Team Members
Behind Beyond the Chair is a diverse team of beauty professionals, scholars, and industry enthusiasts committed to strengthening the future of beauty work. We believe that a more sustainable and equitable industry is possible when education, leadership, and collective capacity are taken seriously.
Margaret
Margaret Ferguson is the Founder and Executive Director of Beyond the Chair.
A former hairstylist and educator, she now focuses on research, organizing, and nonprofit leadership aimed at strengthening the beauty and grooming workforce. Margaret is currently pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University’s O’Neill School, concentrating on nonprofit management and community and economic development, while building new pathways for industry education, leadership, and collaboration.
Jantina
Jantina Anderson is an HR specialist and Ph.D. candidate based in Indianapolis whose work focuses on workplace equity and organizational leadership. A dedicated natural hair advocate, she is passionate about advancing education and cultural awareness around natural hair. As Secretary of Beyond the Chair, Jantina supports the organization’s governance and mission to strengthen the beauty workforce.
Jantina
Olive
Olive is a hairstylist, musician, and community organizer from Nashville, TN. They are the Director of Mayday Salon Coop, the first worker-owned salon cooperative in the country, and the Co-Director of Drkmttr Collective, an all-ages music venue and organizing space in East Nashville. Olive brings insight shaped by years of grassroots work to Beyond the Chair, matched only by their dedication to a feminist worker-led future.
Joann
Joann Hunter brings more than 20 years of experience working with nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations. As an educator, advocate, and engagement leader, she focuses on building welcoming spaces where people can connect and collaborate. At Beyond the Chair, Joann supports outreach and community engagement aligned with the organization’s mission and values.
Chad
Chad Parkinson is a graphic designer and adjunct instructor at the Indiana University Media School with over 15 years of experience. As a designer with a visual impairment, he is passionate about accessibility and inclusive communication. Chad brings his design expertise and disability advocacy to Beyond the Chair while also serving on IU’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.
Emily
Emily is a former hairstylist turned graphic designer who brings industry experience and creative strategy to Beyond the Chair. After seven years behind the chair, she earned a degree in Communication Design from Massachusetts College of Art & Design. Emily supports the organization’s visual storytelling while still keeping a connection to salon life as a part-time coordinator.
Chad Parkinson is a graphic designer and adjunct instructor at the Indiana University Media School with over 15 years of experience. As a designer with a visual impairment, he is passionate about accessibility and inclusive communication. Chad brings his design expertise and disability advocacy to Beyond the Chair while also serving on IU’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.