Renda Songer Honored as National Educator of the Year

Boston, MA – August 4, 2025 — Milady, a leader in beauty and wellness education, and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) are proud to announce Renda Songer as the recipient of the 2025 N.F. Cimaglia Educator of the Year Award.

Based in Nevada, TX, Renda is an instructor at Community High School/Trinity Valley Community College and serves as Executive Director of the Foundation for the Advancement of Career and Technical Education (FACT Education). She has been a guiding force in shaping the next generation of Texas cosmetology professionals with not just skill—but compassion, professionalism, and purpose.

This prestigious award, presented at the 2025 CEA Convention at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, FL, recognizes an educator who has gone above and beyond in raising professional standards and advancing beauty education. Renda’s influence across the state, especially through her leadership at FACT Education and initiatives like Project BLUE, exemplifies how Texas educators are leading national conversations around advocacy, human trafficking awareness, and career-readiness in the beauty and wellness space.

“At Community High School, we don’t just teach skills—we build futures,” Renda says. “Every student who steps into my classroom matters deeply to me, and helping them discover their worth, their purpose, and their strength is the honor of my career.”

Renda brings more than expertise to her classroom—she brings heart. Her teaching philosophy centers around helping students feel seen, heard, and valued, especially those who enter the program unsure of their future. She emphasizes service, emotional intelligence, and connection, encouraging her students to see their license as more than a credential—it’s a passport to impact.

“This award isn’t just about achievement—it’s a reminder that showing up with heart, even when it’s hard, is always worth it,” Renda reflects. “And I hope it inspires my fellow educators across Texas and beyond to keep going and keep making a difference.”

For more information on this award and other academic and professional resources from Milady, please visit www.milady.com.