Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My great-grandmother is my biggest inspiration for starting Charm School. Growing up, she always motivated me to write and treat others with kindness and grace. After her passing in 2013 and joining my high school speech team in 2014, I completely fell in love with the Speech and Debate industry. Charm. Consistency. Character. 3 values that I learned during my four years on the speech team and my 7 years as a coach. My inspiration are the hundreds of students I meet each year.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by remembering the 3 pillars I built my business around. I also stay motivated by remembering all the children that I do this for. Specifically, my autistic younger sister who I have guardianship over. I started this journey to give her a chance to grow as a person and teach her how to not be afraid of her own voice. Middle school speech is often underfunded and underrepresented in Black neighborhoods. This one fact keeps me motivated intensely. As I strive to elevate youth.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Charm School Forensics is in its first year as a National competitive program. As we’re based in Illinois and the 2026 Nationals Speech and Debate tournament is in Virginia. The $25,000 would go towards getting us to VA to compete. $25,000 would cover travel, lodging and tournament registration fees. This money will also give us a chance to invest in a permanent practice space that isn’t my living room. Charm School Forensics’ trajectory will be positively impacted.