Cosmetology student Doria Johnson has been selected as the 2024 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner for Savannah Technical College. 

“Doria is one of the most dedicated and hardworking students that I have encountered,” said STC Cosmetology Instructor Monique Sanders. “She is the embodiment of dedication, hard work, and exemplary leadership. She consistently goes above and beyond, often seeking opportunities for intellectual growth outside of the classroom and continually striving for excellence.”

GOAL honors outstanding students at each of the Technical College System of Georgia institutions. She will represent Savannah Tech at the statewide competition in April in Atlanta, where the statewide GOAL winner will be selected. The highly competitive process involves academic success, community engagement and public speaking. Winners are nominated by their instructors and selected after interviews with a panel of business and community leaders.

Johnson worked as a college admissions counselor for more than a decade. She decided to switch to a career in cosmetology because she loves making people look and feel good. She is a full-time student, wife and mother to her four-year-old daughter. She attended Temple University after high school.

She is the president of STC’s Student Government Association and a member of the National Technical Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa chapters. After graduation, she plans to teach, venture into the movie industry and establish her own business as a cosmetologist.

She would like to extend her cosmetology training beyond just practicing it by collaborating with local organizations, shelters, and community centers to provide complementary beauty services for those without access to those luxuries.

“I would like to establish free services tailored for individuals in our community who are in need,” said Johnson. “I’d like to create a safe space where everyone feels welcome and deserving of care, regardless of their background or financial status.”

Cosmetology is offered at the College’s Effingham, Liberty and Savannah campuses. The program emphasizes not only specialized training in the field of cosmetology, but also interpersonal relations development, employability skills and work ethics. The curriculum meets state licensing requirements of the State Board of Cosmetology, and STC’s graduates have a 100% pass rate.

Once program graduates receive a Cosmetology diploma and pass their board exams, they are eligible to work as a hair stylist, nail technician, makeup artist, salon manager/owner, skin care specialist, and more. Students may also take short-term training to earn a technical certificate of credit with for designer, nail technician, and shampoo technician. Cosmetology’s occupational programs are open to high school students in 10-12th grade through Dual Enrollment. For more information about Cosmetology training visit www.savannahtech.edu/Cosmetology.

The College offers hair, skin and nail care services for the public when classes are in session. Visit www.savannahtech.edu/beautyshop for a list of services, pricing, and the schedule that shows when the shops are open based on academic instruction. Prices are subject to change without notice. Student services are offered in conjunction with coursework in an educational environment and may take longer than similar services provided with non-educational service providers.

Links to Savannah Tech’s previous honorees for GOAL (student), Perkins (instructor) and Eagle (adult education student) are available atwww.savannahtech.edu/honorees.