We LOVE a good story, especially when it’s a heartwarming one. Below, you’ll hear some amazing stories from incredible business owners, practitioners, and creatives and artists.

One of the challenges we’ve seen to true equality of opportunity is that schools and books often can’t (or choose not) offer access to one of the most equalizing resources – first hand stories of how successful entrepreneurs made their ideas a reality. If you grew up in a family or community that had many successful entrepreneurs you may have been lucky to hear many conversations and stories about starting and executing on an idea, but there are millions of people across the country who haven’t had the same advantage and so our hope here is to create a space where those stories can be told in a more public forum for the benefit of any and every aspiring entrepreneur.

Raffi Bilek

I have worked with many couples over the course of my career. My approach is to take a neutral stance towards their relationship – that is, I am not there to tell them whether they should stay together or break up. I want to help them get the best outcome for them. I tend to bring humor into the therapy room with me, so I often phrase it like this: “I don’t get a toaster for every marriage I save.” Read More>>

Veronica Sampayo

It all started when I was an oncology nurse practitioner in a busy GI Oncology practice. I was mainly responsible for symptom management for patients undergoing chemotherapy. One day I was at the end of clinic and called by the treatment nurse, who informed me that one of our patients’ total bilirubin level was out of therapeutic range for treatment. I consulted with my managing oncologist, who asked that we hold treatment that day and order a scan to see what was causing the elevation. Read More>>

 Kate Thoene

Without naming names, “Mabel”, an 81-year-old faced abuse from her daughter who she lived with. After being thrown out of her home with her beloved dog, “Mabel” found refuge at New Life Center, where our trauma-informed approach ensured her and her dog received immediate care and support. Mabel was provided with safe housing, nutritious meals tailored to her dietary needs, and access to medical resources, while her dog also received essential supplies. Read More>>

Becca Schuetz

As a Child Life Specialist, I have the privilege of working alongside families during some of their most stressful and vulnerable moments. It’s a role that requires not only specialized skills but also deep empathy and the ability to guide families through difficult transitions. Each family sticks with me although one story that comes to mind is about a 10-year-old girl whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Read More>>

Chloe Haddad

The Dirty Girl Scouts: A Heartwarming Tale of Strength, Friendship, and Transformation
At the start of my fitness career, I was eager to make a meaningful impact, not just professionally but on the lives of others. That’s when I had an idea that would change everything: I offered free training to any woman who wanted to join my Tough Mudder team in 2013. Read More>>