Who or what is your inspiration in business?

Inspired by my grandmother, who raised me & my brothers when my 13-year-old mother, a wife and victim of domestic violence, struggled. Born premature from that trauma, I found strength in my grandmother’s love & support. Graduating at 16, I came to NYC determined to empower others. Now, as CEO of Coaxum Connects, I build bridges for underserved communities, fostering opportunities and resilience. My mission is to inspire hope, break cycles, and create safe spaces for others.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by embracing my purpose to empower and encourage others, knowing I am destined to make an impact. As CEO of Coaxum Connects, host of The Coaxum Report TV show, and author of This I Plan and Peaceful Pondering, I ground myself in gratitude, faith, and intentional action. Strategic planning and reflection help me turn challenges into opportunities. The lives I’ve touched and doors I’ve opened fuel my passion to uplift communities and drive equity and innovation.

What would you do with the $25,000?

$25,000 would enable me to streamline minority certifications, hire an assistant, enhance small business resources, and fund equity-driven projects. It would support the marketing of my books, This I Plan and Peaceful Pondering, while empowering me to lead workshops and deliver talks that inspire growth and empowerment. Additionally, it would allow me to partner with industry leaders to demystify AI, helping small businesses work smarter and more efficiently.