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.
Christiana Otuyelu
Definitely. I’ve had moments where I was ready to jump into something just because it felt right in the moment — like new business ideas or even collabs. But I’ve learned that not every “yes” needs to be immediate. One time I almost rushed into expanding my lash services before I had the structure or even the client base to support it. Read more>>
Patti Ross
Yes. 😘 Read more>>
Watersdeep
Honestly, yeah. Growing up, I always wanted to be in a band and play music, even if it was at the smallest level. I told myself I’d be happy even if I only ever played open mic nights for the rest of my life. Read more>>
Christina Fraling
Along with my service😁, I would say my warmth, comforting hugs, empathy, compassion, honesty, and my welcoming smile😊. Read more>>
Jim Thornton
My honesty, sincerity, and unwavering commitment to making their event a success. I treat every event like it’s my own—because I genuinely care. That level of dedication is hard to replace. Read more>>
Toyin Alade
The meaning of my brand name “No Expectation”, I say that because agreed it can make you think “why wouldn’t I have any expectations” or “I would want to have goals to achieve” as most people would ask or say. Read more>>
Alysia Lee
Right now, my days are a whirlwind of activity, starting early and ending late. I spend most of my time working closely with my team at BCYF on process improvements and refining how we operate. It’s a lot of problem-solving and strategic thinking—from developing new grant programs to reflecting on our theories and approaches to making sure everything works together as a cohesive system. Read more>>
Nash Wanya-nya
It’s summer it’s hot trying to adapt with the heat and humidity in the kitchen, making several dishes at once, talking to clients making they enjoying the food. Read more>>
Alyssa Unowitz
In all honesty, I would have to say the relationship between myself and I. I have struggled for years with understanding who I truly am, what makes me happy, likes or dislikes, and so much more. Over the last year, I have worked extremely hard to find ways to love myself, feel comfortable being alone, and knowing that I am worthy. Read more>>
Jess Gill
In elementary school, I wrote a paper on Amelia Earhart for a class assignment. My parents got called in because the teacher didn’t believe I had written the entire thing myself. But I had! I just had an advanced vocabulary and understanding of narrative structure beyond my age group because I was an avid reader and frequent library patron. Read more>>
Val Schaefer
I will regret not pushing my art to its fullest potential and leaving behind a legacy that reflects the depth of my curiosity, discipline, and truth. My time on this earth is finite but within that time I have the opportunity to build something that lasts, something that speaks for me long after I am gone. Art is not just how I create. Read more>>
Tabitha Edghill
The cultural value I protect at all cost is respect ; for myself, for others, and for where I come from. I was raised to treat people with kindness, honor my roots, and carry myself with integrity no matter where I go. Respect shapes how I show up in the world, how I build connections, and how I represent my family and culture. Read more>>
Ally Ibach
I know some incredibly smart theatre people who just take themselves SO SERIOUSLY. Read more>>
Mrs. Janice Bryant-Baker
Yes, I am doing what I was born to do. I have always felt I was placed in the world to be a “light in the dark,” spreading warmth and kindness with a people-focused mentality. As a natural leader with a kind heart, this is simply part of who I am. Read more>>
Damain Teat
I met a participant about four years ago. He stated ‘ I cannot keep using and I need some help’. I had connected him to treatment about six times. During this time his mother kept coming by and asking for me to please help. I shard my experience with her and my mother that all we can do is pray. Read more>>
Ala Bama
Im Very Proud of Recently having An Opportunity To Be The Comedian Host Of The Apollo Comedy Club at The World Famous Apollo. It’s been something On My Bucket list All My Life and During My Comedy Journey is Something I Wanted To Achieve and It Felt So Great To Have Done It and It was An Enjoyable Time in My Career. Read more>>
Antonia ‘Toni’C Gates
I’m being called to help Families build generational wealth through Real Estate. As a licensed as a real estate agent in Maryland, District of Columbia and Virginia, I’m excited to help individuals and families buy, sell, invest in, or rent their dream homes. I was not afraid of doing this before, however, I was apprehensive about when to start doing so. Read more>>
Sahffi Lynne
It’s always an amazing feeling to get a compliment. One that I often hear is, ‘you have such an amazing voice!’ It makes me feel good to know that my voice uplifts those who hear it. However, I think many people would be surprised to learn that I didn’t start singing until I was around 24 years old. Read more>>
Trish Ferrari Orndorff
Helping others in the community. We are called to serve others and this season of life gives me the opportunity to volunteer in several areas. My passion this past year has become working with the special needs community through our ‘All Abilities’ Gym night with FCA(Fellowship of Christian Athletes) in Harford County. A time spent with ‘buddies’ in adaptive games and sports. Read more>>
Rachael Avara-Child
I recently welcomed my first child this past June, and she has truly been the greatest blessing. Every day feels incredibly rewarding as I watch her grow and discover new things. Becoming a mother has brought a whole new sense of joy and perspective to my life, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience this journey with her. Read more>>
Triana Akila
That I was genuine and generous. In fact, I hope that’s the story they tell about me even now, while I’m still here. I believe wholeheartedly in being your authentic self. People can only love the pieces of you that make it through the filter – don’t let it be counterfeit. Read more>>
Roxanne Ramsey
Heartbreak and recurring vaginal infections were a significant chapter in my life and journey. I believe that experience has fulfilled its purpose, and I’m now ready to release the emotions connected to it. Although I’ve grown a platform from it and I remain a dedicated advocate for feminine wellness and health, I have healed tremendously since facing those challenges. Read more>>
