Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in business comes from my family—and a moment of humanity that impacted me online at a Starbucks drive-thru shortly after 9/11. In a time of uncertainty, compassion and resilience reminded me how powerful kindness can be. That moment helped inspire the With Purpose Foundation—to turn those values into action, creating opportunity, hope, and stronger communities one ripple of kindness at a time. Pay it forward.

How do you stay motivated?

Living. Loving. Creating memories with my family. As someone fighting cancer, every day is a gift and a chance to turn pain into purpose. Helping others fuels me—because kindness heals more than just the heart. Science shows acts of good release oxytocin, strengthening health and immunity. For me, serving others isn’t just meaningful—it’s medicine. Turning adversity into impact keeps me moving forward.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Every dollar would go directly into the With Purpose Foundation, a New York–based 501(c)(3) turning kindness into real impact. Greater awareness means greater reach—more support, more acts of kindness, and more lives touched. I never expected this path, but when life knocks you down, what matters most is how you rise. With your vote, we can turn one opportunity into thousands of ripples of good.