Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Diego Copa
I believe I’m doing what I was *born* to do. For a long time, I thought success meant following the path others expected of me — chasing titles, positions, or stability. Read more>>
Trish Thomas

Yes. Omg, So, Houston was hit by hurricane Beryl in July 2024 and that really changed my life affected me because it left me homeless for about 8-9 months due to discrimination/racism at a Humble, Tx apartment complex that i was supposed to move into. Before that, the apartment I was renting at flooded so bad. Read more>>
Ama’ray Frazier

The public version of me is the only me because God only made one man within me. Read more>>
Elizabeth Fertitta
One of the biggest lies in the home and design industry is that true luxury has to be unattainable—that beautiful, personalized pieces must come with a sky-high price tag or an exhausting process. Another is that tradition automatically means outdated or stuffy. We’ve proven that monogrammed linens can be modern, joyful, and approachable, without losing an ounce of quality or elegance. Read more>>
Carlon Scott

Teaching a course on how to start and/or improve your own pressure washing business. Starting and leading a community of like-minded power washers. Read more>>
Ro’sean Langhum

Wow. What a question. Suffering taught me that I was capable and equipped and also possessed the grit it takes to be in the music business. My times of lowliness taught me that my faith in God was real and was firm. The dark times also provided perspective and the knowledge that led to the wisdom I now operate from currently. Read more>>
Robert Timmons

As a child, I believed I had to earn my worth — that being “enough” meant proving myself, producing, performing. I thought my value depended on what I could bring to the table. Over time, life reshaped that belief. College, Corporate America, the sting of getting fired, and the long climb of rebuilding my career all became teachers. Read more>>
Winnie Nyatome-Warner

The first 90 minutes of my day are spent taking a moment to find an outfit and get ready for the day. After getting ready, I take an hour or so morning work with my son. By the time we get home around 10am, my husband has breakfast ready and we have it together. Read more>>
Mahnoor Nasir Khan

As an artist, I’ve learned that the most powerful stories are the ones that are never spoken. Much of my work — from Cheekh to What They Hide to my ongoing explorations of duality — is built on the understanding that silence carries its own emotional architecture. It holds memory, trauma, resilience, and identity in ways that language often cannot. Read more>>
Johnny Sallie

I feel, that I deeply understand how blind most are to their own ability to grow into something greater than society tells them they have to be. Read more>>
Landi Orza

Nothing brings me more joy than my husband and all of my family. Whether it’s family dinner, traveling together, or just the every day routine of life, they are the most important part of my day and a priority over everything else. Read more>>
Adonis Mitchell

When my time on this earth is done, I hope the story people tell about me begins not with titles, accolades, or accomplishments, but with how I showed up as a husband, father, family member, and friend. Read more>>
Chris Gilbert

No thought or question about it. Integrity is a core value that I hold in my life. Integrity is one of the defining characteristics of who you are as a person. You can be of very high intelligence and a high energy ‘Go-Getter’ but if you sacrifice who you are as a person, all it will be is short term gain. Read more>>
LaKisha Mosley
I feel most at peace in small, intentional moments that let me slow down and reconnect with myself. That looks like early morning journaling with coffee, a quiet walk outdoors, or being in a room with a few women where honesty and softness are allowed to coexist with ambition. Read more>>
Ron Thompson

I was me (Ron) before the world told me who I was supposed to be. I didn’t listen to the world so I still remain myself Ron a black entrepreneur who came from humble beginnings and is going to build something for people who look like me I will always remain myself in any situation the world doesn’t make me. Read more>>
Gary Bisha

Before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply someone who believed in doing things differently and challenging the “that’s just how it’s done” mindset. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak — curious, independent, and a bit stubborn about finding better ways to do things. That’s what ultimately led me to start My Castle Realty. Read more>>
Ray Oster
Absolutely. I can give my very best even if no one ever praises me for it. My work is, and has always been, purpose-driven. Finding the purpose God created for my life was a journey shaped by trials, setbacks, and a sincere search for His direction. It wasn’t a straightforward path, but it was a transformative one. Read more>>
Oscar Starr III

I differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts by asking where the pressure is coming from—and how long the change can survive without attention. Fads are attention-dependent. They require constant visibility, reinforcement, and excitement to stay alive. The moment the spotlight moves, they collapse. If something only exists because people are talking about it, promoting it, or monetizing it loudly, it’s usually a fad. Read more>>
Kimberly Relford

I’m constantly chasing Father God. I want to be more like Him daily. Share His love with others, have compassion towards others, help those less fortunate, share wisdom,and so much more. If I stop chasing God, my life would have no meaning. I would begin chasing after people who will eventually let me down because they are fallible and God is perfect. Read more>>
Alex Blair

Trust is what bonds people, and losing it can break those connections. It is one of the worst feelings a person can experience, affecting friendships, marriages, and families. I believe that restoring trust requires a tremendous amount of effort, and it can be quite challenging in any relationship. Read more>>
Grethel Gonzalez

BORK is often mistaken for a simple fashion line due to its bold colors and vibrant aesthetic. In reality, our brand is rooted in purpose. We design medical wear that elevates the emotional well-being of patients by reminding them of vitality, dignity, and joy. BORK is fashion with intention — renewing spirit, confidence, and hope in every piece. Read more>>
Johnny Forte

People might misunderstand that my legacy isn’t just about music ;it’s about healing. I’ve always created for the ones who felt alone, overlooked, or misunderstood the ones who needed a place to feel seen again. Through sound and community, I try to turn pain into connection. I might come off a little brash at times, but that’s just passion I’m honest about who I am. Read more>>
Shawnti Refuge

That healing can be messy and beautiful—and that sometimes, going no contact is an act of self-love, not disrespect. People love to say “family is everything,” but what if your family is the source of your pain? What if the people who raised you also silenced you, shamed you, or made you feel like love had to be earned? Read more>>
Kristi Cline

I wouldn’t use the word powerful, but something that stands out in my mind was a class I took in high school based on the book: See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar. His philosophies taught me that we can have anything we want, when approaching it with hard work, discipline, and a positive mindset. Read more>>
Omar Virjee

I have always believed, power is freedom. From my earliest memories I have always remembered that I always sought freedom. From parents, teachers, and bosses. I much later realized that this deep desire to seek freedom is what is common among serial entrepreneurs. Read more>>
Kerwin Escobar

Yes, I would. As a 1st AC , I think being good at the job isn’t just about knowing the gear — it’s about leading the camera team with professionalism and staying calm under pressure. I make sure things run smoothly, anticipate what’s needed before it’s asked, and handle problems quietly so the focus stays on the creative work. Read more>>

