Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from love, loss, and responsibility to my community. After my sister was killed by gun violence, I founded Giving Others Dreams G.O.D.Inc. It was grief turned into action. As a mother, national policy advocate, & the only woman leading Chicago’s largest Community Violence intervention (CVI) group, I’m inspired by the people we serve. It is about transforming pain into purpose building healing-centered communities for the next generation. Healing is crime pr

How do you stay motivated?

My work is rooted in purpose, not just passion. I’m one of those rare individuals who doesn’t just talk about change—I became that change. I lead by example - if I give up on me, I give up on everyone! That responsibility fuels me to keep building solutions, creating opportunities, and turning hope into action every single day.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest the $25,000 as a down payment to secure a permanent home for our Transformation Healing & Economic Hub. After 25 years serving my community, I know real change happens when economic opportunity meets healing. This space will provide workforce development, entrepreneurship training, and healing through the arts, helping people rebuild their lives, awaken their gifts, and transform their passion to make generational wealth.