Most Empowering Women Leaders to Follow in 2025 | Stoyana Natseva by Exeleon Magazine

Andrea hailey: guarding democracy, one generation at a time IN - FOCUS IN - FOCUS

Sewing Hope: Jenny Nuccio and her Vision for Imani Collective

STOYANA NATSEVA

STEERING A MISSION TO AWAKEN

Embracing Excellence

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Stoyana Natse a

NOTEVERYLEADER

setsouttochangetheworld,butfromtheverybeginning, StoyanaNatsevaknewherpathwouldbediﬀerent.Quietly powerful,deeplyintentional,andspirituallydriven,her missionisn'tjusttolead,it'stoawaken.

Asthevisionarybehind Happy Life Academy® andfounder oftheInternationalAssociationofProfessionalTrainersand Consultants(IAPTC®),Stoyanahasredeinedwhatitmeansto lead,toserve,andtotransform.

Fromhumblebeginningstointernationalacclaim,herjourney isbothdeeplypersonalandprofoundlyuniversal.Guidedby thebeliefthat“wearenotborntosuﬀer,buttoawaken,” Stoyanahasdedicatedherlifetohelpingothersremember whotheytrulyare—andrise.

Now,astheJuly2025CoverFeatureofExeleonMagazine's EmpoweringWomenLeaderstoFollowedition,shesharesthe heartandvisionbehindherglobalmission:to awaken 1 million conscious leaders whowillshapethefuturewith clarity,authenticity,andsoul-ledaction.

This is not just a story of success. It is a story of service, spirit, and the kind of leadership the world needs now more than ever.

THE BIRTH OF A MISSION

ForStoyana,thecreationof Happy Life Academy® wasneverabout buildingabusiness—itwasthe manifestationofadeeperspiritual calling.

“Myjourneyhasalwaysbeen guidedbyasingle,unwavering truth:wearenotborntosuﬀer, buttoawaken,”sheshares.“Every challengeinmylife—whether personalorprofessional—has broughtmebacktothis realization.I'veseenhowdeep painoftenhidesdeeppower.And I'vealsoseenhowtheright guidance,attherightmoment,can awakensomeone'spurpose, identity,andleadership.”

Itwasthisrealizationthatbecame thesparkbehindtheAcademy's founding.“Thisunderstandingis whatinspiredmetocreateHappy LifeAcademy®—notasjust anothercoachingschool,butasa sacredspaceforrebirth,”she explains.“Aspacewherepeople rememberwhotheytrulyareand stepintotheirmissionwith clarity,strengthandpresence.”

Whatbeganasavisionquickly evolvedintoaglobalmovement Today,HappyLifeAcademy®has trainedover100,000students fromaroundtheworldandnow oﬀersnineinternationally accreditedMBA programs—mergingadvanced educationwithsoul-centered transformation.

“Wecombinesciencewithsoul, educationwithtransformation, andresultswithintegrity,” Stoyanasays.

Heroverarchinggoalisbothclear andambitious:“Mymissionis bothsimpleandbold:toawaken1 millionconsciousleaderswholive withpurpose,leadwithheart,and elevateothersthroughtruth, serviceandawakenedaction.”

A NEW STANDARD FOR LEADERSHIP

WhatsetsHappyLifeAcademy® apartfromotherinstitutionsis notjustitscurriculum,butits conscious foundation.Attheheart ofthisglobalacademyisasetof guidingvaluesthatinformevery course,everyinteraction,and everytransformation.

“HappyLifeAcademy®isfounded ontimelessprinciplesthatshape everyinteraction,everycourse, everybreakthrough,”saysStoyana Natseva.Theseprinciplesaren't justwrittenintoprogram materials,theyare lived bythe team,thementors,andtheglobal studentcommunity.

AtthecoreoftheAcademy's philosophyis wholeness.“Wesee eachpersonasawholesystem: mind,body,energy,emotions, soul,environment,origins,and spiritualmemory,”Stoyana explains.Thismultidimensional approachallowstheAcademyto fosterprofound,lasting transformation—notjustsurfacelevelsuccess.

Anothercornerstoneis authenticity.“Wedon'tjustteach transformation.Weliveit,”she states.“Ourmentorswalkthepath otherslead.”Thislivedexperience ensuresthateverylessonisrooted inreal-worldintegrationand personalevolution.

WE DON T JUST TEACH TRANSFORMATION, WE LIVE IT. ,

Equallyimportantisa commitmentto results and impact.Whiledeeplyspiritualin itsvision,theAcademygrounds itsworkinpracticaloutcomes. “Ourtrainingsgobeyondtheory. Theyleadtomeasurable growth—personaland professional—withdegreesthat opendoorsaroundtheworld.”

Service through values isa guidingprincipleinhowthe Academyengageswithits studentsandtheworld.“Welead withpresence,awareness,and highstandards,”saysStoyana. “Everysessionisaserviceto humanpotential.”

Lastly,theAcademychampions global unity.Withstudentsfrom acrosscontinentsandcultures, HappyLifeAcademy®is committedtobuildingconscious bridges—betweenpeople, perspectives,andpurpose.“Our studentscomefromalloverthe world.Webuildconsciousbridges betweencultures,hearts,and missions.”

