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.
Sandra Trinidad-Lago
A lot of my passion for celebrations began at home. My mom was humble about it, but she always found ways to make birthdays and holidays feel like a big deal. There were always balloons, there was always a big cake and everything was filled with love and excitement. Some of those moments I only remember because she photographed everything. Read more>>
Kelly Rooney
I very much remember taking my daughter to Southern Africa and showing her the way many people that weren’t born with the advantages we were born with lived. I remember the surprise in her eyes and the questions that arose. Read more>>
ALEXANDRE ESCOBAR
I believe life is made of small moments that together shape the way we think and see the world. Every day we’re constantly changing, learning, making mistakes, trying to become better people. Who I am today is the result of many different factors that help me see the world in a different way. Read more>>
Grace Santamaria
I draw many of the themes in my stories from my own life and from the experiences of my loved ones. In Sea Salt and Coffee Beans, the immigration perspective comes directly from my background. I’m Colombian-American, raised in Barranquilla, and I’ve called Miami home since 2000. Read more>>
Arianna Shaprow
I have always been deeply connected to the natural world and animals. This is my core essence. I’ve spent time with horses, and studies show there is a correspondence between horse and human heart rate, as well as heart rate variability. Researchers identified this idea of “heart coupling” to show the extent to which a human’s emotions can influence the emotions of a horse. Read more>>
Michelle Miltenberger
It’s wild the process of our experience, going from carefree child to resigned adult. I have spent the last 5 years of my life unapologetically committed to restoring the TRUE essence of who I am, who Michelle is. The fun, sparkly, charming, loving, silly person that I was until society stifled me and told me that I was wrong for being who I was. Read more>>
Javier Rhoden
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was rhythm and silence at once — a current of wonder that didn’t need a name. I moved by instinct, not expectation. I spoke in color, not in words. I trusted the unseen and believed in the invisible threads that wove meaning through everything. I was unafraid to just be. Read more>>
Jayson Benjamin
Yes, I’m following my path. From Realtor to Broker Associate, I’m now opening my own brokerage before 30, naming it after my family. Read more>>
Cindy Hing
Last month was one of those moments that made me feel incredibly proud. The Palm Beach Film and Television Commission hosted an event at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts to honor the hosts and shows that received awards, and our team walked away with three awards for Day Tripping in The Palm Beaches and Fest Quest of The Palm Beaches. Read more>>
Laquinceya Wilson
The Recent Moment that made me so proud was my appearance at the VMAS SPONSORED BY THE GENERAL. Read more>>
Kristy Squire
You will make a difference. Read more>>
Alison Chesney
I would tell my younger self not to pidgeonhole yourself into a traditional profession or career. I started my professional career as an attorney, not even imagining that I could support myself and be successful as a creative. I’ve now been a professional photographer for 22 years after leaving the law, and I couldn’t be happier or more satisfied with my choice. Read more>>
Jason Neufeld
I am honored that my YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@elderneedslaw) has become a trusted resource for both consumers and attorneys in Florida. This is because I answer very specific questions. I believe one of the reasons for its popularity is because I am using my real and genuine voice to simplify very difficult estate planning and Medicaid planning concepts. Read more>>
Lawrence Chappe
many times. Shit, I question my life mission almost daily!!!!!! This ain’t for the weak of heart! Here’s a story: I still work as a graphic designer, and within the last 2 years I actually lost ALL my clients within a 30 days window. That means my income went to $0. I tried for months to get clients and got SHIT!!!! Read more>>
Giovani Martelly
Starting over when I moved back to Fl but we bounced back an were some how growing surprisingly. Read more>>
Lizzy Morales
I’m most proud of building this deep sense of self acceptance. It allows for an environment where I can sincerely feel comfortable being myself. Read more>>
Hanaya Ali
As a female CEO leading Sunshine and Smiles Summer Camp I protect my first 90 minutes because discipline is my edge. I wake up at 6 a.m. and head to the gym to ground myself and build the energy I need to lead at a high level. I get ready with intention because confidence starts with how you show up for yourself. By 8 a.m. Read more>>
TANISE BETHEL-GUERRA
I understand, on a level that only experience can teach, what it truly means to care for someone around the clock. Not in theory, not in passing, but in the day-in, day-out reality of meeting someone’s needs with love, patience, and resilience. Most people see caregiving as a task — something you schedule or delegate. I understand that it is a relationship. It shapes you. Read more>>
PJ Davis
They would say living life as I see it matters most to me. It’s important to me that I live the way I want. As an artist I don’t want to conform to what “they” think I should be. Will I appease clients, of course but I love thinking out of the box to make sessions interesting. Read more>>
Mimi Alas
I believe education is freedom and that every girl and woman, should have access to education. One of my biggest dreams (and goals) is to be able to empower woman on their journeys not only to self love but also on their careers. Read more>>
Zylia Knowlin
I believe that all three components have validity however integrity is the key component I choose to highlight. I believe integrity should drive everything you do. Having integrity will lead to positive energy and social intelligence. Integrity means being transparent and honest. It means being vulnerable at times and firm as well. It is standing on principles that your community can benefit and believe in. Read more>>
Priscila Zoullas
I am at peace during my morning walks and when I practice Tai Chi. I can connect with nature, clear my mind, and engage with my senses. This helps me realign my mind, body, and soul. With this new energy, I can bring positive energy to my family, friends, and OIYA. Read more>>
Tim Schmidt Sr.
My Father. He was a model citizen and typical hard working Midwestern man who used to wake me up at 4:00 AM to shove snow in the cold Minnesota winters so he could get to work at the US Bank Corporate office in downtown Minneapolis. Read more>>
Estefania Peynetti
Sometimes when decorating a cake thats a challenge, when I finally realize how I want to create it I cant stop! Find myself adding more details, exiting about making it. Its a moment to perfect my skills, expand my knowledge, stretch my imagination and prove to myself that I can turn ideas into edible art. Read more>>
Silvino Diaz
Relationships are like a garden, in that you don’t have endless land, and it is you who must keep the crops alive. The plants that grow in your garden, do so by being served, and given – time, attention, water, nutrients, pesticides, sunlight, shade, protection. Read more>>
Cierra Desmaratti
I think one of the biggest misunderstandings about my legacy will come from the fact that I am a 26 year old Black woman who has garnered a lot of visibility and attention this past year. And the truth is, I am human. I am not a one sided coin. I am fun, wild, rambunctious, and a little unhinged. Read more>>
Jessica Kayy
Honestly? The relationship with myself. I’ve spent a lot of time alone; at first, not by choice, until I intentionally started choosing to be alone. Solitude is beautiful because it allows space for you to be who you are at your core but pushes the hell out of you at the same time. Read more>>
Virginia Le Fay
My earliest memory of feeling powerful is learning I had a singing voice. As an immigrant, I learned to speak English through music. The minute I discovered I could sing, an entire world of self expression opened up to me. I felt special, like I had a secret weapon, something no one expected from me and that could not be denied. Read more>>
Mario L Castellanos
I know I’ll regret not having the time and money to ‘fix’ things. I’m bright enough to realize, much of what I think needs fixing requires a desire by others to want to fix them too. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t try. Read more>>
Haidar Hachem
We have felt most loved by the community on the grand opening of our new pop up space. We had to reopen our business because we had to close our previous space due to our landlord letting us know we had to vacate the property because they were going to demolish the warehouses we were located in and build apartments. Read more>>
