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.

Nikita Thomson

My first job as a licensed massage therapist was at a chiropractic clinic, and this is when everything clicked for me. I had just finished massage school, still waiting on my license but doing applications and interviews in the process. I was nervous but excited to finally step into the work field I was called to do. Read more>>

Theresa Alexander Inman

I have always been in helping positions. I left my position at a juvenile justice facility to run a domestic violence center as a survivor of domestic violence I felt it was my calling. It was actually more stressful and not what I expected. Read more>>

JONATHAN SEGURA PEÑUELA

My relationship with sports and with the work I do today began very early, around the age of fourteen, in Tocancipá, a small town in Colombia known for extreme sports. Back then, I dreamed of rollerblading, jumping, learning tricks, and living on wheels, even before I owned my first pair of skates. When I finally got them, it felt like I had done this before. Read more>>

Jennifer Strobel

24 years ago my daughter, who is now 28, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The initial feeling of her diagnosis was heartbreaking. Not knowing what her future would entail was difficult, the unknown was extremely scary. This led me to the internet and search for local resources and guidance on what to do next. Read more>>

Aylea Zupko

I remember a couple years ago I started out just going to raves because my friend invited me along and I immediately fell in love with the scene, music, people, and values. I have always been artistic! Candle and resin making had been something I loved to do already for years on end just as a hobby. I would give them away as gifts to everyone I knew for holidays, birthdays, or just because! As I progressed into the rave scene I would see vendors with pop up shops all around. And I started to become friends with more and more djs and event organizers as I got more popular with the rave and party scene. Read more>>