ForStoyana,thismission transcendseducation.“Thisisnot abusinessmodel—it'sa movement.Onethataimstobuild aworldwhereleadershipisnot aboutdomination,butabout consciousservice.”

Throughtheseprinciples,Happy LifeAcademy®continuesto elevatewhat'spossiblein leadershipdevelopment

REDEFINING CERTIFICATION IN COACHING AND THERAPY

Asthecoachingandtherapy industriescontinuetogrowata

globalscale,Stoyanahasemerged asapowerfulvoice.With countlesspractitionersentering theield,shesawacriticalgap–onethatwasn'taboutpopularity ordemand,butaboutintegrity, ethics,andtruetransformational standards.

“WhenIfoundedIAPTC®,my intentionwasclear:toraisethe standardsinagrowing—butoften unregulated—industry,”she shares.

ThroughIAPTC®,Stoyanais workingtoestablishanewglobal benchmark—onethatensures coachesandtherapistsarenot onlyskilled,butdeeplyrespectful ofthecomplexityandsacredness ofthehumanexperience.“I believethefutureofcoachingand therapymustbeethical—where everycoachrespectsthehuman soul,notjustthemind,”shesays.

Hervisiongoesbeyondskill development.ForStoyana, professionalcertiicationmust comewithresponsibility.“Itmust includerealstandards, supervision,andlifelonglearning,” sheexplains.“Certiicationshould neverbeaformality.Itshouldbea markofservice,safety,andsacred leadership.”

Underherleadership,IAPTC®has expandedrapidly,nowcertifying expertsinover20countries,and fosteringagrowingnetworkof professionalscommittedtowhat shecalls “healing, awakening, and conscious evolution.”

Equallyvitaltohermissionisthe integrationofholisticmethods. Stoyana'sapproachembracesa full-spectrumviewofhuman

development—blending traditionalmodalitieslike psychologyandsystemstheory withenergyworkand ancestralwisdom.“Thefuture mustbeholistic—integrating psychology,energywork, systemstheory,andancestral wisdom,”sheafirms.

Shealsoemphasizesthe importanceofcross-cultural alignmentinaglobalized world:“Theindustrymustbe globallyaligned—withshared valuesacrossculturesand languages.”

ThroughIAPTC®,Stoyanais notonlychanginghowcoaches andtherapistsaretrained,but she'salsoelevatingwhatit meanstobeone.

THE BLUEPRINT FOR TRUE TRANSFORMATION

Inanindustryoftensaturated withquickixesandsurfacelevelmotivation,Stoyana bringsararedepthtopersonal development;anapproach rootednotinmomentary inspiration,butinidentitylevelchange.

“Lastingchangerequires depth,”sheexplains.“It requiresacomplete reconigurationofhowa personseesthemselves—not justwhattheythink,butwho theybelievetheyare. ”

Thisbeliefformsthecoreof hertransformational methodologyatHappyLife Academy®,whereclientsare guidedthroughamultidimensionalprocessof

BEYONDTHE SPOTLIGHT

With over 30 national and international awards, two Forbes coverfeatures,andaprofoundinluenceonthousandsofcoaches andtherapistsacrosstheglobe,StoyanaNatsevahasbecomea recognized force in the realm of conscious leadership and transformation. Yet, despite the accolades and visibility, she remainsunwaveringinherhumilityandfocus.

“Awardsandrecognitionareimportant,buttheyareneverthe goal,”sheshares.“Tome,everyawardisasymboloftrustand impact.Areminderthatwhenweservefromtheheart,theworld responds.”

Her recognitions include prestigious honors like the Universe Grand Prize in Vienna and the Writer of the Decade award—milestones that relect both the depth and breadth of herwork.ButforStoyana,therealrewardlieselsewhere.

“WhatsustainsmedeeplyisthetransformationIwitnessevery day:aclientbreakingagenerationalcycle,awomanindingher voice, a man choosing love over fear,” she says. These quiet momentsofchange,ofteninvisibletotheworld,arewhatkeep herrootedinherpurpose.

Inacultureoftenenamoredwiththespotlight,Stoyanaremains grounded through intentional living. “Success without soul is empty,” she explains. “That's why I maintain harmony through spiritualdiscipline,dailystructure,sacredrest,andaloyalteam thatsharesmyvalues.”

Herperspectiveisrefreshinglyclear:whileexternalrecognition maycomeandgo,whattrulyenduresistheinneralignmentwith purpose “The spotlight comes and goes,” she relects “But integrity,mission,andloveforhumanity—theyareeternal.”

THE IGHT

personalevolution.Stoyana's approachworksonseveralkey levels: mental reframing, emotional release, ancestral patterns, identity structure, and vision and action integration.

Eachlayeraddressesavitalaspect ofaperson'sinnerworld,allowing forbreakthroughsthatarenotonly powerful—butpermanent.“Weuse asystemIdevelopedthatcombines psychology,quantumprinciples, coaching,andenergetic transformation,”shesays.“It'snot abouttemporarymotivation—it's aboutactivatinganewinner blueprint.”

