Washington, DC ---Dr. Wanda J. Nelson's national goal is simple---to help women of color look good and feel good.

It is a mission of the historic National Beauty Culturists League (NBCL)), of which Dr. Nelson has been president since 1996. She is described as "an accomplished icon of the hair, skin, and nail care professions."

Founded in the spirit of Madam C. J. Walker, America's first self-made millionairess and pioneer of the beauty care industry, the National Beauty Culturits League (NBCL) was organized in Philadelphia in 1919. With a membership of over 10,000, the NBCL has focused on professional training and continuing education to help thousands of hair care specialists, beauticians and barbers develop skills to provide high quality services to millions of discriminating customers of color.

An important person to every woman is her beautician or hair stylist. There are women who will travel miles, from one city or state to another, to have that special hair dresser do magic to her hair to make her look and feel her best. Indeed, one of the most horrifying experiences for a woman is a "bad hair day".

Combating those "bad" experiences through beauty and hair care has been the life and work of Dr. Nelson. Her background is impressive. She received a Bachelors of Science degree from Ottawa University, graduated from the Madam C.J. Walker's Beauty School, earned an associate Doctorate from the National Institute of Cosmetology in Washington, D.C. In addition, she participated in numerous Cosmetology training courses, served as a cosmetology instructor, and attended Continuing Education Classes at the University of Missouri.

As president of NBCL, Dr. Nelson has doubled its membership, is introducing new technology to the profession and computerizing the organization. She has also increased national awareness of the public service work of the Association and maintains the historic mansion in Washington, D.C. that serves as the organization's headquarters.

Dr. Nelson explains that a major goal of NBCL is "to encourage the standardization of beauty practices, establish more scientific and approved methods of hair, scalp and skin treatment, nail care and hear weaving."

She is fully aware of the challenges facing the beauty culture industry, which include the lost of jobs in a depressed economy, the loss of the best instructors and minority manufacturers, and the increase of health concerns affecting African American women, such as improper eating, stress, and lack of recreation.

However, in response to these challenges, Dr. Nelson said, "We're bringing in a new technology team, spearheaded by John Searles of Silk2, to teach our members how to use the computer and access NBCL via the Internet. We're presenting Better Living and Health classes and more Salon Management and Budgeting courses to prepare our members to become more financially secure".

In conversation, Dr. Nelson is concise about the future outlook for the NBCL and for African American women in hair and beauty care. "We want to arrange affordable day spa treatment programs specifically designed to pamper women of color, to increase the selection of natural hair care products produced from organic sources, and provide easier access to hair care maintenance resources online."

As the daughter of a missionary mother and a Baptist minister father, Dr. Nelson is empowered by the strength of her faith. She is the mother of three and takes great pride in her three grandchildren.

Aside from her family, one her proudest professional moments occurred during a black-tie gala tribute to Madam C.J. Walker to benefit the United Negro College Fund that was held at the Madam C.J. Walker mansion in Irvington, New York. As a result of funds raised, she presented a $20,000 check to the United Negro College Fund.

Dr. Nelson, who operates in the tradition of activist leadership of previous presidents of NBCL, is a strong advocate and supporter of voter education and registration and encourages the involvement of local chapters in social and public services programs that benefit the African American community.

Her advice to African American women is this: find yourself a good salon with an NBCL member who is knowledgeable about hair care; keep your hair and body clean, and raise your children with proper hair care and grooming maintenance.

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