Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from the women I serve every day at The House of Mary—women who have faced incarceration, loss, and hardship, yet still choose to rise and rebuild their lives. I see their strength up close. I hear their stories. And it reminds me why I do this work. For me, business isn’t just about success—it’s about creating second chances, restoring dignity, and proving that no one is beyond redemption. Their resilience is my why.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by the lives I see changing every day. The women we serve at The House of Mary remind me what resilience looks like. Even on hard days, I know this work is bigger than me. I’m driven by purpose, impact, and the responsibility to create real opportunities for others to rebuild, grow, and succeed.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would invest the $25,000 into expanding supportive housing and wraparound services at The House of Mary. Funds would help furnish units, provide essentials for new residents, and strengthen programs like job readiness, transportation, and mental health support. This investment would directly increase the number of women we can serve and accelerate their path to stability, independence, and long-term success.