Kristen Clark - Cosmetology, Class of '11

Kristen Clark graduated from Shawnee High School and completed CTC’s Cosmetology program in 2011 under the mentorship of Ms. Quinn and Mrs. Hoover. Kristen's career path diverged into social work, where she has made significant community impacts through mentoring programs like Girls Experiencing Mentorship and Sisterhood (G.E.M.S). G.E.M.S has expanded to 3 schools, serves over 200 students, and has earned a Dance Stomp Shake Service Award. She is a long-time volunteer for National Alliance on Mental Illness, where she leads training, supports families, and assists with planning and executing events.

Kristen recently graduated with a Master's in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University. Kristen attributes her success in social work to the foundational skills learned in the Cosmetology program, which included customer service, empathy, and patient care—essential qualities that transcend industries. “CTC gave me the option to explore and learn a trade that I was interested in. It provided job security, because having my cosmetology license, I knew I could find work instantly. I still keep my license active even though I don't practice the trade.”