What a Difference a Scholarship Makes

Seems like Brianna Cofinco barely paused to rest.
Last time we checked in was June. This ambitious young woman had just stepped from the stage at the Jersey Boys Theater in Las Vegas, where she received the Phenix Salon Family Scholarship Award from Gina Rivera’s father, Larry Peneschi, at the Phenix Family Reunion Awards Ceremony.

Gina Rivera’s father,
Larry Peneschi, with Brianna
Cofinco shortly after presenting her with the scholarship.

She since has entered the Advance Beauty College in Laguna Hills, CA, and has accumulated more than 160 hours of training toward graduating and becoming a hairstylist.
“I am absolutely loving my school,” Cofinco said. “I love my professors and they are so helpful and supportive. They all have a real passion for hair and teaching. I’ve already learned so many new techniques, and every day I come to school excited and ready to learn more.”
“This is so great to hear,” said Gina Rivera, founder and president of Phenix Salons. “That is such an exciting time in her life, and it is such a pleasure to support her dream. With all that passion, she has a wonderful future ahead of her. I am so proud of her.”
“I am so grateful for this opportunity and I wouldn’t
have been able to do this journey if it wasn’t for the
Phenix Salon Family Scholarship,” Cofinco said. “So, thank you again, and I can’t wait to put my work out there and make a name in the beauty industry!”