Mahmoud @moody.io is a beacon of hope for our youth today. Born in Egypt and being Muslim, assimilating to American culture was very difficult. He struggled with avoiding and hiding his culture, lying about his ethnicity, and doing all he could to “fit in”. Mahmoud later realized that people’s opinions of him did not and do not define him or his identity. His entrepreneurial ventures started young, selling candy bars, and washing dishes. Moving into college, he worked for a couple of startups but soon said he did not want to pursue another startup UNLESS it had deep intrinsic value. And then, @flora.mind was born. He and his two best friends, @danny.ts0 & @khandkeraham had a conversation that sparked a movement to bring mental health education to our youth. Watch to find out more!
Life's Not Linear with Liz Gonzalez
Liz has had an incredibly non-linear path that has lead to many fruitful opportunities - many of which she manifested. Growing up in Miami and then at the age of 10 moving to a very small, conservative town in Georgia with her family presented some challenges. They were the only Cuban family and she only spoke Spanish at the time. Many questioned how she could be so light-skinned while knowing Spanish fluently, and often associating her speaking Spanish with being Mexican. Her family was able to assimilate and share their Cuban culture with many of their new friends. Shortly after graduating from high school, Liz explored her sexuality and realized that she loves women. Watch to learn more!
Life's Not Linear with Yadira Santana-Dowling
Yadira is an inspiration. She has navigated many different transitions while learning to always put herself first. She knows that she is the only one responsible for her happiness. At 10 years old, she moved from the Dominican Republic to New York, without even knowing it! Huge culture shock. She was a rockstar in high school as she was involved in Student Government all four years, and following in the footsteps of her sister as student body president. Yadira turned down ivy league schools to attend Miami University in Ohio - another culture shock as she lives the diversity, hustle, and bustle of New York to move to the Midwest. This opened her eyes, gave her a new experience of America, and gave her friends from all over. Yadira took a job in finance at the World Trade Center, although finance is not her thing - she is an incredible strategist in advertising in marketing. Yet, she took the position to learn. Then, 9/11 happened. Watch to find out more!
Life's Not Linear with Onesimus Morrison
Onesimus shares with us his journey of business and entrepreneurship throughout his collegiate career and into post-grad life. He takes a leap and goes into entrepreneurial ventures with his family. This can be tough, but also so rewarding. He said it’s strengthened his bond with many of his family members. O also loves teaching younger entrepreneurs the importance of failure, and why we should not fear it. Failure is how we learn best.
Life's Not Linear with Jessica Innis
Jessica is a powerhouse! Smith College grad with a degree in chemistry and a minor in econ- and that’s only scratching the surface. She’s held many chair positions in various organizations and even founded the entrepreneurship club at Smith. From business to organic chemistry to kickboxing to entrepreneurship to self-care and advocacy - she has a big heart for herself and others. Jessica found Bloom magazine @bloomlifemag and Red Flowers @redflowersco hair care and is a strong advocate for critical media literacy. Wanna know what that is? Watch the full interview & share your thoughts!
Life's Not Linear with Leia Ferrari
Leia shares with us the importance of reflection and mental health as she tells us about her transitions from home to college and living in various different cities throughout her career. She shows us the importance of friendship, and how working with friends can be tricky. Don't be afraid to lean on your support systems (family, friends, university) during trying times. She's worked for agencies, corporate, startups, and now a non-profit that really aligns with her values. Leia shows us how to grind like an entrepreneur while also staying aware of your mental health and riding the waves of life. She's had to un-learn and learn a lot of new things in many new spaces. Tip: Therapy is awesome, give it a try!
Life's Not Linear with Olivia Menzia
Olivia shares with us her life of freelancing right after graduating. Her plan was to work for an agency, but she’s a firm believer in what will be, will be, and the universe keeps bringing her back to freelance. Liv tells us how she organizes all her different clients, how she stays disciplined, and why it’s important to know your worth and ask for it. She is a superstar entrepreneur, catching up on current projects or coming up with new ones to make rent and bring others joy - whether it’s through design, art, or vegan ice cream.@ everyone: PAY CREATIVES WHAT THEY’RE WORTH!
Life's Not Linear with August Ball
August is truly the portrait of strength and resilience. She shares with us her move to the Philippines at age 4, the experience of having a multiracial family, suffering so much adversity at such a young age, and how you have a good cry, have a good laugh, and keep moving forward. August shows that no obstacle is impossible. From having her birth mom being murdered at such a young age to growing up in a developing country, to fighting cervical cancer, and launching Cream City Conservation - August is a superwoman.
Life's Not Linear with Jeff Van Kampen
Jeff shares with us how he chose a college based on liking the dorms and ended up pursuing an engineering degree. Albeit, he doesn’t pursue an engineering job, but he uses his engineering skillset every day as a marketer for chiropractors. He had to take some risks from leaving a comfy 9-5, to borrowing money, to trying different niches until they landed on chiropractic marketing. Jeff shows us that you can never fail, and the only form of failure is quitting.
Life's Not Linear with Trevor Jones
Trevor really opens up about his journey, his obstacles, his choices, ramifications, and how he’s gotten more in touch with himself and moved past them.