Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration has to be my mother. She has stood by me and supported my pursuits over the years through the ups and downs. She was responsible for raising two amazing young men when she had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and kept striving at a time when the survival rate was slim to none. She has been my inspiration to give back, just as she gave even while fighting for her life. If I were up against the heavyweight of the world tomorrow, I wouldn’t want anyone else in my co

How do you stay motivated?

I still have more to prove. That belief runs deep in me. I know motivation matters, but it isn’t always easy to feel it every day. When it fades, I think about the people I love and the responsibility I have to support them. I also remember the voices that once said I wouldn’t become anything. My drive comes from believing I will figure things out and never quit. Most of all, I want to give back to the people and the world that sacrificed so much to give me opportunities.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would divide the $25,000 into three parts. First, I would reinvest part into my business so it can continue creating tools and opportunities that help others move forward. Second, I would use part to help my mother receive treatment to ease the long-term effects of radiation from chemotherapy so she can live with less pain. Finally, I would donate the remaining portion to organizations that support people facing illness, learning challenges, or barriers that prevent them from pursuing dreams.