Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I founded my non-profit Carrie Mae's Legacy, an organization dedicated to providing better support and resources to youth in foster care, in honor of my late great grandmother Carrie Mae White. She was a woman of faith and wisdom. She found her passion being a foster parent and would eventually adopt a few. My great grandmother helped my mother raise me while she continued to get her degree. She was my driving force, my prayer warrior, and my biggest cheerleader.

How do you stay motivated?

Hailing from Paterson, New Jersey, where opportunities for positivity are limited, I am driven to create a better life for myself, my family, and my community. I come from generations of strong women who selflessly put their dreams on hold so I could pursue mine. Their sacrifices inspire me daily, and I carry a deep sense of responsibility to honor their legacy by making every moment of my journey meaningful, impactful, and dedicated to creating lasting change.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Children in foster care are among the most unrepresented and unprotected groups in America. My organization, Carrie Mae’s Legacy, seeks to address this disparity by creating financially stable chapters at colleges and universities, empowering students to support foster youth. With funding, we would develop impactful programs and service initiatives aimed at providing resources, mentorship, and advocacy. Our mission is to challenge and improve the broken foster care system.