Having new or innovative ideas is essential to pushing the world forward and so we asked the community to share stories of the most innovative things they’ve done in their career. Our hope is to inspire folks who think only scientists or tech-wizards can innovate – innovation is possible for everyone, regardless of job title or function, industry or geography.

Angel Virtuoso

In 2020 right before the pandemic I was starting a NYFW internship, and with the help of friends I was able to produce a multimedia fashion show named The Black Heart Event, which just recently had its 3rd annual this past December 2022. This is one extremely innovative project in my career because it’s always been locally produced, and under minimal budget with no sponsorship, and no investors. Read more>>

KC Holiday

In 2012, I was a newlywed bartender and wannabe actor in Los Angeles. I felt stuck in my job without much momentum in acting and was struggling with where my life was headed. One thing I knew, my future would be in Film and Television. I walked into work and stumbled into a conversation with the restaurant manager, who had become a friend of mine through an acting class we took together. Read more>>

Jesse Sieff

The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career is transform a passion for music and art into a thriving business. During my enlistment in the Marine Corps, my primary role was to serve as a musician and perform my instrument (percussion) in an elite ensemble that toured the globe. Additionally, with an amateur knowledge of videography and editing, I was trusted to lead the office of public affairs and represent my unit at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C to the public globally. Read more>>

Pooja Shah

A few months ago in February 2023, my husband and I moved to London from New York City. We packed all of our personal belongings in suitcases and carry-ons and shipped bigger items via cargo. Since being in the UK for the past few months, I would have to say this decision has definitely been an interesting, yet hard one. Whether it’s my career as an attorney or my journey as a journalist, I have been forced to step outside my comfort zones, meet new people, and develop new relationships. Read more>>

Katy Foley

The most innovative thing I’ve been a part of was the Run Like a Girl Campaign. It was an internet ad sponsored by Always that went from viral sensation to an Emmy Award Winning Super Bowl Campaign. The key concept was when adults are asked to run, hit, throw, or do anything athletic “Like a Girl” the adults do them like wimps. But when kids are asked to they do them full out. When I auditioned I had no clue what I was going in for outside of it being some kind of PSA for the internet. The whole thing was very top secret. Read more>>

Khalil Jamal

When making videos for people to consume on the internet requires a ton of flexibility and adaptability especially considering the vast quantities of these same types of videos on the internet. Being different and unique matters. That was something I neglected to take in to consideration when I started Comic Boys with my friend Alon. This oversight is not something that I typically make in my life, when I set out to pursue something I always look for holes in the market or underserved audiences, Read more>>

Audrey Hutnick

We have used our business platform of Smallwave Marketing to do our part in keeping businesses of expectant parents open while they take time to bring home their new precious family member. Because of our passion towards the subject and personal experiences, we wanted to research this part of small business ownership and see how we could contribute to the limited resources out there. Read more>>

Paige Williams

The most innovative thing I’ve done in the course of my career was creating my sketch comedy series. I studied a variety of sketch shows, enrolled in writing classes, and transformed my knowledge to create sketches unique and true to my humor. Read more>>

Charlecia Joy Cole

Our mission at Stapledon Arts is to inspire Black & Brown Emerging Artists and Art Professionals through Art Education. We accomplish this through our three pillars: Representation, Art Education, and Professional Development. Oftentimes when thinking about representation in the arts we think about the artists that are being amplified and included on the walls of major museums and galleries. Read more>>

Rilie Zumbrennen

I don’t recall “starting” my art business. It has always been a passion and hobby of mine. It was not the plan to be a full time artist and I never imagined it was possible. However, I can remember the event that changed my life forever and showed me that my passion could become my career. I applied for a mural contest in Billings, Montana. I submitted all of my proposal work and kept positive about it, but knew that many other talented artists were applying as well. Read more>>