Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Gardner Douglas
This question is so good that I don’t even have an answer. And that’s why I chose it. If I can’t answer it right away, maybe your readers can’t either—and maybe that’s the point. It forces us to stop and evaluate what really matters. A day, a month, or even a year feels easier to measure, but 10 years? Read more>>
Shareefah Al’Uqdah
Harrassing my kids. Worrying about them doing chores or being better students. I would just enjoy them. My mom died when I was in graduate school and knowing the permenant hole that comes when your mother dies, I would want them to experience joy with me. Read more>>
David Hercenberg
If I knew I only had ten years left to live, I wouldn’t change a thing. I already live with the belief that all I have is now, so I try to make the most of every day, every moment, as if it were my last. Read more>>
Kennedy Ringgold
Although this is something I am already work ping on , I would stop procrastinating, and let go of being a perfectionist. procrastination definitely gets the best of us at times. Read more>>
Erin Harrigan
My relationship with Jesus has most shaped how I see myself, and that didn’t start until I was 46! Read more>>
Mica Saunders
My relationship with my grandmother shaped so much of who I am. The love we had for each other inspired my passion for working with older adults, helping them stay independent well into their golden years. When my grandmother transitioned in 2020, I felt completely lost without her. But that summer, when the senior centers reopened, the happiness and warmth in my heart returned. Read more>>
Photogenic TheBrand
A relationship that help me the most to see myself, have to be the relationship that I share within myself, and God. Read more>>
Jennifer Doyle
I was blessed to be very close to my grandparents and have them in my life for a long time. My grandmother was always happy and upbeat. She taught me to find the good even in the dark times. My grandfather was an incredibly hard worker. He taught me about always doing your best. Read more>>
Jonvoana ‘Life Coach Von’ Evans
Right now, I’m learning from AI. I’ve always been a forever techy at heart, with a professional background rooted in technology, so it feels natural that I’d be curious about what AI could teach me. But it’s more than just code or algorithms. Read more>>
Bashan McLeod
Right now, I’m learning a lot from my peers and mentors in the wedding planning industry. I think people sometimes assume wedding coordinators/planners are immediately competitors, but the truth is; community beats competition every single time. I’ve been blessed to connect with some amazing planners through the Certified Wedding Planner (CWP) Society, which is the world’s largest network for wedding planners. Read more>>
Victoria Zelefsky
I’ve always been driven to grow my career and sharpen my skills because being mediocre has never felt like a viable option to me. For years, that meant taking classes, attending conferences, and saying “yes” to every professional opportunity that came my way, even if it wasn’t directly tied to my career goals. But recently, I’ve shifted my focus. Read more>>
Frank Ambrosino
Sharing my story with men especially, and others, about my years of abuse as a young preteen that culminated with my kidnapping and rape in another state. I feel is important for men in particular to know it’s ok, to talk about it. Read more>>
SYP Foundation
The ground work to keep SYP available to service the community for many years to come. There are a lot of behind the scenes steps that must be taken to keep us sustainable, and we put forth a lot of effort to keep our purpose going. Read more>>
Ashley Duverneau-Manley
When I was younger I used to truly believe I was going to become a medical doctor, practice medicine with Doctors Without Borders traveling the world and saving lives. A life long dream, that I honestly believed was for me until I completed my masters program at 24 years old! Read more>>
Di Ter Avest
The first 90 minutes of my day set the tone for everything that comes after. With the kids back in school, I’ve shifted my schedule a bit to create a smooth, intentional start that works for all of us. I wake up and start with my own small wins: making my bed and tidying my bedroom. Read more>>
Pete Douglas
The first thing I do is open my eyes. After that, I take my LiveGood supplements before I do ANYTHING else. Then, I take a long, hot shower to relax my muscles from my workout, the previous day. I get dressed and take my dog, Forrest, for a walk and feed him. After all of that, I just do whatever comes my way. Mostly, housework. Read more>>
Eddie Egesi
Well many people just start a business simply to make some money. But i understand that entrepreneurship is really about self-discovery and building a legacy—which i believe is far more important than a paycheck. On the entrepreneurship path, you learn what your strengths really are and what your weaknesses really are. You learn to be more honest with yourself. Read more>>
