Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration is my grandmother, Agnes, whose love for children shaped the heart of this work. Working in the field, I saw systems failing families without real change. Frustrated, I went to study the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals in Costa Rica. I learned that community-based care is not only possible, but powerful. That inspired me to build Agnes Youth and Family Center, where early education and family support work together to create lasting, community-driven impact.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated because I'm passionate about this work; it's not just a goal, it is my purpose. Believing in the mission, seeing the impact in the community, and watching families feel supported keep me going. The connections, mentors, and supporters I have met along the way continue to fuel my vision and keep that fire in me burning strong, even through challenges.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would invest in growth by splitting one of our classrooms to expand program capacity. This improvement would allow us to serve more children and families while increasing earned income by an estimated 25%. That added revenue would strengthen our sustainability, help us continue meeting community needs, and position the organization for long-term impact and responsible growth.