Nevada cosmetology board allows incarcerated woman to retake licensing exams

The Nevada State Board of Cosmetology on March 10 voted to approve a petition from Brenda Stokes Wilson to apply to retake cosmetology licensing examinations while incarcerated at Florence McClure Women's Correctional Facility.

Board staff said the petition was brought before the full board because of the felony on Ms. Stokes Wilson’s record and the statutory review process. Executive Director Steve McDonald told the board he had neither approved nor denied the submission and had placed it for board deliberation "because of the nature of the felony." The board heard from the petitioner, program staff and then deliberated.

Ms. Stokes Wilson told the board she wanted to participate in the New Path cosmetology program at the facility and "give back to the community, to assist inmates here" and that the program had been "profound" and "absolutely awesome." Director Bremo (staff) described recent graduates of the program who had gone on to obtain licensure and work after release.

Board members asked procedural questions about the application. Staff clarified the petition was to retake the examinations — not to request additional schooling — and that Ms. Stokes Wilson’s license had been expired since February 2009. After brief discussion, Board Member Douglas moved to approve the petition; Board Member Harris seconded. The board chair called for the vote and the motion carried with affirmative votes recorded.

Board staff told Ms. Stokes Wilson they would follow up with her and with New Path staff about next steps for scheduling and application paperwork.

Action recorded: the board approved the petitioner’s request to submit an application to retake the cosmetology examinations. The item was procedural under the board’s felony-review process; no additional disciplinary sanction was imposed as part of this decision.

Ms. Stokes Wilson concluded by thanking the board; staff and board members offered their best wishes.