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.
Kimerley Baptiste
Yes. I can give my best even without external praise. I’ve learned to derive my self-worth from within—focusing on doing quality work, meeting my own standards, and learning from the process. While I appreciate feedback, I don’t rely on it for validation; I measure my success by personal growth, consistency, and the impact of my contributions. Read more>>
Dez Nado
Musically, for sure. I came back from an out-of-country vacay this past summer super inspired to create and recorded and finished one of my favorite tracks that I’ve ever recorded called ‘Klyapratt’. Great record, but a completely new direction for me as an artist. Read more>>
Jocelyn Holloman
Today, I’m focused on building generational wealth for my children and getting my assets in order. Every decision I make, every move in my business, and every step toward financial stability is part of a bigger vision — creating a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit my family for decades to come. Read more>>
Justin Leslie
Great question. There are a lot of misconceptions about becoming and being an author. I have people reach out all the time asking “How did you do it? I wouldn’t know where to start but want to write.” I say to this. Just write. Writing to me is an artform. You can learn how to play guitar, draw, and several other things. Read more>>
Jenna Griffith
One common misconception about Service and Soul is that it’s all about “woo woo” feel-good talk or emotional fluff. In reality, the work I do is deeply rooted in helping military and first responder spouses take action—not just feel better. While we absolutely address the emotional weight of fear, guilt, anxiety, and grief, we don’t stop there. Read more>>
Gina Granert
An important truth I hold onto is that life is meant to be lived fully. I believe in taking care of yourself, giving yourself permission to slow down, travel and treat yourself to experiences that bring you joy. Money can always be earned again, but the time we have and the memories we create are truly priceless. Read more>>
Tony Smotherman
Good morning, and thanks! I’m happy to be here and talk about life, music, and everything in between. As a musician, I start my mornings by picking up my guitar and just playing. Usually, some of my own pieces. I then branch often into working on other musical ideas before getting ready for my teaching schedule. Read more>>
Brandi Aguilar
I would love to start a rock band or punk band or death metal band, but I am a little nervous to sing. I’m not the strongest singer but I don’t sound bad when I sing metal. I also want to do 80’s new wave styled music. Read more>>
Jody Caputo
My relationship with my Parents gave me the confidence to follow my dreams and to focus on what brings me joy. They had huge hearts and passed that along to me as I am a heart first Agent all the way. I take pride in being honest, loyal and always doing the right thing. Read more>>
Jennifer Bosma
I had a life-changing moment when I was 14. My dad took me to a Billy Graham crusade, and my brother and I went forward to accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. This has completely changed me for the better and I’m thankful to have a daily relationship with Jesus in my life. Read more>>
Jada Williams
A cultural value I protect at all costs is treating people with the same respect and dignity that I expect for myself. I always strive to ensure that all my clients feel truly valued when they work with us at Prestige Workforce. Read more>>
Alak and Lex Luna
Lex and Alak both admire eachother for their persistence and dedication to speak even in the face of uncertainty. Lex admires Alaks strength and confidence as Alak admires Lex’s flexibility and empathy. Read more>>
Ariel Berardi
From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to creating beauty in the world around me. Whether that meant painting, decorating my spaces, styling anything I could get my hands on or dreaming of the perfect looks. Creativity was always my escape and joy. I loved to think outside of the box and always found myself lost in my own little world of imagination. Read more>>
Rachel Feldman
Before the world told me who to be, I was a deeply curious, intuitive, and creative soul. I felt things intensely — other people’s emotions, the energy in a room, the unspoken stories behind their words. I was always asking questions, always seeking meaning. I loved creating, helping, dreaming, and imagining what was possible. Read more>>
Joan Walker
It was actually a mentor in the photography world—someone who looked at my early work and didn’t just see talent, but saw a voice. They recognized the storytelling and emotional depth in my images long before I fully realized what I was creating. Read more>>
Megan Robertson
I feel most at peace when I know I have strong systems in place and my businesses can run smoothly without me. After nearly 20 years in the industry—and 14 of those building and growing my own brand—I’ve learned that true peace comes from creating structure, empowering your team, and trusting the process. Read more>>
Whitney Kerney
For a long time, I felt like I had to hide my pain — the things I was quietly struggling with — out of fear of rejection, abandonment, or not being “enough.” I thought if I kept it tucked away and only showed the polished, pleasing version of myself, I’d be safe. Read more>>
Allison Vaughan
