Stories are incredibly powerful – their ability to teach, inspire, and create understanding is why we are so in love with storytelling. Most stories have a defining moment and so we’ve asked some of the most talented, insightful folks across a broad range of industries and markets to tell us about a defining moment in their story.

Jo Wallen

I love this question, and it’s something I always ask when talking to people. I enjoy hearing about their defining moments, and I think it resonates with me because I’ve had quite a few myself. What I find fascinating is that, at the time these moments occurred, I had no idea they would be so pivotal in shaping my career and mindset. The more I reflect, the more defining moments I recognize. Read more>>

Caitlin Bellinger

My biggest inspiration in life has always been my Grandfather. He was a literal rocket scientist and Director of Engineering for Lockheed Martin and was by far the smartest man I’ve ever known. Read more>>

Mare Tomaski

At around age 18 years old, while working at Sears and Roebuck as an Interior Decorator, I was diagnosed with chronic strep throat which was often accompanied by ear infections. Read more>>

Celia McIntosh

The defining moment in my professional career occurred in 2014 when I attended a Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking (RRCAHT) Awareness Event at Rochester General Hospital. Read more>>

Amarilys Rivera

In the middle of last year, I knew that I needed to take control of my life and my health, I didn’t feel well, the fatigue was exhausting, I didn’t feel like doing anything, my hormonal system was out of control, obesity, high cholesterol. Read more>>