Theresults?Clientsdon'tjust accomplishgoals,theyevolve.They shedlimitingstories,dismantle inheritedfears,andbeginoperating fromamorealigned,empowered self.“Peopledon'tjustget results—theybecomediﬀerent people,”Stoyanarelects.“Andthat, tome,istherealmiracle.”

A VISION FOR GLOBAL IMPACT

AsStoyanacontinuestoshapethe futureofconsciousleadership,her focusremainsirmlyonhighqualityglobalexpansion.The successofherinternationally accreditedMBAprogramsoﬀered indisciplineslikeHolistic PsychologyandCounseling,Life andBusinessCoaching,Systemic TherapyandFamilyWork,and

QuantumPsychologyandIdentity haslaidastrongfoundationfor whatcomesnext

“We'reexpandingourlicensing modelandbuildingaglobal networkofcertiiedteachers,”she shares.Thisnextchapterincludes organizingretreatsandseminars acrossEurope,theUAE,India, Africa,andSouth America—oﬀeringimmersive learningexperiencestoleadersand seekersworldwide.

Stoyanaisalsoinitiatingnew partnershipswithacademicand professionalinstitutions,bridging thegapbetweentraditional educationandtransformativeinner work.Butperhapshermost

CONTACT

ambitiousundertakingisthelaunch ofherglobalcampaign,'1 Million Awakened'—aninitiativethatwill providefreeeducationand consciouscontenttoyouthand vulnerablecommunitiesaroundthe world.

“Myvisionistochangethe standard,”shestateswith conviction.“Tobuildaworldin whichtheconscious,inspiredand realizedpersonisthenewnorm.”

It'saboldvision,butoneentirely alignedwiththelifeshelives,the worksheleads,andthelegacyshe's alreadybuilding.

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e Capturing

The Artistry of Amanda Lynn Photography

Inthedynamicrealmofweddingandeventphotography,AmandaLynn standsoutasastorytellerwithacamera,weavingnarrativesoflove,joy, and authenticity Her passion for preserving life's leeting moments, pairedwithavibrantstyleandaknackforconnection,hasmadehera beloved igure among couples and event planners. Through her own words,weexplorewhatdrivesher,howshedeineshercraft,andwhyher workleavesalastingimpression.

e & Life

A LIFELONG LOVE FOR THE LENS

Amanda'sjourneyinto photographybeganinchildhood, armedwithawind-upcamerashe carriedaroundherschoolyard. “I'vealwaysbeendrawnto capturingreal,authentic moments—justwatchingbeauty unfoldinrealtime,”sherecalls fondly

Snappingcandidshotsof classmatesorstagingplayful poses,shediscoveredajoyin freezingtimethatneverfaded. Thatearlysparkgrewintoa passionforweddingandevent photography,whereshefoundher truecalling.“Weddingandevent photographyletsmestepbackand witnessatruelovestoryinmotion, preservingallthelittleemotionsas theyhappen,”shesays.For Amanda,it'saboutmorethan images—it'saboutencapsulating theessenceofadayherclientswill treasureforever.

A STYLE THAT'S TRUE AND TIMELESS

AmandaLynn'sphotographydeies leetingtrendswithastyleshe describesas“truetocolorwitha touchofmagic.”Sheexplains,“I focusonmovementandgenuine moments—photosthatfeelreal andfullofemotion.”Herwork celebratesvivid,naturalhues, steeringclearofoverprocessed aestheticstoletthemoment'ssoul shinethrough.

Butherartistryextendsbeyond thelens—it'stheexperienceshe createsthatsetsherapart.“I'ma girl'sgirlandaguy'sguy,”shesays

withasmile.“Iknowhowtomake herfeelbeautifulandempowered, andhelphimrelaxandhavefun.” Byfosteringaspacewhereclients feelatease,shecapturesimages thatpulsewithauthenticity, turningstiﬀposesintoheartfelt exchanges.

THE JOY OF COLLABORATION

Collaborationisattheheartof Amanda'sprocess,andshethrives ontheenergyherclientsbring.“I lovefeedingoﬀtheloveand aﬀectionmycoupleshaveforeach other—it'strulywhattakesgood photosandmakesthemgreat,”she shares.

Shedelightsinhelpingcouples rediscovertheirspark,noting, “Oneofmyfavoritethingsis helpingthemtapintothatinner lirtiness,wheretheylettheir guarddownanditfeelslikenoone elseisintheroom.”Whenevent plannersjointhemix,theday lowsevensmoother.“Theykeep thedayrunningsosmoothlyand helpkeepmeontrack—because honestly,Icouldgettotallylostin documentingthelovestoryand justkeepgoing!”sheadmits.This teamworkensureseverymoment iscapturedseamlessly

MEMORABLE MOMENTS THAT LINGER

Whenaskedaboutafavorite memory,Amandahesitates—not forlackofone,butbecauseeach eventleavesitsmark.“Honestly, there'ssomethingthatstandsout tomeateverywedding,”shesays.

