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.

Alexa Bishop

If I had to try to define my “career path”…I couldn’t. If I try to predict where it will go from here…I can’t. For most of my working life I worked for someone else. I worked towards the company goals, needs, and wants. I’ve been in many different industries and had many different roles. I sought promotions, new challenges, and it never felt right. I always had an itch to leave. It took losing my career and industry during the pandemic for me to realize the only career I wanted…was me. I want to work towards my goals, I want to prioritize my own needs, I want to challenge myself. I didn’t know immediately that I would start my own consulting business and become my own boss. What I did know was that I wanted to work with people I knew and liked, but be in charge of my time and not follow the corporate life rules. Read more>>

Kristina Douangpanya

The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career is creating a comprehensive training and apprenticeship program within my studio. I saw that many aspiring permanent makeup artists lacked the hands-on guidance needed to truly master the craft, so I developed a program that not only teaches advanced techniques like microblading and ombré shading but also focuses on client care and business skills. This allows me to mentor new artists and help them build the confidence they need to succeed. Read more>>

Jodi Shapiro

The most innovative thing I have done in my career is to pivot and re-invent myself. I worked for 20 years in the fashion industry. I studied Fashion Design at the prestigious SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology. My studies were followed up with years working as a union costumer in film/television. The last 10 years of my fashion career were spent working for athletic brands ALO and Under Armour. Eight years ago I relocated with my husband to the Phoenix area. The relocation was related to my husbands career. There were not fashion industry opportunities for me in Phoenix. My first 2 years in Phoenix were spent building a home for my family from the ground up. I embraced and flourished during the home building experience. Much to our builders dismay I had my hand in all aspects of the building process. Read more>>

Tresa Rusnac

Innovation often stems from our experiences, challenges, and a desire to make a difference. My journey began at Northern Arizona University, leading me to an exciting career as a sports reporter at KPNX-TV 12 News NBC and 3TV/CBS5 Arizona’s Family. Along the way, I was blessed to win two Emmy Awards for my storytelling. But even with those accolades, I realized that success without balance wasn’t truly fulfilling. I wanted to be present for my family, and that’s when I made the bold decision to step away from the television news industry to create something new—something that would allow me to be the wife and mom my 3-year-old son deserves, while still doing what I love. Read more>>

Brittney Booze

Stepping Into The Modeling Industry While Battling A Autoimmune Disease Called Hidradenitis Suppurativa Was Definitely One Of The Most Fearless Things I Have Done. With Having This Skin Condition It Affects The Cosmetic Look of Your Body Due to Me Having (14 Major) Surgeries. As a professional model society tells us we must have a perfect body and perfect image I wanted to challenge that perspective. Not only for myself but also my fellow hidradenitis support warriors. Pushing the envelope on how beauty is defined.  Read more>>