At Miami Barber Institute, we believe that leadership in education doesn’t stop at our classrooms—it extends across borders and communities. This June, our President and Co-Founder, Luis Castillo, proudly represented MBI as part of an international accreditation review at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), organized by the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

The five-day visit, held from June 16 to June 20, 2025, brought together educators and administrators from institutions across the United States. Their shared mission: to evaluate BTVI’s programs, infrastructure, student support services, and overall institutional quality as part of COE’s reaffirmation process.

Luis Castillo, serving as a peer evaluator and representing MBI, was assigned to review Institutional Infrastructure, with a special focus on hands-on learning spaces and technical programs in barbering, esthetics, and related personal services.

“Participating in this review was an opportunity to share best practices, gain new insights, and strengthen our role as a leader in technical education,” said Castillo.

The COE visiting team included professionals from the Utah System of Higher Education, Beaver Beauty Academy, Hollywood Career Institute, Chester Career College, and other accredited institutions nationwide.

For us at MBI, this experience highlights not just our local impact, but our contribution to global efforts that advance workforce education. As demand for skilled trades continues to grow both nationally and internationally, we remain committed to delivering programs that prepare students for success—in Miami and beyond.

The photos and images selected for this blog post will showcase the spirit, teamwork, and professionalism of the entire visiting delegation.