Fromhilariousmishapstotipsy

friendstearingupthedanceloor, orevenaDJwho“reallymissedthe vibe,”shetreasuresthechaosand charmofeveryoccasion.“Every eventhasitsownenergyandchaos andcharm,andIalwayscome awaywithastorytokeep,”she relects.Thisunpredictability keepsherpassionalive.“That's whatmakesthisjobsofun—I neverknowwhatI'mwalkinginto, butIalwaysleavewithsomething unforgettable,”sheadds, underscoringwhysheloveswhat shedoes.

PUTTING CLIENTS AT EASE

Amanda'sabilitytomakeanyone feelcomfortableinfrontofthe cameraisoneofhergreatest strengths—askillbornfrom empathy.“Igetit—I'msoawkward infrontofthecameramyself,soI totallyunderstandthefeeling!”she confesses.

Herapproachissimpleyet eﬀective:“Iusuallystartwith somethinglikewalkinghand-inhandandbeingplayful,”she explains.“Itgivesthemamoment toconnectandrealizethey'rein thistogether—andthatit'sgoing tobefun.”Thisgentlenudgeoften sparksspontaneous,adorable momentsthatsetthetoneforthe session,transformingnervesinto naturalease.

TIPS FOR A PICTURE-PERFECT DAY

Forthoseplanningaweddingor event,Amanda'sadviceisclear: “Firstoﬀ,hiremeASAP!”Booking earlyunlocksmorethanjusther photography—ittapsintoher

expertiseasaguide.“Thesooner welockeverythingin,thesoonerI canhelpguideyouthroughthe entireplanningprocess,”shesays.

Withrecommendationsfor vendors—fromhairandmakeup toDJs—andahands-onrolein timelineplanning,sheensuresthe daylowssmoothly.“I'mwithyou everystepoftheway,makingsure yougetthemostoutofyour photographyexperience,”she promises.Hergoal?Tocapture everymomentworth remembering,stress-free.

A LEGACY OF LOVE

AmandaLynn'sphotographyisa celebrationoflife'smostprofound moments.Withhervibrantstyle, empatheticapproach,andknack forindingbeautyinthe unexpected,shedoesn'tjust documentevents—shepreserves lovestories.

Whethercoaxingashygroominto agrinorcapturingabride'squiet tears,sheinfuseseveryframe withmagic,provingthatthebest photographsaren'tjust seen—they'refelt.Forclients,the rewardistwofold:stunning imagesandmemoriesofaday wheretheyfelttrulyseenand loved.InAmanda'shands,a weddingbecomesatimelesstale, beautifullytold.

GUARDING DEMOCRACY,

ONE GENERATION AT A TIME

Hailey

Born Into Justice

Andrea Hailey doesn't remember a time when advocacy wasn't a part of her daily life. As a child, she wasn't simply raised in a home that valued justice—she was raised in a law ofﬁce, quite literally Her parents, civil rights attorneys in Indiana, ran a small but mighty legal practice where justice wasn't measured by the size of a case but by the opportunity to make something right.

"It didn't matter if it was the largest case or someone walking in off the street with a small issue," Andrea recalls. "If my parents could see something was wrong that needed to be right, they would help—even if the client paid in lasagna."

That ethos of service was Andrea's foundation. From her earliest days, she was surrounded by legal minds not only concerned with the rule of law but with uplifting their community It was never about prestige or proﬁt—it was about people. And that people-ﬁrst lens would shape every chapter of her life and career.

Her family's activism extended beyond the courtroom. While the 1965 Voting Rights Act outlawed racial discrimination in voting, her parents understood the work was far from over. They helped neighbors get to the polls and embedded the value of civic participation in everyday life. This wasn't just about checking a box on Election Day. This was democracy as a lived, shared responsibility

LESSONS FROM LEGENDS

Growingupinahousehold dedicatedtocivilrightsplaced Andreaindirectcontactwith history.Fromayoungage,shemet andlearnedfromiconslikeCoretta ScottKing,JuanitaAbernathy,and JohnLewis—leaderswhodidn't justmakehistory,butcarriedit forward.

Mrs.King'swordsstayedetchedin Andrea'smemory:"Freedomis neverreallywon.Youearnitand winitineverygeneration."The quotewasarefrainintheHailey household;alessonAndreatookto heart.Rightsaren'tinherited;they areprotectedandrenewedbyeach generation.

AndwhenAndreahadthe opportunitytomeetandthank JuanitaAbernathyforhersacriices, Mrs.AbernathylookedAndreain theeyeandsaid,"Stopthanking me."Instead,shepassedthetorch: Carry the work forward. That momentwasaturningpointfor Andrea—acalltoaction.

"Fromthatmomenton,"Andrea mentions,"Iknewitwasmydutyto takemyrotationonthewall.To protectdemocracy,sothatthenext generationhasonetolivein."

Andreaalsowalkedacrossthe EdmundPettusBridgewith

Spotlight

CongressmanJohnLewisto commemorateBloodySunday.And whensheaskedhimwhattoday's generationmightbeforgetting,she expectedatacticalanswer.Instead, hesaidsimply: "You have to keep your joy"

"Thatjoyiswhatcarriesyou throughthehardestmoments," Andrearelects."It'showyoupush throughexhaustionandsetbacks. Joyiswhatbuildsresilience.”

