Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

Every “underdog” that was once overlooked for the vision only they could understand and execute. In any unconventional field, we’re told to fit a certain mold in order for the path to success to make the best sense. I’m greatly inspired by those with a passion who pursued their goals without the need for understanding.

How do you stay motivated?

Remembering that my ambition, representation, and love for the arts are larger than my imposter syndrome. Representing Baltimore wherever I go, as a young Black woman often found alone in the rooms I enter, drive me onward. I want to continue building the "Destiny Arlette" brand, walking into greater opportunities and pushing the bounds of performance work beyond the stage. This, while engaging my community and bringing other dancers with me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I plan to continue building projects in dance photography and film to advance my dance work in the DMV area, create opportunity to pay dancers and other creatives well for their visionary talents, and establish grant funding and a project program to create a space (and reward) local POC youth finding their artistic path despite the odds. I’m tired of artists having to rely on free exposure for their work to be considered. I want to be invested in to invest in others.