Are you a risk taker? Do you think you have a stronger appetite for risk relative to your friends and family? We asked some folks from the community about their approaches to risk and have shared their thoughts below.

Florence Ochoa | Game store owner & Poke-mom fanatic

The pandemic made my husband and I rethink work life balance and led me to make the biggest risk. In 2020 I was previously at a higher education job and my husband ran 4 retail game stores by himself. Most of 2020, the stress of his work took a different toll than in previous years. A lot of the operational gaps that were necessary for a growing chain of businesses, I knew I could fulfill that role. It took about a year for me to set up the retail stores in such a place where I could leave the “stable day job” and join him 100% of the time at our hobby game stores. Read more>>

Freda Marshall | Executive Director

As a female leader, I recognize that risk is inherent in leadership. Throughout history, leaders who have made significant strides in advancing social, political, and economic equality have had to take bold risks in the face of adversity. However, as a black woman, I am acutely aware that taking risks can come with unique challenges and consequences often not faced by other leaders. For me, risk-taking has been about seizing opportunities others may not have seen. It has involved making bold moves, taking on new challenges, and stepping outside my comfort zone. Read more>>

Aftyn Owens | Realtor®

Risk taking plays a vital role in everyones life, its helps shape our personal growth. It can build resilience and lead to self discovery. Taking risks can allow for life changing experiences and lead you to new found interests or hobbies. I’ve taken a few risks in my life, some calculated and some not so calculated or planned out, but there’s nothing I regret. Everything has shaped me into the individual I am today. I think one of the biggest risks I took was moving away from family and friends to a state with my husband and oldest son not knowing anyone. Read more>>

Ryan Wesson | Photographer

I like to think about risk in a positive manner. There is good in something worth trying. Whatever that dream may be to someone even if the outcome is not as expected, ultimately I view it as a positive because when you take the steps to try you are on the road to embracing what that risk can bring. Risk has taken its role at various points in my life. One of my earliest risks I have taken was when I walked away from collegiate running to pursue my dream to become a working photographer. I had no idea what I was getting myself into nor did I have any knowledge in how I was going to pursue this dream but I took small steps to start with and it ultimately led me to the road I needed to be on to achieve this dream. Read more>>