DEMOCRACY AS DESTINY

Andrea'scallingwasn'tsomething shestumbledupon;itwaswritten intoherDNA.Hergrandfather,a BlackveteranofWorldWarI,faced polltaxesandintimidationwhenhe triedtovote.Hergreatgrandmother,fromafamilyofSouth Carolinasharecroppers,hadtopass literacyteststoaccesstheballot box.

Theseweren'tdistantmemories, theywereofAndrea'sinheritance. Raisedinafamilywherecivilrights lawwasthefamilybusiness,Andrea watchedherparentsdismantle racism,includingtheirroleina majorcasethatledtothe bankruptcyoftheKuKluxKlanin Indiana.

Politicsandpurposeweren't separate.Theylivedtogether.Even asachildmeetingRepresentative

PatrickKennedy,sheconidently declaredshewouldonedaywork forhim.Thatprophecyfulilled itselfwhenshelaunchedhercareer onCapitolHillinhisofice.

SCALING A MISSION

WhenAndreatookthereinsat VOTE.org,thelargestnonpartisan votingrightsplatformintheU.S., shebroughttwodecadesof experienceinvoter engagement—fromCapitolHillto presidentialcampaigns.Butwhat trulysetherapartwasherabilityto translatedeeplypersonalpurpose intoscalableimpact.

Underherleadership, VOTE.org quadrupled its impact,reaching morevotersthaneverbefore. Andrea'sirstmove?Diversifythe funderbase.Shetraveled extensivelytobringinnew grassrootsdonors,fosteredcrosssectorpartnerships,andrebuild trustwithcivicorganizations, universities,andinluencers.

"It'snotabouthow I wantto communicate,"shesays."It'sabout howan18-year-oldstudent,a tradesperson,oranewvoterwants tobereached."Thismindsetledto a50-stateget-out-the-vote campaignthatreached over half a billion voter contacts.Thesecret? Meetvoterswheretheyalreadyare.

Andreaandherteamformed partnershipswithplatformslike SnapchatandTinder, organizationsliketheNBAand SouthernPovertyLawCenter,and evenpopcultureiconslikeTaylor Swifttoamplifytheirreach.These weren'tgimmicks—theywere bridges.Theresult?An astounding81%conversionrate amonguserswhointeractedwith VOTE.org.

"It'saboutcommunity,"Andrea says."It'saboutbringingcivic engagementintoeverydaylife."

LIFTING EVERY VOICE

Oneofthemostcriticalshifts AndreamadeatVOTE.orgwas intentionallyfocusingon traditionallyexcluded communities."Votinghistoryis likecredithistory,"sheexplains. "Youngpeopledon'tgetcourted bypoliticalpartiesbecause they'reseenaslow-propensity voters.Butthey'rethefuture."

Ratherthanignoringthem, VOTE.orgdidtheopposite:they prioritizedthem.Theylaunched on-rampsforirst-timevoters, demystiiedthevotingprocess, andprovidedyear-round information.Fromhowtoregister towhat'sontheballot,Andrea's teamensuredvotershadwhat theyneeded,whentheyneededit.

DEMOCRACY IS A LIVING THING

“Democracy is a living thing," Andrea often says. "It has to be nurtured, protected, and practiced."

That doesn't just happen at the ballot box. It starts in community. It startswith showing up for one another.

"Register yourself, then register three friends. Share your voting plans.Talk about your local elections," she urges. In 2025 alone, over 30,000 city council seats, 22,000 school board positions, 5,000 mayoral ofﬁces, and 1,000 judgeships will be decided. "These positions affect our daily lives far more than most realize."

Andrea is passionate about demystifying civic participation. National politics may dominate the headlines, but it's the local ballots that often hold the most immediate power over our lives. Her call to action is simple but urgent:

Democracy only works if we all show up.

Spotlight

Thiswasn'tjustabout elections.Itwasabout building a culture of democratic participation.

"Peoplethinkpoliticsis somethingseparatefromtheir lives,"Andreasays."Butevery partofourlives—fromour schoolstoourstreetstoour paychecks—isaﬀectedbyit”

TOWARD A MORE PERFECT UNION

So,whatdoesatruly representativedemocracy lookliketoAndreaHailey?

"It'sonewhere everyone—regardlessof background—hastheability tocastaballotandhavetheir voiceheard,"shesays."The peopleshoulddecidethe leaders,nottheotherway around."

Butshe'squickto acknowledgethefragilityof thisvision."We'reina deiningmoment.Somewant amoreinclusive,participatory democracy.Othersare pushingforamore authoritarianmodel.Thenext fewelectioncycleswill determinewhichpathwe choose.”

ForAndrea,theansweris clear:showup,speakout,and vote.Anddon'tdoitalone.

A ROTATION ON THE WALL

AndreaHaileyseesherwork notasacareer,butasa rotationonthe wall—guardingthefragile promiseofdemocracysoit canbepassedtothenext generation.

