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.

Nancy Ruhling

A freelance reporter/photographer, I created the weekly blog, Astoria Characters, to give back to my community. Since 2009, when the blog debuted on the home page of the New York section of The HuffPost, I have profiled some 600 “characters” in Astoria, my Queens, New York City neighborhood. Read more>>

Javier Jimenez

I worked with Jesse Vasquez before the conception of Pollen Initiative as a photographer for the San Quentin News, which is in the media center of The Q. Therefore, the mission of, and the drive behind, Pollen Initiative is extremely meaningful to me and it will always hold a special place in my life. However, although i work closely with pollen initiative to help realize its vision i feel my mission is a bit different. As a system impacted individual who has worked in a prison media center i have first hand knowledge of the essential opportunities such a program can offer individuals to help them succeed in life. Read more>>

Edith Vasquez

My mission goes hand in hand with my Life Purpose in this lifetime to support my community in their journey of evolving. Its meaningful for me because I have seen my personal transformation journey evolve by truly showing up. Our community needs us together to continue to make a difference. My mission is the same every time that I hold space for anyone. My voice matters because it represents my Ancestors who’s voice was not heard or valued, so they support in my purpose and remind me every day that my mission will not be easy, but definitely possible. Read more>>

Amara Leggett

When I was in 8th grade, I attended a meeting about the relaunch of the Dual Enrollment program in Ohio. I was interested in the opportunity presented to me, so I enrolled in my first college classes during my freshman year of high school. I entered high school with 7 credits completed as a result of attending a STEM junior high school, which gave me a chance to select additional classes. Read more>>

Allie Mirosevic

My business mission is to help moms live more joyful, fulfilling and connected lives through journaling. It’s a mission truly rooted in the why for my business – because journaling has helped me so much in feeling more joyful, fulfilled and connected (with myself & my family). Read more>>

Lindsay Morgan Snyder

“Deep down, we all yearn for redemption from life’s losses. We hope to turn adversity into opportunity. But is it possible? I firmly believe it is. For years, I’ve heard the advice, ‘Lindsay, turn your pain into profit.’ At first, I thought it sounded daunting. However, drawing closer to God has proven to be the wisest decision of my life. Why, you might ask? Because God is a redeemer. In the Bible, He promises to ‘work all things together for our good,’ and I’ve witnessed this in my own life. It wasn’t always an easy journey, but God is the ultimate storyteller. We are made in His image, and I’ve come to see myself as a storyteller too. I believe that sharing our stories has the power to bring healing and promote human flourishing. Read more>>

Adam Bremen

My name is Adam Bremen, Founder of CanDo. Our mission is to inspire and empower a community of doers, dreamers and believers to live a healthier, more-fulfilling lifestyle, every day. Why? I was born with Cerebral Palsy and have used an electric wheelchair for mobility my entire life. From an early age, my parents instilled in me that life is about what I CAN DO, not what I can’t do. Read more>>

Cynthia Naugle

&gallery is a non-traditional art gallery in Tucson AZ. We feature art that you wouldn’t normally see in art galleries but we still consider valid. We feature low brow art, comics, street art, horror art, queer art, designer toys, themed art shows, and all the weird fun stuff in between. Our mission has always been to have a space for “weirdos” and accessibility to art. That accessibility looks many ways, no cover charge, lower price point items so everyone is able to afford a piece of art, and bringing in events that are inclusive to our various communities & cultures. Read more>>

Jená Bhone

For both Burnt Umber Coffee and Petals & Poison, our biggest mission is to create a space that is comfortable, safe, unique, and inspiring. We have always strived to have customer service be our number one priority. As a family owned and operated business, it is meaningful to us to make a connection with our customers. We want to make sure every person who walks through our doors feels our love for people. Read more>>

Taylore Graves

A home is the most intimate place in a person’s life. It is a reflection of who you are: as a person, an individual, a family. We believe that everyone deserves to indulge in a little bit of luxury without sacrifice. While our mission is to make quality candles that are better for both you and the environment, it goes a bit deeper than just that. We strive to create candles with scents that can trigger some of your happiest memories. The reason for this is actually because of the positive impact scented candles have on an individual’s mental health. Read more>>