Meet the 2024 Board
These are the visionaries who are dedicated to making the AAM
the absolute best resource for PMU professionals.
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Michelle Rukny
President & Executive Director
Michelle Rukny is a multi-certified, bi-lingual PMU artist and Trainer, determined individual, and a multi-potentialite with a lot of irons in the fire. As the owner of The Beaute Compound in Texas, Michelle brings her 8+ years of extensive experience and expertise to the table, specializing in all things PMU & PMU Trainings.
As a Licensed Esthetician in Texas, Michelle holds multiple certifications, including Microblading, Combination Brows & Ombré Brows, Permanent Eyeliner, Lip Blushing, Tattoo Removal, 3D Areola Tattoo, Scalp Micropigmentation, Stretch Mark / Scar Camouflage, and Advanced Paramedical Tattoo. Michelle is a true master of her craft, and her dedication to her clients’ satisfaction and success has earned her a reputation as a leader in the PMU industry. She is also the Executive Director for the American Academy Of Micropigmentation and has coordinated AAM PMU SUMMIT (virtual & live) as well as various other conferences, all over the United States. Michelle currently specializes in teaching Eyeliner Tattoo In-Person Trainings and executing the direction of the American Academy of Micropigmentation as Executive Director.
Leslie Huber-Yedlin
Treasurer / Secretary / Consultant
Leslie Huber-Yedlin is the Treasurer of the American Academy of Micropigmentation and Co-Author of the children’s educational book “Colors for Kids.”
After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of California, Berkeley with a double major in English and Communications, Leslie began her career in the corporate world. Her skills in Marketing Communications and Client Services Management has provided a range of experience from high tech start up companies to multi-million dollar automotive accounts spanning 20 years.
With a creative spirit and the desire to help others, Leslie changed the course of her corporate career by pursuing an education in permanent makeup. Having trained in various techniques for eyebrows, eyeliner and lips, Leslie is also certified in Microneedling and Fibroblast Skin Tightening procedures. She was also the Director of Operations from 2019 to 2022.
The ability to blend her artistic passion and business acumen together for her roles at the AAM has been her most amazing experience yet.
Matt Iulo
Member at Large
Matt Iulo has been an early pioneer in the Scalp Micropigmentation industry for over 13 years and to date has treated over 7,000 men and women with his SMP technique. He is the Founder and Lead Specialist at Scalp Micro USA, a national scalp micropigmentation service clinic, as well as the Co-Founder of Folicule, a leading purveyor of Scalp Micropigmentation products and pigments.
Because of his long treatment track record Matt has a vast understanding of how to properly create hairlines, color match pigment to hair follicles, and conceal hair transplant and cranial scarring. His results have been recognized around the world for being extremely natural and catered to each individual client.
Matt works with clients suffering from male pattern baldness, female hair thinning, hair transplant scarring, and alopecia. He has successfully opened up five scalp micropigmentation clinics in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, South Florida, and Houston. Matt has also trained over 500 successful students and artists in the field and is a routine speaker at Vegas PMU Conference, AAM Conference, PMU World, and international conferences.
Esther Yim
Member at Large / Korean Ambassador
Esther Yim is a board-certified Platinum Instructor for the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM) as well as a Trainer Member of SPCP. She is the founder of Hudson Beauty Bar, and has a second location, Feminink Beauty in New Jersey.
Esther is a dedicated international educator, focusing on hygiene, sanitation, and bloodborne pathogen training. As a certified bloodborne pathogen instructor and chairperson for the KPMA NYNJ, she emphasizes the importance of avoiding cross-contamination and maintaining high standards of cleanliness in the industry.
Esther conducts global seminars on hygiene education, sharing her expertise with artists worldwide to elevate the standards of practice in permanent makeup.
Her commitment to education and safety has established her as a leading figure in the field, where she continues to inspire and instruct others on the best practices for maintaining a safe and sanitary environment.
Jenny Lind
Member at Large
Jenny Lind is a permanent make up artist and trainer in the GA and NYC area. Her background as a professional makeup artist attracted her to venture into permanent make up artistry.
Jenny specializes in ombré brow techniques with a concentration with working on Melanated skin. She plans on continuing spearheading ideas to bring unity and levels of success to artist who are in or want to enter the PMU industry .
As founder of PMU Women of Color Conference, She believes that as the trends and techniques change within this amazing industry, providing a platform for up and coming artist is crucial to add value to the PMU community .
“Everyone has the right to be seen and heard, and I want to work to support the growth of this community. We are not only changing our clients or students lives , but in the process of becoming a better artist, we are changing our own ” – Jenny Lind
Kristina Melnicenco
Member at Large
Kristina Melnicenco began her career in Eastern Europe in 2009, quickly dedicating herself to refining natural permanent makeup (PMU) techniques. With a meticulous eye for detail, she has championed soft, natural-looking PMU applications, which have become her signature style, positioning her as a leader in the evolving PMU industry.
Over the years, Kristina’s extensive hands-on experience and global travels have enabled her to develop a unique perspective on beauty and PMU. She founded a renowned Global Academy, sharing her refined techniques and knowledge with thousands of students worldwide. Her Dallas-based, 5-Star Academy has become a premier destination for artists seeking to elevate their PMU skills, with Kristina’s students achieving remarkable results.
As a highly sought-after keynote speaker, Kristina inspires audiences globally, sharing her expertise with both seasoned artists and newcomers alike. A caring mentor, she has trained over 10,000 students and serves as a judge at prestigious events, including WULOP 2022, where her student won the eyeliner nomination. Kristina continues to make an impact in the PMU industry with her academy, teachings, and the annual Star Permanent Cosmetic Conference she founded.
Patricia Reed
Vice-Secretary
Patricia Reed is a Board-Certified Platinum Trainer through the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM), Master of PhiAcademy in three techniques, Licensed Esthetician, and the owner of GlamBrows Beauty Studio and Academy in Westfield, New Jersey.
With over eight years in the PMU industry, Patricia’s passion has driven her to train with the world’s leading academies, including the globally respected PhiAcademy, where she progressed from student to Master. She specializes in Microblading, Powder Brows, Hybrid Brows, Lips, and Eyeliner. Patricia recently won 1st place at WULOP USA Championship in Microblading.
Patricia’s mission is to empower and inspire others while elevating the standards of permanent makeup. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements is a priority, as she continually expands her knowledge through ongoing education. With over 30 certifications, Patricia considers herself a lifelong student.
In addition to her technical skills, Patricia brings over 20 years of corporate experience as a former Human Resources executive, enhancing her leadership, mentoring, and business acumen. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Patricia aspires to be a bridge for the Latino community, supporting people from all backgrounds in achieving independence through beauty entrepreneurship. Her dedication extends beyond her clients to her students, whom she mentors with a caring, client-centered approach, always focused on delivering the highest quality training and service.