As an outsider, breaking into an industry can often seem like an impossible challenge and so we reached out to some very generous folks who agreed to share their stories of how they broke into their respective industries.

Shane Watson

My background is in journalism and broadcasting, so the way I found myself in the field of mental and behavioral health education and consulting is definitely an odd story. Read more>>

Abraham Taliaferro

At first it was hard to choose a topic for a panel discussion, but this seems to be the most unique. I am the youngest of 8 children from my mother Dr. Judith Kravitz, who is the developer, creator, and founder of Transformational Breath®. Read more>>

Karen Nolen

I began my journey as a doula based off my own experiences as a mother. I have always been transparent with my life and sharing the excitement of what I found joy in! Read more>>

Mandy Walker

When I walked into my first public middle school classroom, I quickly realized my bright students could not read, spell, or write anywhere near grade level even though it was easy to see they were intelligent and otherwise capable of becoming successful adults. They felt discouraged and frustrated with academics. Read more>>

Khadija Morris

It is a fair assumption to say every child has been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Children have heard this for centuries. Read more>>

Alison Pounds

I came to yoga when I was struggling with some health issues that limited my exercise options. Yoga filled the need for a suitable physical workout, but as I continued to practice, I found that yoga and somatic practices helped me heal emotionally and mentally in deep ways I did not expect. Read more>>

Katelyn Ross

In 2013, I was a junior at the University of South Carolina studying Hospitality and Event Planning and it was time to start looking for a summer internship. Read more>>

Dr. Ashley Carmenia

I landed my first job in the public health field upon the conclusion of my internship to complete my Masters degree. I was interning at an infectious disease clinic where I then offered a position within their clinical research department. Read more>>