Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in business comes from young people and the power of our voices. As the founder of G.L.O.W. Growing Literacy & Opening Worlds, I am inspired by the idea that every young person has a story worth telling. Sometimes all we need is encouragement, resources, and someone who believes in their potential. I have always believed that literacy is more than just reading and writing. Literacy opens doors to imagination, confidence, creativity, and growth.

How do you stay motivated?

I know that the work is bigger than me, it’s about creating opportunities for young people to discover their voice and believe in their potential. Whenever I see a young person become excited about writing, sharing their ideas, or realizing their story matters, it reminds me why I started. Those vvmoments of growth and confidence are powerful, and they push me to keep going even when things get challenging.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would launch a GLOW Youth Foundation to expand literacy and exposure opportunities for underserved youth and youth from single-parent households. Funding would support a mobile literacy program bringing books and writing workshops to communities, a virtual learning environment for mentorship and publishing, and scholarship and travel opportunities that allow youth to explore the world, broaden their perspectives, and grow as leaders and authors.