We’ve always tried to ask the questions that matter but that are too awkward for people to ask their friends, family and coworkers without seeming dramatic. One of those questions is about mission and purpose – when’s the last time you asked a friend what their mission was? Too often we don’t talk about our own missions and don’t ask those close to us about theirs with the result being that our missions remain secret. Are you just a doctor or are you a doctor who wants to be there for patients in the way you wished your father’s doctor had been? People have incredible and meaningful missions, and we hope our conversations asking folks about their mission can inspire more such conversations in your life.

Adia Nuno

KickStart Country exists to empower, encourage, and enrich lives through dance, and this mission is deeply personal to me. Dance has been a transformative force in my own life—helping me heal, grow, and find confidence during some of my lowest moments. In 2018, I was struggling with depression, and country dancing became more than just movement; it was my lifeline. It connected me with a supportive community, gave me purpose, and ultimately led me to a place of joy and fulfillment. Read more>>

Daniel Day Zuko

We’re committed to the growth of emerging artists, musicians and bands… that’s our mission. We feel like local and regional indie music/artists are the heartbeat of all music communities. It needs to always be nurtured and cultivated so new and exciting art is constantly being pushed forward. When we initially started Moredopemusic, a huge part of our goal was to re-ignite and fill the void that used to be artist development. Read more>>

Catherine Rhodes

As a photographer my mission has always been to capture the moments so they can live on in photographs. And that is still part of my mission in photography, but in 2024 I launched 30 Over 30, a project focused on empowering women.

The heart of my 30 Over 30 project is celebrating women—who they are, what they’ve accomplished, and the beauty of their journey. As a female entrepreneur and a mom of two, I know how easy it is to get lost in motherhood and forget the incredible things we achieve outside of that role. This project is my way of honoring women from all walks of life, reminding them of their strength, resilience, and individuality. It’s about giving them a moment to step into the spotlight, feel truly seen, and celebrate themselves in a way they may not have in years. Read more>>

Ed Freedman

Years ago, I attended a conference organized by the Milken Institute. One talk in particular left a strong impression on me—Milken himself explained that his office has two floors full of people who focused on making money, and three floors to give that money away.

That showed me that making money and being a good member of society aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they feed each other. Ultimately, the point of making money isn’t to keep it for yourself, but to use it to strengthen the community around you. Read more>>

Deborah France

Deborah France Ministries came to life after I saw the need for ALL people to have a safe space to process their stories and seek guidance in their struggles. I worked in a church for many years, and people were often uncomfortable being real with what they were facing. In a world where so much feels unsafe, my goal and my heart is to create a safe, encouraging environment to promote hope. My heart is to help people find a way forward through their struggles no matter what they are up against. I have personally, gone through some horrific circumstances. I have been in situations that I believed could never happen to me and I had to find a way forward with nowhere to turn. Read more>>

Mike Balaban

My mission is to live an openly gay life, serve as an example to others, and use my visibility and platforms to encourage others to do the same. Together, we will build a stronger and more unified LGBTQ+ community.

I grew up in the US when it wasn’t possible to be open about my alternative sexual orientation. Even after coming out as gay to close family and friends in the late 1970s, I still had to be totally closeted in my career on Wall Street until 1999. Since then, I’ve strived to be my true self wherever I go. Now that I have a multi-channel platform with 50,000 engaged followers globally, I affirm the message that being queer is natural and wonderful, even if many still can’t be open about themselves in hostile environments. Read more>>

Charlotte Diefenbach

My mission is to help people feel healthier and more fulfilled, strengthening their sense of connection and self-awareness. I teach people how to take small, manageable steps to improve their physical and mental health through lifestyle, nutrition, and herbs. When people are healthier and happier, they are able to make more of a positive impact on their community. When people feel better, they do better. Now, more than ever, our world needs people who are prioritizing healing not just for themselves, but for our planet. Read More>>

Sherry Cothran

Before I founded Beloved Woman, a nonprofit that helps women create a pathway to a living wage through entrepreneurship, I had entrepreneurial experience that spanned two decades in a couple of different fields. First, I had worked in the music industry as a publisher and recording artist and also become an ordained United Methodist minister. With a heart to help the underserved find pathways to thriving, I worked with communities who struggled to make ends meet. In seminary at Vanderbilt Divinity, I came to know the Nobel Prize winning work of Muhammad Yunus who founded Grameen Bank, a global microlending organization to help financially disadvantaged populations create small businesses and economic mobility. Read more>>