Sheleadswithjoy,purpose, andunshakeableconviction. Sheisascomfortableona panelofpolicymakersasshe isingrassrootscommunity centers,remindingvotersthat theirvoicesmatter.

Fromthechildinthenursery roomofasmallIndianalaw oficetotheCEOleadingthe largestdigitalvotingplatform inAmerica,Andrea'sjourney hascomefullcircle.Buther missioncontinues.

Andwitheveryelection,every voterregistered,andevery barrierdismantled,shebrings usonestepclosertothe democracywedeserve.

Hope Sewing

Jenny Nuccio and her Vision for Imani Collective

JennyNuccio'sjourneywithImaniCollectivebeganwitha transformativetriptoKenyain2009.Movedbythedetermination oflocalwomenandthechallengestheyfaced,Jennyfeltacallingto makeadiﬀerence.ThisledhertoestablishImaniCollective,abrand drivenbythebeliefthatempowermentandcommunitygohandinhand.

Startingasasmallsewingtrainingprogram,ImaniCollectivehassince lourishedintoagloballyrecognizedbrandwith120artisansacrossthree Kenyanlocations.Jenny'svisionaryleadershipanddedicationto empoweringartisanshavepropelledImaniCollective'sgrowth,turning audaciousdreamsintoreality

Throughitsassociatedbrands,includingImani+Kids,Selah,andSukwa, ImaniCollectiveprovideshigh-quality,sustainable,andscalable merchandiserangingfromswagtohomedecor,kids'toys,andmore.Most recently,Jennypublishedherirstbook,LetItBeWild,inwhichshe recountstheexhilaratinghighsandlowsofherjourneythusfar.

What inspired you to start Imani Collective, and how did your personal journey lead you to this point?

ItallstartedwithatriptoKenyain2009.WhileIwasthere,Ihadthe opportunitytoworkcloselywithacouplewhowerestartingaschoolto helpprovideeducationopportunitiestothelocalcommunity.AlthoughI wasjustastudentatthetime,Ifeltaconnectionwiththepeopleandthe placethatwasundeniable.ItwastherethatIstartedtoforgedeepbonds withthewomenwhowouldlaterbecomeintegraltotheImaniCollective family

However,itwasn'tuntilIwitnessedthestrugglesofsingle,widowed,or disabledmothersirsthandthattheseedsofanideabegantotakerootin mymind.Thesewomen,despitetheirimmenseresilience,weretrapped inacycleofpovertythatseemedimpossibletoescape.In2013,Idecided

toselleverythingIownedand permanentlyrelocatefromTexasto Kenya.Withtheproceeds,I purchasedtheirst16sewing machinesthatwouldbecomeImani Collective.Everystageofthis journeyhasbeenguidedbythe foundationalbeliefthatwearenot justbettertogether—weareour best.Thisphilosophyhasbeenthe coreofImaniCollective,drivingour missiontoempowerartisansand fostercommunity.

Imani Collective started as a small sewing training program. How did it evolve into a globally recognized brand with 120 artisans across three Kenyan Locations?

Sincethebeginning,Ifeltcalledto makeagreaterimpactandpursuea comprehensiveapproachto economicindependence.I rememberonenight,rightwhen ImaniCollectivewasjustregistered asanonproit,whereIgathered withfoundingmembersandfriends tostartchartingourjourney forward.Wewantedtoenvisionthe possibilitiesforthefutureofImani Collective,whichseemeddificultat thetime,asweweresosmall.

But,webegantodreambig.One exercise,savedfortheendofthe day,wastowriteaten-yeartoastto ImaniCollective.Asweimagined ourselvestenyearsintothefuture, celebratingadecadeofimpact,the roomwasilledwithhope.Eachof usraisedourmetaphorical champagneglasses,celebratingthe collective'sgrowth.Amongthe toasts,onefriend'swordsstandout tothisday:“Itisbeautifultosee howmuchImanihasgrown.How muchtheyhaveimpactedthe world.Howmuchtheyhave becomeknowntomany.Iaminawe

thatwenowcansaywearea householdname.Thatpeople acrossthenationknowwhoweare andwhatwedo.Thatwehave createdsomuchimpactandso muchgoodthatitcannotbe ignoredandforthat,cheerstoour tenyears.”

Well,whentheten-yearmark indeedrolledaround,these audaciousdreamshadbecome reality.Wehad120artisansand staﬀonsalary,andwehadthree locationsinKenya:Mombasa(Old Town),MtepeniVillage,and Turkana.Wehadpartneredwith organizationsinUganda,Tanzania, Ethiopia,Rwanda,Burundi,and India.Wehadjustshiftedintoa hybridmodelandwerenownot onlyanonproitbutaglobal business,withcustomersinmore than160countries.Itwasthrough thisboldvisionthatImani Collectiveevolvedfromamere trainingprogramtowhatweare today

Imani Collective has a unique approach that combines a social enterprise with a nonproit. Can you elaborate on how this model works and the advantages it oﬀers?

