Highlighting Local Gems

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.

Tasreen Khamisa

Suffering taught me truths that success never had the capacity to reveal. When I was 18, my father gave me The Prophet by Khalil Gibran, and the passage on Joy and Sorrow became a lifeline. Read more>>

Lael Barry

For a long time, I believed I wasn’t worthy. Growing up in a high-control religious environment, separating from my family young, and later ending up in an abusive relationship – all of it reinforced this idea that I had to earn my value, or prove it, or perform for it. Worthiness felt like something other people decided for me. Read more>>

Ashley-Marie Pineiro

I’ve learned that life isn’t linear. It doesn’t move in a straight line, and neither do we. My life has taught me that growth feels less like climbing a ladder and more like alchemy… like turning every chapter into something new. Most people see growth as checking boxes or hitting milestones. But for me, it’s always been about reinvention. Read more>>

Chance Quinn

My relationship. My Girllfriend has been the greatest part of my life. She’s more beautiful to me than a Sargent painting, or any sunset, or anything. I believe in the team that two people create together, the bond. Im not necessarily the easiest guy to date, I’m an Artist. Im rather chaotic, emotional, ADHD, often depressed, self destructive, all the usual Art nonsense. Read more>>

Jillian Imilkowski

Of the three, integrity is the cornerstone. Intelligence can be trained and energy can be harnessed, but integrity is the compass by which we navigate the world. In the healing space—especially one as personal as acupuncture and Chinese medicine—integrity isn’t optional; it’s foundational. Read more>>

Samantha Karina Regalado

As a teenager, I lived in constant fear that someone would discover I was struggling with chronic depression. At the time, it felt like another failure—another burden I had to carry alone. I convinced myself that staying silent was safer than being judged. Over the years, that silence became something I wanted to break not just for myself, but for others. Read more>>

Ashleigh Dinan Neilson

I feel most at peace when I am doing absolutely anything with my sister. And I mean anything. We could be tackling the most unenjoyable task, and I would still feel at peace just because she’s next to me. Read more>>

Lex Holley

My sister. She’s always believed in me—long before I had the confidence to believe in myself. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her Holy Spirit–led discernment and boldness. She’s the reason I walk in courage now. Watching her stand firm when others opposed her taught me what real confidence looks like. Read more>>

Courtney Simone

As I read this question, I instantly think of my inner child. When I think about her, I think about the little girl who always lived life on her terms. I think about the little girl who found joy from within and brought that joy everywhere she went. Read more>>

Lana Lebedeva

I think what breaks or restores the bond between people is the same thing: a genuine willingness to get to know the other person truly, and the presence or absence of reciprocity. As you get to know someone, you begin to understand two important things. The first is whether you actually like this person’s integrity. The second is whether the interest is mutual. Read more>>

Luz Dary Nino Ortiz

A cultural value I protect at all costs is loving each member of my family equally and respecting everyone. It’s something I carry with me everywhere I go. Connection, kindness, and fairness always come first. Read more>>

George Scarpati

Mike and Mary, the Owners of RMS Laser-Group, who are also my parents. Over the years I have gained so much knowledge from them on how the business works. Even after 15 years of working with them they still have so much to offer, and I still have a lot to learn. I’ve come a long way but the journey is ongoing. Read more>>