Winston Zhou
The single fear that has held me back the most has to be the fear of inviting myself into interactions. Part of this fear is cultural, part of it is general social anxiety, part of it is just some social vampire rules I’ve set upon myself. Read more>>
Misbah Awan
Some of my defining wounds have been around betrayal, trust, and emotional neglect—experiences that challenged my sense of safety and made you question the authenticity of those closest to me. I have also carried the weight of cultural and familial expectations, feeling pressure to live up to an image or role that didn’t always align with my inner truth. Read more>>
Lauren Turner
Over the past few years, I began to lose feeling in my legs. At first, I went to Patient First, hoping to get answers about what was happening to my body. The doctor told me the numbness was likely caused by my cannabis use. She scolded me and referenced a book she had written about the negative effects of cannabis. Read more>>
Kelli Redmond
I’m not sure I ever gave myself full permission, I just hit a point where I realized I was drowning. For a long time, I tried to keep it all together. But beneath the surface, I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and holding onto so much that was no longer serving me. Eventually, I let go, not because I wanted to, but because I had no choice. Read more>>
Phil Weiss
Since I work from a home office, I only have to go down a flight of stairs to get to work, so I don’t get to tap dance for long, but I definitely love the work I do. I’ve held a variety of different roles during my career—a CPA specializing in taxes, a writer and editor, an equity analyst, and now a financial advisor. Read more>>
Morgan Affayroux
Hell yes. I’m tap dancing to work all the time in this chapter of my career. There’s an electricity in knowing the work I do has a direct, tangible impact on families in one of the most transformative seasons of their lives. Read more>>
Latoya L. Frazier
Without question, I’ve always been willing to give my all—whether or not recognition follows. I believe that the true measure of service lies not in applause or accolades, but in the quiet impact it leaves behind. Whatever you do in life—for others, for your community—do it with purpose, not for praise. Read more>>
Tiffany Lady T
Recently, I was the Keynote Speaker at my alma mater Bowie State University’s Founders Day Convocation back in April. I thought I would be speaking in front of a few students but it turned out to be a whole auditorium with 3 balconies full of students, faculty and family members. Read more>>
Arit Emmanuela Etukudo
When I’m failing. That’s when I know I’m doing something right. Read more>>
Sonja Williams
If I laid all these things down joy love peace and grace would remain. My impact would remain. These are the things that would remain because those are the things that truly last in this world. Read more>>
Pear Marni
Probably my general creativity or my ability to hold a decent conversation. Both of those factors contribute towards great appointments with my clients although a good chat can slow me down some. I do think it’s important to get to know the person sitting in my chair at least a little lol. Read more>>
Sophia Tade
I believe our clients would miss the compassionate, wholehearted attention we give to everything that matters to them, and our unwavering care for their long-term well-being. They would miss the extra touches, in both good and challenging times; how we celebrate their milestones, cry with them in their struggles, and make space for their stories. Read more>>
Angela Soto
Yes, I would hire me—because I bring commitment, heart, and consistency to everything I do. In my business, I make sure operations run smoothly, always putting care and attention into every detail. As an educator, I show up 100%, making sure my students receive everything I have to give. Read more>>
Charles Rammelkamp
I get up around 6:00 AM, take pills and have a bit of fruit and some coffee, check my email and social media accounts. I do a little work — reading and writing, and then my wife and i do about 15-30 minutes of yoga and go for a walk. When we get back, we have lunch and take a nap. Read more>>
Anthony Weaver
One word: communication. It’s the foundation of every relationship, and it has the power to make or break them. You can agree to disagree on topics, but what matters most is being clear and honest. Communication lets you protect your peace by telling people what you need upfront instead of hiding it. Read more>>
Marissa Strang
I think content creation as a whole is really misunderstood, but especially in the travel space. From the outside, it can look like my job is just hopping on planes, taking pretty photos, and posting videos. And yes, that’s a part of it, but the reality is so much deeper – at the core, it’s several jobs in one. Read more>>
