Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My main source of inspiration comes from those who manage to transform adversity into a force for the common good. In particular, I admire women like Oprah Winfrey and Melinda Gates, who have not only achieved extraordinary business success, but have used their platform and resources to create positive and sustainable change in their communities. True business impact, in my view, is the ability to give back to others.

How do you stay motivated?

My motivation comes from my deep belief that every step we take as entrepreneurs can create meaningful change. The stories of the people we have impacted keep me focused and energized. Every time I see a person gain the opportunity to access resources that were previously unavailable to them, I feel like we have done something really important.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Expand our platform Manah Foundation to provide technology and business skills training to youth and women entrepreneurs in underserved communities. I would form strategic alliances with local organizations to expand impact and develop sustainable products that promote a more environmentally responsible future. I seek to demonstrate that business can be a powerful tool for social and professional change in our city. We are already doing this with our own resources. I leave references.