Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My grandmother, Berta Dean Hawley, was my first example of entrepreneurship. She sold cakes and crocheted while working in radiology at Duke—one of the few Black women in that field at the time. Watching her build independence, grit, and dignity through her work shaped me. Years later, entering financial services, I saw how many communities were missing from wealth conversations. That realization sparked my mission to help people build financial teams to define their own wealth.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by constantly challenging myself. Running marathons reminds me that growth happens when you push beyond what feels comfortable. You never know what you’re capable of until you take the risk and try, and each step builds confidence. That mindset carries into building a startup. I’m also motivated by pouring into others—knowing every space I enter brings the responsibility and opportunity to bring others along with me.

What would you do with the $25,000?

This support would help us continue building critical infrastructure that expands access to coordinated financial teams for people often left out of wealth conversations. Building a startup while raising capital requires resilience and the ability to operate lean. It would strengthen our brand, advance our technology, and accelerate the launch of our financial accelerator, while supporting expansion into new markets.