We asked some of the city’s hidden gems to tell us about what they feel is the most important factor behind their success.

Angie Baughman | Bible Teacher & Podcaster

I would say it’s being true to myself. It’s so easy to look at what others are doing and compare. Comparison is what invites discouragement and doubt. Going back to my passion and resisting the temptation to measure it against the passions of others keeps me taking steps forward. Read more>>

Kimberly Raff | Executive Director and Founder of Foster Alumni Mentors.

Starting a nonprofit meant making an impact in the world the way I felt needed to be made. After aging out of foster care when I was 17 years old, I was left to figure life out on my own. It took me years before I finally stabilized, graduated college, and was able to start my life. I began working for child welfare to give back and do for others what my case worker did for me, kept me safe. Read more>>

Annie Cooley | Executive Director

In the calendar year 2022, Resilience1220 has provided over 1,543 hours of free mental health counseling sessions, offered 117 groups that have reached 760 different youth and 106 parents, grandparents, caregivers and educators, and conducted outreach programs for 698 youth and adults to better understand the mental health crisis taking place among tweens and teens. Read more>>