We often hear about bad bosses, but we think it’s important to talk about the good ones because we hope that by giving folks examples of how to be a good boss we can inspire future bosses to be better, to do better for their employees and all stakeholders.

Klint Ciriaco

Let me tell you about my current boss. When he hired me he said, “I won’t tell you what to do. You’ll tell ME what to do and I’ll give you the resources to get them done.”  Of course, he vetoes my ideas if they’re too wild or terrible. But for the most part, he gives me creative freedom which makes me effective at my job. Read more>>

Dedrick Sims

For me, this person is one in the same. Terrance Mixon was my first principal as a teacher and eventually became my mentor. As a new teacher, Mr. Mixon helped guide my career with a personal touch. He always made time for his teachers, no matter how busy he was. He helped me navigate challenges and showed me how to properly celebrate my wins. Even after my tenure ended at his school, we have continued to stay connected. As the CEO of the Sims-Fayola Foundation, I even established a scholarship in Mr. Mixon’s name. Read more>>

Sherronda Scoggins

Not that this was the “Best Boss” I ever had, but the training and teaching I received from her during that time, I still use and implement to this day. It was my first retail job (Claire’s) as a sophomore in high school and my manager’s name was Shannon. As a high schooler, you were not able to hold any level of management position (third key, assistant store manager, store manager). Read more>>

Jessica De Maria

I worked as the Development Manager for Actor’s Express for about 4 years. Working in Fundraising was my “hustle job” as a pursued a career as an actor and writer. My boss, and my mentor, and now one of my dearest friend-was Freddie Ashley. Freddie is such an exceptional leader. He always has his finger on the pulse of AE’s mission and is diligent about making sure the theatre’s programming aligns with that mission. As far as his influence on me is concerned-it is impossible for me to imagine having any success in my creative life without his support and guidance. Read more>>

Jonathan Galvan

Along the way I met up with beautiful people in my Field.but no one like Ruben Figueroa the person that gave me my first opportunity on this side of the world and later became my mentor and good friend…… Read more>>

Lisa Hilton

At a very young age I began working with my mom in just about every industry you can imagine. My mom, Joann, is the most talented woman I’ve ever met in my life. I get the “wearing many hats “ from her No doubt. Mom started working as a bank teller when she got married then restaurant and hotel management in the corporate world. But I always remember Ninfa’s and her “side Hustles” as a single parent of 3 kids, the most. While I was in highschool she worked in a florist shop in Old Town Spring part time and made most mums And corsages etc for Spring High School. Read more>>

Be Norman

Ruth Calvert had been a blessing. Owner of Altered for the Altar (AFTA) , I’ve been a seamstress with the company 2 years June 2022. I would consider my boss more of a mentor, can sometimes give a motherly role. Since being apart of AFTA I’ve learned more about business and construction in the 2 years here vs. art school and working anywhere else over the past 10 years. Mrs. Ruth I’m not only an admirable boss, but has been there for me in ways and at times when a boss does not have too. From the positive life advice , always making sure overall Im on my P’s and Q’s, I can just sense overall from the gate she has a genuine heart and also the nest interest in mines as well. Read more>>

Jennifer Purdie

I lost my father in a tragic way–hit and killed by a driver under the influence. My dad was everything to me. To my surprise, my boss and a coworker showed up at the funeral without telling me they were coming. My boss was supportive of my bereavement and need to grieve. I couldn’t have made it through the most difficult time in my life without her compassion. Read more>>

Heather Aberg

I have had SO MANY great mentors! The top two: 1. Sallie Wandling, a fellow social worker, was my supervisor when I was in graduate school and then became my supervisor at Mount Evans Home Care and Hospice for 18 years. Sallie taught me characteristics and lessons that I am realizing as I have, for the first time, found myself in a leadership role. Read more>>