Everyday we meet business owners, professionals, artists and creatives. Photographers, florists, realtors and more. They might come from different backgrounds, work in different industries, have varying personalities, and have vastly different income and educational profiles, but the one thing we’ve seen over and over again is that most people have a unique and special reason for why they do what they do. From a realtor helping families afford the first home he always wished for as a kid to a photographer using her skills to give a voice and face to victims who feel voiceless, we have been blown away by what happens when you just ask people a simple question – why do you do what you do?

Katherine Orozco

My mission is to build meaningful relationships with my customers while creating beautiful memories, one balloon at a time. As a proud first-generation Latina, I am deeply grateful to my wonderful parents, who worked tirelessly to provide for me and my siblings despite the challenges of growing up in a low-income household. Celebrations were often limited, but my parents always ensured we had a birthday cake, instilling in me a sense of gratitude. Read more>>

Anna Dapelo-Garcia

We empower Latinas to unlock their potential and take action to close the gender wage gap. This is the mission of Lean In Latinas, a Global Affinity Network of LeanIn.Org. Founded in 2013 by Jenny Salinas and me, Lean In Latinas was born out of a shared recognition of the unique challenges Latinas face in the workplace—particularly the persistent disparities tied to both gender and race. Read more>>

Josh Dixon

So much of my own story has been about being an underdog or an unsuspecting player on the field of play. Whether it was being “the token” on my Stanford University Team, or “the token” on the US National Team, or one of a few in professional or investment settings, I’ve started to own that might be the norm for a little bit but it’s my responsibility to show why that diverse seat at the table is important for more than just checking boxes. Read more>>

Zavier Gordon

The story behind my mission is rooted in a journey that began when I was just 15 years old. What started as an interest in documentary-style videography quickly evolved into a deep passion for connecting with people and uncovering the beauty in their lived experiences. Through thoughtful conversations and authentic storytelling, I found purpose in capturing the unseen — moments that reflect truth, emotion, and humanity. Read more>>

Jojo Savea

I built this platform because I want people, especially Deaf Pacific Islanders, to see what is possible. Our community is small. A lot of people do not even know we exist. Growing up, I did not see anyone out there doing the things I dreamed about. So I decided. Why not be that person. Why not show that we can take up space, chase big dreams, and create our own paths in our own way. Read more>>

Tarsha Richardson

Through my solo travels around the world, I began to connect with expats and women in other countries. Through these
travels I discovered that these women had left their country of origin to pursue opportunities that were not available to them in their native country. Even fearful at times they seize these opportunities. Read more>>

Tim Swanson

The mission of Capital Accordion Company is to provide the much needed service of repair and education to a community of musicians that has very few resources.

Back in the 1950’s, before rock n roll had everybody playing the guitar, the accordion was the most popular instrument in North America. You could find accordionists in all kinds of different jazz bands, ethnic folk groups and even “classical” ensembles. When bands like The Beatles came into the spotlight, suddenly the accordion wasn’t so cool and people put their instruments in their cases and stowed them away in an attic or a basement and forgot all about it. Read more>>

Claudia Castaneda Bari

As a language tutor and translator, I’ve come to realize that teaching Spanish or English goes far beyond grammar lessons or vocabulary lists. For me, it’s about connection—real, human connection between two rich, diverse cultures: Latin America and the United States. Read more>>

Remya Warrior

My mission has always been about bringing people together. As someone who follows Amma—a spiritual leader known around the world for her message of love and unity—I’ve seen firsthand how powerful a simple embrace, a welcoming space, or a warm meal can be in connecting people. Amma’s global movement is called Embracing the World, and in many ways, I see my work as an extension of that same spirit. Read more>>

Cathrine Khom

Growing up, I was encouraged to read books because the more educated I am, the more successful I will become. I remembered going to the magazine section of the library after I trailed off from looking through a handful of cookbooks. I’ve always felt that my calling was in the world of magazines, whether it was celebrity gossip, fashion editorials or even surf magazines– I loved the whole experience of flipping each page to see how everything was outlined and structured for each print issue. It was my ideal playground that I would rather be surrounded by magazines more than anything else. Read more>>

Briana Figeroux

I started Face Card Activated as a means to reconnect to my own creativity. I spent roughly 10+ years in various roles across different industries. I worked as a fashion PR manager, procurement director for an interior design and architecture firm in NYC. I currently work as freelance graphic designer, freelance makeup artist, and a project manager for an interior design company in Hoboken, NJ. Read more>>

Shannon Curtis

As a holistic aesthetician it’s important for me to communicate in a way that you can feel beyond words. My mission is to bring nature as close as possible to your heart. mind, and soul. Your skin is an outward reflection of what is going on in your external and internal world. My goal is to turn the light on for you to listen to your own signals, and be your own healer. I love creating my own recipes for each treatment truly customizing each experience to the individual. It is your quintessential holistic facial experience. Nothing is more important to me that guiding clients back to themselves with plant magic and touch. Read more>>

Jose Figueroa

At Inusual, our mission was easy to express: it’s the reason we went independent. We are a husband-and-wife creative duo that, after years of designing for companies both big and small across industries and disciplines, we reached a point where we knew we needed a space where we could design on our own terms. That desire, paired with our shared passion for thoughtful, meaningful design, led us to create Inusual.  Read more>>

Christina Abiola

I started Abiola & Co because I saw firsthand how challenging it can be for creators—especially women of color—to navigate the influencer industry, secure brand partnerships, and turn their creativity into a sustainable business. As a full-time beauty and lifestyle creator, I built a platform that generated millions of views, over $300K in commission conversions, and meaningful collaborations with top brands. But I also experienced the struggles of negotiating fair rates, understanding brand expectations, and maintaining consistency in an ever-changing digital landscape. Read more>>

Kinga Krupa

Lilith W was born out of a need to create — not just beautiful things, but meaningful ones. I wanted everything that comes from my hands to carry a message. My jewelry and sculptures are manifestations of inner strength, courage, and freedom. I create for those who aren’t afraid to be themselves — even if “being yourself” means being wild, dark, or defiant. Read more>>

Johary Peralta

Divines NYC was born from both pain and purpose. As a Dominican woman, chef, and entrepreneur who’s worn many hats—from sales at luxury brands to running my own businesses—I know firsthand how hard it is for women of color to break into rooms we weren’t invited to. I created Divines NYC because I was tired of waiting for a seat at someone else’s table—I built my own and made space for others. Read more>>

Vitaliy And Mike Shpenyk

We launched our business as brothers in 2008, aware that there is always a fine line between family relationships and professional ones. At times, it can be challenging to maintain that balance, and emotions may overlap. However, with the right communication model, work remains work, and personal life remains personal—both deserving the opportunity to grow and flourish. Read more>>