In our experience, talking about legacy is often subtly discouraged by society and we find this to be deeply unfortunate. Thinking about the legacy you would like to build can help you better align your work, life, time – your sweat and tears – with your values. Below, we’ve tried to create a space for folks to start conversations about they legacies they are hoping to build.

Jesslyn McCartney

From the furthest back my memory goes, I have identified as a photographer. At the core of my identity, the one thing I have always known to be true about myself is that I was put on this earth to document life. It comes as second nature to me, I see the light hitting my best friend’s hair in a certain way, I see two strangers looking at each other with unique emotion, I drive past a flower dancing in the wind and I think “that would be a timeless photo.” Read more>>

Charlene Absalon

I want to be remembered as a person who impacted bringing Haitian cream liqueur to the forefront as not just a sort of holiday eggnog but a frequent indulgence in any form. Read more>>

Marquis Williams

I hope my legacy would be that people remember me as a genuine, hardworking being. My real legacy will start with my daughters Madisyn & Meila. I plan on giving them everything i work hard for as in establishing them as their own business owner someday. Read more>>

Acquania Escarne

I want to be known for helping thousands of women build legacies through life insurance and real estate. I became a life insurance producer because I got tired of seeing GoFundMe accounts and church fundraisers to pay for funerals in Black communities. I knew from personal experience that even middle-class employees with good government jobs sometimes failed to save for emergencies, get life insurance outside of work, and worse–were not prepared when life happened. Read more>>

Wendy Taylor

When I started West Place Animal Sanctuary in 2007, I chose to focus on serving farm animal rescued from abuse, neglect, and cruelty because there simply weren’t any organizations doing this type of work in our area. Nearly 16 years later, there still aren’t any other organizations focusing on farm animals who most desperately need help. West Place fills a rather substantial void in the animal welfare landscape in southern New England, and it is my intent that West Place will continue doing so, while growing, for generations to come. Read more>>

Lisa Janay

I would want my legacy to be remembered as an inspiration for young African-Americans to chase any dream(s) that they might have especially African-American women. Being a young black woman jumping into becoming an entrepreneur/model and being successful so far with the opportunities I have had, I want to show and be an influencer that anything is possible. Read more>>

Tarsha Campbell

First of all, thank you for the privilege to share. I’m always thrilled when I can do so, with hopes it will empower and inspire others! I love the question. I’m really BIG on leaving a legacy. I call it “legacy living.” I often tell those I coach in my coaching practice and those I help in my publishing business, that someone needs to know you were here when you’re dead and gone. How will you leave your mark in the world? So, one of the things I hope for in regards to my legacy is how will I help those I service in my businesses leave their mark and establish their legacies. Read more>>

Kate Bouchard

I hope that my legacy will be that when you set your mind to something, and go all in with determination, perseverance, and creativity, you can do great things. But I also hope it includes demonstrating that a sense of humour and humility will get you through the tough times, which are many, as a leader and business owner. Read more>>

Stephanie Marquez

I just want my legacy to live on for years after years I opened up MarqBlendz BarberShop to keep my dad’s legacy alive and I hope I’ve made a difference in others lives in this industry to keep my legacy going I hope my legacy will be to remain the #1 barbershop in Irving tx with the best barbers in town Read more>>

Lumbie Mlambo

I hope my legacy would be that I made the connection between women, water, and poverty. I found a way to make it easy for marginalized communities to access natural resources essential to life. By being environmentally conscious to lessen the devastation of eco-systems brought on by a variety of manmade activities, Read more>>

Cherry Griffin

I want my legacy to be one of inspiration. I want to be remembered as the person the encouraged others to embrace their uniqueness, not only follow their dreams and passions , but accomplish them, and that I never backed down from adversity. I want to remembered as the woman who dared to be different. Read more>>

Kala Majors

When I transition from this existence to the next, I plan to leave a legacy of helping people. Since a child, I have always been the one to offer support, lend a helping hand, and keeping promises that I have given. I participated in student government, volunteering, and raising funds for charities that I support. I plan to live the rest of my life giving to others in whatever way I can. Read more>>

Wyatt Gober

It is not just the current state of affairs that inspires us, we are not reactionary. The genesis of the New Melle Food Co-op came first out of a personal dream to be part of a community that takes care of itself and puts resiliency into practice. Quickly this dream grew in my own heart, along with its potential multi-faceted outcomes. Read more>>