About Horace Empowerment Inc.
Horace Empowerment Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 by husband-and-wife team, Markeith and Rosalene Horace. Established with a mission to uplift youth through charity and education, Horace Empowerment provides scholarships, teen workshops, and opportunities for young adults interested in careers in cosmetology, business, and beyond.
For 15 years, Horace Empowerment hosted The Hair Connection — an annual scholarship Hair and Fashion Show in Columbus, GA. Building on that legacy, the organization launched The Beauty Honors in 2011 to celebrate and recognize the talents of stylists, barbers, and other beauty professionals, while raising crucial funds for scholarships.
In addition to The Beauty Honors, Horace Empowerment also leads The Track & Field Honors, awarding scholarships to student-athletes, and Beyond the Diploma, a college readiness initiative that prepares students for life after high school. Together, these programs reflect Horace Empowerment’s commitment to creating pathways of success for youth and underserved communities.
A message from our founder
Mentoring local high school students has allowed me to come into contact with teenagers with exceptional talent and potential. The one thing I saw standing between their dreams and the realization of those dreams, was lack of funds to pay for the necessary education. As a licensed hair stylist of 30 years and salon owner for 26 years, I understand that there is more to being in the Beauty Business than just styling hair. If someone is to be successful in this profession, you must be trained in Beauty AND Business. The beauty industry is near and dear to my heart. I've seen lives change. I've seen stylists go from the "kitchen", on to become Salon Owners, Cosmetology Instructors, National Educators and even Celebrity Stylists. The possibilities are endless. It is my desire to help talented students receive the education needed to pursue a successful career in the field of Cosmetology.