Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in the childcare industry comes from my grandmother, Mary Ann Martin. Her love, strength, and dedication to our family and her community, inspired the foundation of Mary’s Little Lamb. Mary’s Little Lamb was created to empower families in the inner city. Our mission is to provide quality childcare to families in underserved and impoverished communities who need a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for their children.

How do you stay motivated?

My daily motivation is my Family. Growing up having very little witnessing my mother struggle to provide and maintain college, with two children and actually graduating, gave me a spark like no other, that I could literally achieve anything.I am a mother of two as well. However my husband and I are building generational wealth for our family as well as taking part in helping shape the lives of others families on a day to day basis which gives me all the fuel needed to keep going.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I am blessed to be the recipient of the $25,000 award, I would like to establish a foundation in honor of my very first grandson, Kartier Kassan, who tragically passed away from SIDS. This foundation will be created to bring awareness to SIDS and to support families who are experiencing the unimaginable pain of losing a child or loved one. Through Kartier’s legacy, we aim to provide funeral scholarships to assist families with unexpected burial expenses, as well as grief counseling.