Demi Brown
They would say that i value spending time with family and striving to reach every goal that i have set for myself and my business. To be fulfilled with purpose, growth, and a peace of mind. Read more>>
jasmine lewis
God, family/friends, art, and food lol Read more>>
Boonie
For me, it’s energy—hands down. I believe energy is a form of currency. Everything runs on it. How we show up, how we engage with others, how we build. It all starts with energy. Read more>>
Katie Tyler
I feel most at peace at the very end of the day—when the house is quiet, everyone is asleep, and I know my family is safe and sound. Read more>>
Tiimy Reid
I feel the most at peace when 1. I create (I know haha corny): Seriously though when my world is crashing apart just give me a room full of supplies! I’ve also been working with others whose values align with mine causing me to feel more lighter. 2. Being in nature: Nature is fascinating most of my inspiration comes from nature. Read more>>
Donna Luke
My mentor… He was my biggest cheerleader and he believed in throwing a person into the pool to see if you sink or swim. He would say GO DO YOUR THING. He said fear is a power use it. Always find different way of looking at a problem, you never fail you just learn, Read more>>
Adrienne Carter
If I had to choose one person who saw me before I could fully see myself and the potential I carried, it would have to be my ‘SHERO’ my mother. She has always been by my side, constantly pushing me to reach my highest potential. Read more>>
Mark White
I didn’t learn business from books I learned it from my mom & my own experiences. Growing up, I watched her hustle with heart. Whether she was working a job, styling a clients hair, or just making sure the house ran right, she always moved with purpose and pride. She showed me that hard work isn’t about stress it’s about standards. Read more>>
Deborah Godfrey
I’d say both of my parents, as immigrants they demonstrated the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age, which deeply shaped my work ethic and drive for success. Read more>>
Dany Green
I was very impractical. I was an impractical dreamer. As a child, I would dream up fantastical homes, innovative, funky clothes, and plan extravagant party themes. As I entered my teenage years, my dreams slowly shrank down into ‘realistic’ boxes. I found a note that I wrote at 16 when I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do for a living. Read more>>
The Upside
Our most recent single release is a song called Obsession, and for us it had a very successful first few weeks. All 4 of us are proud of that song even just as a song. It’s very dynamic, and there are moments for each of us to stand out a little bit in the arrangement. Read more>>
Cynthia Weatherly
Yes. The ‘public version” of Cynthia Weatherly has been curated to represent my creative work, authenticity, ease in developing creativity, and my values, such as the ability to express myself with a unique style and a sense of writing. My marketing guidelines are explored in my book, “How She Does It,” where I explain branding concepts and develop authenticity through personal branding. Read more>>
Mookedout
I made alot of mistakes to get where I’m at today. And learned alot of lessons and I’m still not where I want to be.im still on this journey more things are happening now then they where yesterday.. Read more>>
Chris Jenkins
I would say, outside looking in, people may think that what we do is just show up and perform, at times. There is so much more to it, especially as an independent artist. We have to write the music from the ground up. Read more>>
Alexandra Russell
Living in NYC, time seems fleeting yet ever-impending, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day distractions. For me personally, it’s been super challenging to balance my social life and artistic projects, especially working in marketing and advertising where being chronically online is part of the job. Read more>>
Mrs. Melanin Reigns
A project I’m committed to, no matter how long it takes, is Melanin in Bloom. It’s not just about creating something beautiful, it’s about telling the truths that often go unspoken, especially around Black motherhood. Too often, our stories are silenced, our struggles are dismissed, and our beauty is overlooked. Read more>>
Jenn Banks
Before I fully believed in myself, my customers did. In the middle of the uncertainty and fear of COVID-19, when opening a shop seemed impossible, they saw something in me that I couldn’t quite see yet. They believed in my dream long before I had the confidence to chase it. They showed up — not just with words of encouragement, but with action. Read more>>
Kobe Morrison
I’m doing what I was born to do! From a very young age, I was blessed to know that I had a passion for wanting to perform and create! But during most of my youth, I was set on wanting to become an actor and singer. Read more>>
Selena Britton
My mornings are intentional and structured to set the pace for the day. I usually start with a 5:30 meditation to clear my head and begin with peace. From there, it’s coffee, emails, and reviewing my schedule before checking in with my assistant. By 9:00, I’m leading our staff meeting, and if it’s a Monday, we go right into marketing updates and new implementations. Read more>>
Brittany Veney
I think many people are secretly struggling with the quiet realization that they’re unfulfilled. On paper, their life looks “successful,” but behind the scenes, they feel stuck, undervalued, or misaligned with their true purpose. They don’t say it out loud because it feels risky to admit, especially when they’re the ones their family, friends, or colleagues look up to. Some are afraid of starting over. Read more>>
LuzCelenia Arce
I think a lot of people are struggling with loneliness. Not just being alone, but the aching sense of not truly being seen, safe or understood. Some are battling shame about their desires, bodies and/or identities. Others are carrying the quet grief of dreams they’ve buried because of life, trauma, or indoctrination told them they can’t have them. And honestly? Read more>>
Gabriella Symone Parker
I hope people will say that I created spaces where women felt seen, celebrated, and free to be themselves. That I used my voice and my platform not just to showcase beauty, but to shift what beauty means. I want my story to be one of legacy — that because of the work I poured into Ms. Read more>>