Arizbeth Rico

At Mix and Mingle Miami, our mission is to bring people together through the art of mixology, creating unique and sophisticated experiences. This mission is deeply personal to me because I’ve always loved spending time with friends and family in meaningful ways—sharing laughter, creating memories, and bonding beyond the usual get-togethers. Read more>>

Raylene Espitia

My mission isn’t just a statement—it’s a reflection of my own journey and the challenges I’ve seen so many people face. I work with busy professionals, people who are dedicated to their careers but often put their own health and well-being on the back burner. I know what it’s like to feel pulled in a million directions, to want to prioritize fitness and nutrition but struggle to find the time or mental energy to do so. Read more>>

Gram Siegert

For over a decade, I dedicated myself to mastering the craft of painting, working my way up through the ranks at Sherwin-Williams. I didn’t just learn how to paint—I learned the science behind coatings, the chemistry of products, and the techniques that separate a good job from a flawless one. Through years of hands-on experience and working with contractors, homeowners, and business owners, I developed a deep understanding of what makes a professional paint job stand the test of time. Read more>>

Carter Viss

On Thanksgiving Day 2019, while snorkeling on the Breaker’s Reef in Palm Beach, Florida, Carter Viss was struck by a 36 foot Yellowfin with triple engines. He lost his right arm on impact, both of his legs were severely lacerated and his left wrist was badly broken. Carter took all of the correct safety precautions that day while snorkeling. He was snorkeling with a divers down flag and had a diving buddy with him. Despite having a divers down flag in the water, he was still struck by the boat because the driver of the boat did not see the dive flag. After making a full recovery, Carter founded the Carter Viss Foundation in 2023. Read more>>

Julia Howe

Being a teen girl triathlete is a huge part of who I am, and this community is one of the most incredible, supportive, and inspiring groups I’ve ever been part of. But I’ve also seen so many friends and teammates push their bodies way past their limits, skipping meals, losing their periods, and obsessing over their weight, all to get better, faster, stronger. Read more>>

Murphey Iradukunda

I love to read and I found a way to connect with readers through a niche market. Book-inspired candles! Like many people, I fell in love with reading when I met Edward Cullen in Forks, Washington. I fell back into love with reading when I met Tamlin in the spring court.
Readers are the best community. They support each other. They escape into new worlds and invite you along for the ride. Read more>>

Jessica Kjeldsen

Feral Attuned is about coming home to yourself—the version of you that moves without hesitation, that trusts the pull, that feels deeply attuned to something bigger than words.

It’s not about learning something new; it’s about remembering. Remembering how your body speaks before your mind overanalyzes. How movement can be a release, a revelation, a way back to yourself. Read more>>

Kelly Johnson

The Arts & Business Alliance of Eugene (ABAE) exists to drive investment to preserve and enhance Eugene’s creative and cultural vibrancy. As a nonprofit arts services agency, we are dedicated to arts advocacy and advancement, ensuring that Eugene’s incredible arts ecosystem continues to thrive.

The arts in Eugene do more than just entertain—they fuel our economy, bring joy, inspire social change, foster community cohesion, and enhance both physical and mental well-being. But this vibrant ecosystem didn’t emerge overnight. It has been built over decades through strategic investments, dedication, and passion. Read more>>

Melanie Lahood

At Bloom Beauty Room my mission is to guide each client on a journey of self-love and self-discovery. I strive to create a space where every person feels pampered, cared for, and truly seen-whether that means leaving feeling beautiful, refreshed, or simply nurtured. Read more>>

Charlotte Ketelaar

Fundraising is broken for both founders and investors. Founders waste months chasing investors who are not the right fit, while investors get flooded with cold emails from startups that do not match their investment focus. After more than a decade in investment banking and venture capital, raising over $400 million for startups, I saw this problem up close. The best companies do not always get funded. Often, the most connected ones do. Read more>>