Cindy Cisneros
I think one common misunderstanding is that I only work with professional artists such as painters, performers, and writers who are fully immersed in their creative careers. While I do support professionals, my work is really about serving the full spectrum of creative people, from hobbyists to those making their living through art. Creativity exists on every level, and it is vital at every stage. Read more>>
Emily Marella
As a woman whose life is only beginning, I have hopes and goals for what my legacy will be. Building Mother Gooses Craft Room has been an early step in a lifetime of creative expression and the freedom to tell the truth. Read more>>
Chef Bia
“Unstable” because I change my mind but really, I’m evolving. I outgrow boxes monthly. I pivot because my spirit moves, not because I’m lost. That’s intuition in motion, not instability. “Selfish” for choosing yourself, yet choosing myself is spiritual hygiene. I’ve poured into people with holes in their cup and called it love. Now it’s my turn. And that isn’t selfish, it’s sacred. Read more>>
Gia Huynh
An important truth I believe is that failure is not the opposite of success — it’s part of it. Most people try to avoid failure at all costs, but I see it as the path that teaches you the lessons success never could. Read more>>
Keith Montgomery
My days begin at 5am, not because I have to, but because I’ve learned that starting with intention sets the tone for everything that follows. Those early morning hours are sacred to me – I spend time reading the Word, letting Scripture breathe life into my spirit before the world demands my attention. Read more>>
Nate Lucas
Spending more time with my grandparents before their passing. They all had lots of knowledge and wisdom I’m sure I missed out on. Now they are gone and there is lots I cannot ask. Read more>>
Donna Leigh Wecker
I have just one tattoo that was inspired by the Blackpool Pro-Am Ballroom competition won in 2018. In international style ballroom I take my partners hand with my right and stretch my left arm until we are joined in position. Then I rest my left arm on my partners bicep. Read more>>
Anehru E Hamadu
A cultural value we protect at all costs is staying true to our purpose. For us, it’s never just been about making money, it’s about doing things for the right reasons. We prioritize relationships over profit and always stay rooted in giving back to our TB community, especially the youth. That means showing up, mentoring, and creating opportunities for others to grow with us. Read more>>
Raymond J. Spence
Your path is unique. Getting advice from everyone about how you walk your path isn’t going to get you closer to your desired finish line. Even your most trusted advisors are flawed and offering their data that may not always align with the path that you are walking. Now make no mistake, everyone’s path ends at some point, thats just life. Read more>>
Jean Burgess
As an author, my “customers” are readers, and they amaze me with every interaction. Whether I interact with my readers via a book club visit, social media exchanges, or over a table display at an author showcase, I garner fabulous feedback from them about their reading likes and dislikes. Read more>>
SAMPADA RAWAT
They say perfection is the enemy of good, and in photography, it truly is. When I first got my DSLR, I believed it would transform my work. Sure, it improved the quality of pixels, but not the quality of perspective. That part had to come from within- through observation, curiosity, and practice. For the longest time, I waited for the “perfect” shot before sharing anything. Read more>>
Katelyn Bell
I rely on the collective wisdom and diverse perspectives of our rescue board members. Each person brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and insights to the table every day, and it’s that variety of expertise that strengthens our decision-making and deepens our impact. Whether it’s veterinary knowledge, logistical planning, behavioral insights, or community outreach, their ideas shape the way we operate and evolve. Read more>>
Brachey Johnson
The ideas I rely on most that aren’t my own come first from God’s Word, it is the foundation for how I live, lead, and make decisions. Relying on God’s timing is not always easy, but I have learned that even when I do not get it right, I can surrender my challenges to Him and trust that He will order my steps. Read more>>
SHARON MOORE
If I were an outsider considering a hire, I would definitely choose A Vision from Shaye. One of the biggest compliments we receive from our clients is our attentiveness to their guests during events, as well as our exceptional customer service. We truly listen to what our clients want for their events. Read more>>
