Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

After 20 years in media and tech at companies like AOL and Red Bull Media House, I started a new chapter near 50 after what I call the “sunscreen dilemma”—struggling to find clean, effective SPF for my family. Inspired by leadership I saw under AOL CEO Tim Armstrong, I launched Meadow & Bark to create plant-powered skincare that helps people care for their skin while being kinder to the earth and the oceans.

How do you stay motivated?

My motivation comes from an insatiable curiosity about ingredients and how they can improve skin health. I’m driven by the science of formulation and the joy of creating products people genuinely love to use. Seeing happy customers and knowing we’re building something that’s good for both people and the planet fuels my constant pursuit of learning, innovation, and impact.

What would you do with the $25,000?

We would expand our reef-safe, certified non-toxic sunscreen line, bringing high-performance sun care to more people who live active outdoor lives. The funding would also scale education around skin health, longevity, and mindful sun protection. Our mission connects skincare and wellness while creating economic opportunity for women in underserved communities—lifting others as we grow.