While it’s inspiring to read high level summaries of success stories, we think it’s just as important to learn about what drove the success and made it possible. We’ve asked some of the brightest folks we know to open up about what they believe was the most important factor behind their success.

Nick Kahlor | Musician

Together, we’ve built not only a band but a tight-knit family, and it’s this sense of unity that forms the foundation of our success. We all put in equal effort, which sometimes involves making personal sacrifices. We believe it’s critical to put in the work, and really be there for each other when things get hard and overwhelming. Knowing that you’re surrounded by people who will help carry you to the finish line when your burnt out and struggling truly makes the difference between success and failure. It truly is a group effort, and everyone puts in as much as they can. Read more>>

Trixie Leuck | Business founder and owner

Resilience is at the heart of our success. Our ability to bounce back from challenges, setbacks, and failures has been crucial in propelling our brand forward. In times of adversity, our resilience has allowed us to overcome obstacles, innovate, and ultimately achieve our milestones. This mindset has not only sustained us but also guided us towards new opportunities and successes. Read more>>

PANG VANG | Business Owner & Educator

The success of the Pang Vang LLC brand comes from a collection of values and vision. Throughout the 13 years of Pang Vang LLC we continue to refine and grow the brand by fostering a productive and motivated team. In 2017 when I expanded the business from a 1 person, 1 educator salon and academy to a team, my mission to find staff members to build my team was to find talented individuals who share my vision. Maintaining a commitment to quality and continuous innovation and building strong relationships with customers & those who are willing to learn, adapt, and embrace change was essential for the growth of each individual and on the same coin, the brand. Success often involves overcoming setbacks and failures but the trust we developed with each other & our customers offered us confidence to pivot & bounce back from adversity we faced throughout the last 7 years of expansion of Pang Vang LLC. Read more>>

Christine McCray-Bethea | Past President, Women of Visions

Women of Visions, Inc. (WoV) which began in 1981 with several innovative and motivated creatives, it is currently the longest running African-American women’s visual arts non-profit in the country. For decades they have produced exhibitions, workshops, and community collaborations that have uplifted artists of every medium and been a catalyst in art activism in which many of their members continue to participate. Current President, Cynthia Kenderson and Past President, Christine CMC Bethea passed recent milestones in the organization’s history. During Bethea’s tenure, at the height of COVID19, WoV celebrated their 40th anniversary exhibiting at Carnegie Museum of Art. altering institutional inequities. Post Covid, Kenderson was at the helm of WoV’s first experience with brick and mortar, as part of a unique partnership with Bunker Projects and their Executive Director Jessie Rommelt that would expand both groups Professional Development. The two non-profits dubbed the project Summer Subs. Read more>>