Chelsea Baez

While the brand LaProfeBaez is relatively new, I have been a world language educator for adults and high school students for 12 years. I was never interested in being an educator. I always believed I was way too impatient to teach. Then, in 2012, I was introduced to someone who eventually became a good friend of mine. She didn’t speak English, yet she wanted to learn English so that she could take and pass the GED exam in English. That year, I became a tutor with a GED program for Spanish-speaking adults in Murfreesboro, TN. Through that program, I met so many Spanish-speakers who had a desire to learn English as a means of presenting opportunities for better paying jobs and overall community involvement. Read more>>

Sara Christie

I’m Sara, the founder of BYSARACHRISTIE, established in 2020 from my desire for freedom as both a working mother and designer. With over 20 years in high-street fashion, I chose to step away to create something intentional. The Black Lives Matter movement ignited my passion to forge my own path. More than fashion, my brand embodies authenticity, representation, and empowerment. Honoring my ancestors, I weave my story and values into every stitch. I design timeless, high-quality accessories that simplify and elevate. Read more>>

Sayany Ortega

In a world where relationships shape our personal and emotional well-being, the need for guidance and understanding has never been more crucial. My name is Sayany Ortega, and my journey into entrepreneurship and relationship coaching began with a profound personal realization: I wish I had someone like myself when I was in my 20s to help me navigate the complexities of dating, relationships, and healing from trauma. Read more>>

Michelle Katz

I first began painting in 2020, which, in many ways, marked a major shift in my life. Like so many people, the onset of the pandemic caused a huge disruption to my career. I had been working as a film and TV producer for years, but suddenly, I was faced with the reality of not being able to work anymore. It was a challenging time, but it also forced me to pause, to reevaluate what really mattered, and to explore new avenues for expression and healing. Read more>>

Kate Lingoni

BonBon Strategic wasn’t built from a textbook business plan—it came from real frustration. I saw too many brilliant business owners stuck in the weeds, drowning in day-to-day tasks, and unable to step into the role they were meant to play: leading their company forward. That’s where we come in.

Our “mission,” if you want to call it that, is simple: to untangle the operational mess so business owners can focus on strategy, growth, and—frankly—having a life outside of work. Because what’s the point of building a successful business if you’re too buried in it to enjoy the success? Read more>>

Nicole Outlaw

I’m on a mission to create real change in a region that has long been overlooked and under-resourced—because its potential deserves to be recognized. In rural Bertie County, we are the fourth most distressed county out of 100 in North Carolina. 24.3% of residents are below the federal poverty rate. Often, our access to consistent, quality resources are minimal. Our community relies heavenly on grant-funded programs provided by external agencies who support economic development; those of which may be limited in scope and with time restrictions. As an advocate for small businesses, it was my desire to design a program that would support local entrepreneurs in an impactful way. Read more>>

Ben Livermore

As a musician, I think about the output of the music but also the process itself – both being equally important parts of the greater creative process. Fundamentally, I endeavor to make the best art I can, serving the audience in a way that can hopefully spark emotion, uplift and inspire.

My work to date often centers around themes of upliftment and connection, grounded in relatability whilst also allowing the listener to develop their own relationship with the art. Creating helps me be more centered – there is a clarity and purpose I find when the work flows. Read more>>

Meghann Lawrence

I have been in the Health & Wellness industry since 1999, starting as a massage therapist, later becoming a partner in a multi-location spa and product company, and now running my own business with a clear strategy and vision. My journey has been shaped by hands-on experience with clients, a deep curiosity about natural healing, and a life-altering event that changed my perspective forever. Read more>>

Linda Anukwuem

At AIX Firm, we believe in the power of strategic collaboration to drive transformation. Our mission is to bring together a diverse network of creative minds to unravel challenges, develop forward-thinking solutions, and create impactful engagements—especially in diaspora relations, large-scale conferences, and cultural festivals. Read more>>

Aaron Gibson

My mission was created through the hellish hardships I have had to endure alone on my path struggling with mental adversity of PTSD from childhood & military service and Autism diagnosed at the age of 46.
Fighting back through losing everything, being a single dad , attending therapy, supporting my son, and being homeless for two months – I committed to never wanting another to have to walk those paths alone. Read more>>

Chris Staudinger

The goal with Pretty Gritty Tours is to get people genuinely engaged with a story and a location. Even the word history can make people turn away from a destination but we wanted to offer experiences that were both historically rich and deeply fun. Learning about a location or connecting with a destination should feel exciting and personal. That’s what we do, we offer tours that feel more like you’re listening to gossip with a friend than taking a history lecture. Read more>>