luxury she literally could not afford. So, Sandra ended up taking a job at a local fast-food chain to pay the bills and support her family. But Sandra had always dreamt of finding a more rewarding career.
Luckily, she found out about the Lamson Institute, a private career education college, just down the road from where she lived. It was there that she encountered countless other non-traditional students like her: veterans, single parents, working parents, first-generation immigrants, and young people who had been forced to defer their dreams, but were looking to finally make a meaningful career change. Most importantly, the flexible class schedule allowed Sandra to continue working so she could pay the bills while earning her degree at night.
Sandra graduated in June 2020 and accepted a position working for a dental insurance agency. Today, she is an independent, self-sustaining, and empowered member of her community. She is providing for her family and pursuing a career that she is passionate about.
Luckily, she found out about the Lamson Institute, a private career education college, just down the road from where she lived. It was there that she encountered countless other non-traditional students like her: veterans, single parents, working parents, first-generation immigrants, and young people who had been forced to defer their dreams, but were looking to finally make a meaningful career change. Most importantly, the flexible class schedule allowed Sandra to continue working so she could pay the bills while earning her degree at night.
Sandra graduated in June 2020 and accepted a position working for a dental insurance agency. Today, she is an independent, self-sustaining, and empowered member of her community. She is providing for her family and pursuing a career that she is passionate about.
Yvette Bosch - Graduate of Bellus Academy
Yvette was seven months pregnant when the father of her child relapsed and left her alone. This crisis point quickly spiraled and she ended up losing her house and her job. She knew she needed to do something—both for her sake and the sake of her family. Fortunately, a volunteer at the shelter where she was living was offering free yoga classes. These classes were the self-care Yvette needed and they ended up being a pivotal moment in her life.
She moved her family to San Diego for a fresh start and new life for her kids. As a single mother, she knew she needed a school that gave her the flexibility she required so she could work to support her family while in school. From day one at Bellus Academy, a private cosmetology school in San Diego, Yvette knew she made the right decision. Her access to career services, scholarships, and supportive faculty empowered her to work, parent, and successfully obtain her degree.
Today, Yvette is a licensed esthetician with a focus on organic and natural products. She helps her community and clients in their own self-care journeys as a yoga instructor, esthetician, and entrepreneur. Her choice to attend Bellus Academy and expand her opportunities helped Yvette achieve the financial stability she was searching for in her darkest hours.
She moved her family to San Diego for a fresh start and new life for her kids. As a single mother, she knew she needed a school that gave her the flexibility she required so she could work to support her family while in school. From day one at Bellus Academy, a private cosmetology school in San Diego, Yvette knew she made the right decision. Her access to career services, scholarships, and supportive faculty empowered her to work, parent, and successfully obtain her degree.
Today, Yvette is a licensed esthetician with a focus on organic and natural products. She helps her community and clients in their own self-care journeys as a yoga instructor, esthetician, and entrepreneur. Her choice to attend Bellus Academy and expand her opportunities helped Yvette achieve the financial stability she was searching for in her darkest hours.
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