Category: AJLF
Back to School Glow Up 2025: A Day of Confidence, Care, and Community
Back to School Glow Up 2025: A Day of Confidence, Care, and Community
On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation (AJLF), in partnership with The CORE Foundation, transformed the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown into a hub of love, care, and empowerment for Montgomery County students.
The Back to School Glow Up was more than just an event, it was a statement. A statement that every child deserves to walk into the first day of school feeling confident, cared for, and ready to succeed. Here is how it went.
Professional Hairstyles and Haircuts: Local talent showed up in a big way. Five barbers: Matt Diggs of The Showroom Mobile Barbershop, Fooks The Barber, Yova The Barber, Icy The Barber, and Rene Holtman and four stylists: Favour of Style Plus Salon, Nisha, Isabel Alonso, and Seray of Styled by Renegade volunteered their time and skill to give kids fresh, stylish looks. From fades and trims to braids, curls, and twists, every student left with their heads held a little higher.
School Supply Kits and Backpacks: Thanks to The CORE Foundation, students received backpacks packed with notebooks, paper, folders, pencils, erasers, colored pencils, and pens. In total, 120 backpacks were given away, along with 600+ school essentials.
Health and Wellness Support: Vision and hearing screenings were available courtesy of the Rockville Lions Club.
Nourishment: Chick-fil-A Germantown sponsored sandwiches, and snacks and drinks were provided to keep families refreshed and energized.
The Impact in Numbers:
● 90+ students and their families served
● 31 schools represented (15 elementary, 11 middle, 5 high schools)
● 66 registered students, 22 attended; 71 walk-ins welcomed
● 15 volunteers contributing 52+ hours of service
But beyond the numbers, the atmosphere told the real story. Laughter filled the halls. Parents shared gratitude and relief. Kids checked out their new cuts in the mirrors, grinning. Families connected with community partners like The Lions Club Rockville, 5 Starr Enterprise, and HD Photo, strengthening the bonds that make our county strong.
This event was more than backpacks and braids, it was about dignity. It was about showing students, some of whom face challenges beyond the classroom, that they are seen, valued, and supported.
Testimonies:
“I pay $140 for my boys to get their haircuts, and this relieved that financial burden for me.”
“I can’t thank AJLF enough for this. With three kids, back-to-school shopping can be overwhelming, but this event eased so much of that stress. My children are having fun and I feel supported by my community.”
“This is such a blessing. Seeing my daughter walk out with her hair braided with her new hello kitty backpack means the world to me. Thank you so much and we hope you do this again.”
We are deeply grateful to our partners and supporters: [link IG profiles]● The CORE Foundation (@thecore_foundation)
● BlackRock Center for the Arts (@blackrockcenter)
● The Lions Club Rockville (@lionsclubs)
● Chick-fil-A Germantown (@cfa.germantownmd)
● 5 Starr Enterprise (@5starrenterprise, @wildchilddna)
● Barbers (5)
○ Matt Diggs (@theshowroombarber)
○ Fooks The Barber (@fooksthebarber)
○ Yova The Barber (@cruzyova)
○ Icy The Barber (@icydabarber)
○ Rene Holtman (@r3naissance_man)
● Stylists (4) ○ Favour (@styleplussalon)
○ Nisha (@leinishaa_monyah, @styleplussalon)
○ Seray (@styledbyrenegade_ceo)
○ Isabel Alosno
At AJLF, we believe in community and service. The Back to School Glow Up proved that when we come together, we can make a significant impact.
Want to be part of next year’s event? Stay connected with us! Follow us on social media. Together, we can make sure every student starts their school year strong, confident, and ready to shine.
From Inspiration to Action: A Letter From Our Founder & CEO
A Letter From Our Founder & CEO
Dear Friends, Family, & GHS Cosmetology Alumni
In 2014, the world lost someone truly extraordinary, Angela Johnson, our beloved cosmetology teacher, gifted stylist, and woman of unwavering faith. But more than that, we lost a mentor, a mother figure, and a radiant light in so many of our lives.
She didn’t just teach cosmetology, she shaped lives. I know this because she shaped mine.
We all have that one teacher, the one who believes in us before we believe in ourselves, who nurtures us like their own, and who helps us see the greatness we didn’t yet recognize. For me, that teacher was Mrs. Johnson.
She had a rare gift, the ability to see beyond your current circumstances and speak directly to your purpose. In a world that often dismisses and overlooks young people, especially in vocational spaces, Mrs. Johnson made her classroom feel like a sanctuary.
She saw potential where others saw problems. She reminded us that excellence is not just about skill, but about how you carry yourself, how you treat people, and how deeply you believe in what God placed inside of you.
Even when we doubted ourselves, she never wavered. She stood in the gap for so many of us, praying, guiding, pushing, and loving us into our calling.
When she passed, I knew her story couldn’t end there. I couldn’t let her legacy be reduced to a memory. I wanted it to move. I wanted it to multiply. And after nearly half a decade of planning, with her son Angelo’s blessing the Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation (AJLF) was born.
AJLF was created to carry forward the values Mrs. Johnson lived by — Respect, Integrity, and Service, and to extend the same love, structure, and belief she gave so freely to a new generation of beauty professionals. We offer scholarships, workshops, business mentorship, and salon sponsorships, all tools that help aspiring cosmetologists not only get licensed, but thrive in business, in life, and in purpose.