2021 was brutal. I decided to end my 30 year marriage, my spouse and I were also business partners. We were in the middle of Covid, my step mom and dad had past-away with in a few months of each other and I had an empty nest for the first time, Loss came hard and heavy for me. Read more>>
awilda Rosado quezada
INTEGRITY. I am that person who likes to be honest about what I think, and my word is my bond. My actions match my values, and the trust and confidence I have built around my name and integrity are something no one can take from me. It guides me to do what’s right, even when no one’s watching. Read more>>
Sadia Walker
Integrity because it guides how we use intelligence and direct our energy, it’s the moral compass behind our actions. Intelligence may impress and energy may inspire, but integrity earns respect and leaves a lasting legacy. Read more>>
Jessie Han
One moment that truly changed the way I see the world wasn’t a single event, but a gradual shift over the years. I used to define myself by my individuality—wanting to stand out, to be visibly unique through my appearance, style, or attitude. But over time, I began to let go of that need to be “different” for the sake of it. Read more>>
Zuzia Thorpe
Time with family and friends, nature, bare feet in the sand, hikes in the woods, frequent vacation, small simple pleasures every day Simple, but fulfilling life, life-work balance done right Less money and things, more fun and experiences Read more>>
Kimberly Cornwell
What matters most to me is love, laughter, and connection—the kind of moments shared with friends and family that fill my heart and soul. I value kindness, loyalty and making memories through adventures big and small. At the end of the day, it’s not the things I have, but the life experiences and people I hold close, that truly make my life rich. Read more>>
Zan Kavanah
Painting… opens up the channels so I can be in the consciousness of allowance. Read more>>
Casie Ellison
“I hope people will say that I made them feel seen. That I turned my own pain into purpose and created spaces where honesty and healing could live side by side. Read more>>
Lynn Geiser
The legacy i want to be remembered by is how i changed military women from suicide to finding her purpose. And my Last maiden name makes impact too being in Infantry unit where there where ‘Tanks’ and trucks.. My last name was ‘Tank‘ Read more>>
Carla Rodrigues
The importance of connection with animals. It’s not just about loving them, it’s about the deep bond we form with them; the deep connection we feel all the way within our soul. It’s about energy, it’s about intuition. Animals are so much more capable of things, than people even know. Read more>>
gavinhuntr
As a kid, I believed that there were limits to what an ‘average person’ could achieve. Growing up, my family encouraged me to set ‘obtainable goals’ and be realistic about life. As l’ve grown older, l’ve come to realize that the only boundaries that truly exist are the ones we set for ourselves. Read more>>
Rebecca Day
I deal with chronic pain on a daily basis due to a series of injuries at birth and subsequent illnesses and surgeries. The pain can make running a business, especially one so emotive as the arts, particularly tough. Though there are days when I lose battles, I win the war because I keep going no matter how hard it gets. Read more>>
Chuck Pfoutz
I always had a dream of living by the ocean. I sold everything, left a good-paying job, and decided to move to the East Coast to start a new chapter in life and career. I bought myself a beautiful new home just 30 minutes from the beach and got myself a job making three times what I was making in St. Louis. Read more>>
Dr. Shaun Powell
One of the biggest lies the film industry tells itself is that women’s stories don’t sell or that female-led projects aren’t as powerful or profitable. I’ve seen firsthand that audiences are hungry for authentic stories, no matter who they come from. Another lie is that success has to look a certain way. Read more>>
Lynda R. Edwards
Absolutely. There was a moment when I came dangerously close to walking away from everything. When I started writing my first novel, it was pure compulsion; there was a story in me that had to come out, like breathing. I wasn’t thinking about fame or fortune; I was just answering an urgent creative call. But then Friendship Estate was published, and something shifted. Read more>>
Deshonna Buchanan
In essence, the public version of me is indeed the real me. I strive to present my true self, sharing my beliefs, values, and experiences with authenticity. However, I also believe in protecting my energy and my family’s privacy, so I do keep certain parts of myself reserved for my inner circle. Read more>>
Kareece St George
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I believe in being my honest, true authentic self, when you are being the real version of yourself, people can relate to you. People will better respect you, when you are honest and have integrity. Read more>>
Michael Derry
Open up and be vulnerable earlier. Others are sharing the same struggles and heartaches. Just put yourself out there and good things will happen. You are not giving people ammunition you are giving them insight to who you really are. Read more>>
Kareece St George
Actually yes! I am very grateful to say that I had the honor of being rewarded with an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism back in June 2025. Very proud moment for me. Read more>>