Withinthesocialimpactspace,I realizedthatmanybusinesses struggletoencompassbothimpact andgrowth.Abigchallengefor traditionalnonproitsisinancial sustainabilityduetotheirreliance onsporadicdonationsandgrantbasedfunding.Toovercomethese limitations,ourhybridmodel mergesthestrengthsofboththe businessandnonproitsectorsto addresstheimmediateneedsofour artisansandthebroadergoalof breakingthegenerationalcycleof poverty

Operatingasanonproitallowsus tobreakdownthecycleofpoverty ateverylevel,whilethebrandsin oursocialenterprise,including Imani+Kids,Selah,Sukwa,and Talanta,enableustoprovidestable employmentopportunitiesand consistentincomeforourartisans. Bymaintainingastablerevenue streamthroughourbusiness endeavors,wecanfurtherinvestin ournonproitinitiativeswithout compromisingonourcommitment tosocialimpact.

What have been some of the biggest challenges in scaling Imani Collective, and how have you addressed them?

Oneofmybiggestchallengesin scalingImaniCollectivewastostop saying“yes”toeverything.Itsounds counterintuitive,butforyears,that mindsetleftmestressedand overwhelmed.Iwasafraidtomiss outonpotentialexperiencesthat couldshapethefutureofImani Collective.Saying“no”felt impossibleatthetime.ButIsoon begantounderstandthe importanceofsettingboundaries andputtingmyselfandmytime irst

Saying“no”didn'tmeanIwas missingoutonopportunities,but ratherrespectingmyowntimeto focusonthethingsthatmatteredto me.Bylearningtobeselectivein mycommitments,Igaineda newfoundsenseofclarity.Iwas abletofocusmyenergyonthe thingsthatmostalignedwithmy valuesandgoals.Ilearnedtobe abletoshowupfullypresentand engagedinthemomentsthattruly matter

What advice would you give to individuals who aspire to start

their own social enterprises and make a positive impact in the world?

Mymainpieceofadvicefor someoneconsideringbuildingan organizationfromthegroundup, andespeciallyasocialenterprise, istobedrivenbyclearvalues. Whenyouknowyourpurposeand whatyouwanttomakeofit,you canensurethateverystepyoutake createsrealchangethatlater aﬀectstheworldinmeaningful ways.

Mystoryissimplyanexampleof that.Ihadtolearntotrustmy instinctsandembracethe unknowninordertoindmy'why.' Ithinkthemostimportantthing anyonecandoislistentoyour heartandletitguideyoutothe opportunitiesthatarerightforyou.

What are your future goals for Imani Collective, both in terms of business growth and social impact?

Inthenext5to10years,weplanto expandourtrainingand developmentworkinKenya.This way,wecancontinuetogrowour oﬀeringinaccordancewiththe needsofthecommunitiesaround us.Wealsoplantohelpother brandsgrowtheirimpactby leveragingourownexperiencein creatingchange.Iplantocontinue tobeavoiceforthosewhooftengo unheardandtoprovidemeaningful educationandemployment opportunitiesnotjustinKenyabut alsoaroundtheworld.

Building a Business with God at the Center

Inanentrepreneurial worlddrivenby algorithms,achievement, andrelentlesshustle,Stefanie Gassoﬀersarefreshingand faithfulcounter-narrative:a businessrootedinbiblical values,simplicity,andtrustin God'stiming.

Asthefounderof Stefanie Gass LLC andhostofthepopular podcast Online Business for Christian Women,Stefaniehas helpedthousandsofwomen createimpactfulbusinesses, withoutcompromisingtheir faithorfamily.

Herstoryisnotoneofinstant successbutofsurrender,prayer, anddivineredirection.Through hercoaching,content,and community,Stefaniecontinues tomodelwhatitlooksliketo thriveinbusinesswhile remaininganchoredinpurpose andobedience.

Stefanie, can you take us back to the beginning? What led you to create Stefanie Gass LLC and launch Online Business for Christian Women?

MyjourneytobuildingStefanie GassLLCandlaunching“Online BusinessforChristianWomen” beganinaseasonofsurrender. Yearsago,Ifoundmyself chasingworldlysuccessin networkmarketing,constantly hustlingandstrivingfor achievement.WhileIhitthebig milestones—sixigures, recognition,thetrips—Ifelt emptyanddisconnectedfrom mytruepurpose.

Godbegantoworkinmyheart, revealingthatIwasplacingmy worthinsuccessinsteadofin Him.In2016,Idecidedtolayit alldown.Ideletedsocialmedia foraseason,leanedintoprayer, andaskedGodtoguidemeto

Hisplansformylifeand business.

Throughthatprocess,He revealedacallingtohelp ambitious,faith-ledwomen buildbusinessesthathonor Him—withoutcompromising theirfamilyorfaith.That's whenmypodcast,“Online BusinessforChristianWomen,” wasborn,andlatermy signatureprogramsthathelp womenmonetizetheirGodgivengiftsthroughpodcasting.

You're known for your antihustle, biblical approach to business. How do you deine “anti-hustle” in a culture that gloriies grind?