This is more than an organization. It’s a movement of legacy-fueled love. It’s what happens when one life touches another… and that love keeps going.
If you’ve ever had someone believe in you before you believed in yourself, you understand why AJLF matters.
If you’re a student dreaming of the salon chair, the studio, or the beauty business you’ll one day build — this is for you.
If you’re a stylist, educator, or industry leader ready to give back, we need you.
Angela Johnson lit the path for so many of us.
Now we shine that light forward in her honor, and for every dream yet to come.
With gratitude and purpose,
EsiSonia Sotoglo
CEO, Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation
The Reach of the Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation
Empowerment in Action – The Mission and Reach of the Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation
The Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation was established to continue the work of a woman whose life was marked by relentless compassion, visionary leadership, and an unshakable belief in human potential. Today, that foundation serves as a powerful engine of change, reaching into communities to provide support, guidance, and opportunity where it’s needed most.
The foundation’s mission is rooted in three key pillars: education, empowerment, and equity. Through a combination of scholarships, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives, it aims to break cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement. The programs are carefully designed not only to provide temporary relief, but to cultivate long-term transformation.
One of the most celebrated aspects of the foundation is its work with young people. By investing in students through scholarships and leadership training, the foundation helps shape tomorrow’s leaders. Its mentoring network matches students with professionals who help them navigate both academic and career challenges, creating a ripple effect of mentorship that continues for years.
The foundation also serves aspiring entrepreneurs through its small business incubator initiatives. Angela Johnson herself was a business owner who knew the importance of economic independence. In her honor, the foundation offers grants, workshops, and business plan coaching to individuals who want to make a difference through enterprise.
Community events are another cornerstone of the foundation’s work. Whether hosting back-to-school drives, holiday giveaways, or neighborhood cleanups, these events are about more than giving—they’re about connecting. They foster unity, belonging, and shared purpose in a time when community ties are often frayed.
Angela Johnson’s name stands for something powerful. Through this foundation, her values are transformed into action. With every student supported, every entrepreneur empowered, and every neighborhood uplifted, her legacy grows stronger—proof that service and compassion are timeless engines for social good.
Angela Johnson – A Life of Charity and Service
Angela Johnson – A Life of Charity and Service to the Economy
Angela Johnson’s life story is a masterclass in selflessness, vision, and impact. Known for her humility and tenacity, Angela dedicated her life to uplifting others through acts of charity and strategic community engagement. Her legacy is not just reflected in the programs that bear her name, but in the thousands of lives she touched through direct action and systemic change.
Born and raised in a working-class neighborhood, Angela experienced firsthand the challenges of economic inequality. Rather than allowing these hardships to define her, she used them as motivation to help others. She believed that true success is measured not by personal wealth but by the positive impact one has on others.
Angela’s career spanned both the nonprofit and business sectors. As a small business owner, she championed local economic growth by hiring from within the community and providing training programs for marginalized individuals. She understood the connection between employment, dignity, and self-worth—and made it her mission to help others find economic stability.
Beyond her entrepreneurial efforts, Angela was deeply involved in philanthropic work. She volunteered at shelters, organized food drives, and mentored young women navigating academic and career paths. Her approach was always personal—taking time to understand individual stories and tailor support accordingly.
Her commitment to serving the economy was not just about charity—it was about empowerment. Angela believed in helping people help themselves. Whether through financial literacy seminars or helping start micro-businesses, she was passionate about creating sustainable change.
Angela’s passing was felt deeply across her community, but her vision lives on through the Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation. Her life continues to inspire a new generation of leaders who are committed to service, resilience, and inclusive economic development.
Building Stronger Communities – The Impact of the Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation
Building Stronger Communities – The Impact of the Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation
The Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation has emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment for countless individuals and communities. Founded in honor of the late Angela Johnson—a woman whose life was a testament to service, love, and unwavering commitment to community—the foundation continues her mission of uplifting others through education, mentorship, and economic empowerment.
At its core, the Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation focuses on addressing systemic barriers that limit access to education and career opportunities for underserved populations. Through scholarships, skill-building programs, and leadership development initiatives, the foundation equips youth and adults alike with the tools needed to thrive.
One of the foundation’s most impactful initiatives is its scholarship program, which has provided financial support to dozens of students pursuing degrees in various disciplines. By relieving the financial burden of tuition and related costs, the foundation ensures that motivated individuals are not held back by economic hardship. More than just a scholarship, the foundation offers mentorship opportunities, networking resources, and career guidance—fostering holistic growth.
The foundation’s community outreach programs also play a vital role in local development. From youth leadership workshops to economic literacy seminars and small business grants, the organization actively works to create sustainable solutions. Their “Legacy Leaders” program, for example, mentors young people in high school, preparing them to be changemakers in their neighborhoods.
The impact of the Angela Johnson Legacy Foundation extends far beyond individual success stories. It helps build stronger communities by promoting equity, opportunity, and civic responsibility. Through its partnerships with schools, local businesses, and nonprofits, the foundation has become a powerful force for collective progress.
Angela Johnson’s vision lives on through this dynamic and evolving organization—proving that one person’s compassion and drive can ignite lasting change.