Tome,“anti-hustle”means buildingabusinessin partnershipwithGodrather thanrelyingsolelyonourown strength.Itmeansprioritizing presenceoverpressure,

Founder Stefanie Gass LLC

STEFANIE GASS

sustainabilityoverburnout,and obedienceoveroutcomes.

Theworldcelebratesconstant hustle,latenights,andbusy schedulesasbadgesofhonor—but Godcallsustorest,totrust,andto stewardourgiftswithpeace.The “anti-hustle”approachallowsusto growbusinessesthatdon'tdrainus butinsteadsupportthelifeGodis callingustolive—withmarginfor faith,family,andtruefreedom.

How do you coach clients to trust God's timing and provision while still stewarding their business growth wisely?

Oneofmyfavoriteversesis Proverbs16:9:“Intheirhearts humansplantheircourse,butthe Lordestablishestheirsteps.”I remindmyclientsthatGodisnot surprisedbytheirtimelineortheir journey

Weco-createastrategy—because planningandtakingactionare biblical—butweholdthoseplans looselyandremainopentoHis redirection.Ihelpthemset boundaries,deinetheir“enough,” andbuildbusinessesthatalignwith theircallingratherthanchasing numbersorcomparison.

Ultimately,it'saboutleaninginto trustdaily:trustthatGodseesthe bigpicture,thatHisprovisionis alwaysontime,andthatsuccess Hiswayisfargreaterthananything wecouldforceinourownstrength.

Can you walk us through your coaching framework or roadmap? What are the key milestones your clients reach?

Mycoachingframeworkisbuilt

aroundtheideaofgrowingan audienceorganicallyand monetizingwithsimplicityand sustainability.Itstartswithclarity: gettingclearonwhoyouserve, yourniche,andthetransformation youoﬀer.

Nextiscontent—formostofmy clients,thismeanslaunchinga podcastasalong-formplatformto buildtrustandauthority.From there,wefocusoncommunityand cultivatingaloyalaudiencewho deeplyconnectswithyourmessage.

Thencomesmonetization:creating scalableoﬀerslikecourses, coachingprograms,or membershipsthatsolveyour audience'sproblems.

ThemilestonesIloveseeingclients reacharelaunchingtheirpodcasts, growinganengagedlistenerbase, creatingandsellingtheirirstoﬀer, andinally,generatingconsistent income—allwhileworkingless andlivingmore.

How do you ensure your message and mission remain authentic and God-centered as your inluence expands?

Ibelievethatstayinggroundedin God'sWordandmaintainingadaily relationshipwithHimisnonnegotiable.Beforeanybigdecision, launch,orpivot,IprayandseekHis direction.

Ialsosurroundmyselfwitha communitythatholdsme accountable—mentors,peers,and myteam—whoallsharethesame faith-centeredvalues.

Whentheworldstartsshouting“do more,bemore,”Iintentionallystep

back,evaluateifsomethingaligns withGod'swill,andremindmyself thatmyworthisnotinnumbers, butinobedience.

Looking ahead, what's your vision going forward both on a personal and professional front?

Personally,I'mfocusedon deepeningmyrelationshipwith Godandbeingfullypresentformy family.Myprayeristolivealifeof simplicityandjoy,withmarginto serveandlovewell.

Professionally,I'mexcitedto continuehelpingthousandsof womenstepintotheircalling, createkingdombusinesses,and indtruefreedom.Ienvision expandingourprogramsand resources,reachingmorefaith-led entrepreneursaroundtheworld, andcontinuingtocreatecontent thatequipsandinspires.

Attheendoftheday,myultimate visionistostewardtheplatform GodhasgivenmetobringHim glory—oneobedientstepata time.

Thankyousomuchforthe opportunitytosharemyheartand mission.Myhopeisthatthis encouragesotherwomento surrendertheirbusinessestoGod andtrustthatHisplansaretruly thebestplans.

K A T I E

T H O M S O N

Thatmomentyourealize

everythingyou'vebeen through--everyluckybreak, everyfailure,everydisappointment, everyopenandcloseddoor--hasled youtoexactlywhereyou'remeantto be.

That'showIfeelonadailybasis.

Reminiscingonthememoriesof beingaverypickyeatergrowingup, Ibecamedeterminedtocreatea healthylifeasayoungadult.Despite myparents'besteﬀortstogetmeto eatamorediversediet,likesomany 80'skids,Igrewuponchicken nuggets,ishsticks,cannedgreen beans,andplainpasta.Asateen

athlete,Istartedtohavean appreciationforhowfoodfueledme andmademefeel.AndasIstartedto discoveralloftheamazingcuisinesI wasmissingoutonasapickyeater,I startedtrainingmypalatetolearnto lovethefoodsI'dloathedlike salmon,sushi,eggs,beets,anything spicyornon-Americana.Thisbegan mypassionfor'palatedevelopment'.

MY BEGINNING AT STARBUCKS

Incollege,IpursuedPediatrics-drivenbymycombinedappreciation forhealthandloveofcaringfor babiesandchildren.AfterI graduatedfromtheUniversityof OregonwithaPre-Medmajorand

minorsinBusinessandChemistry,I decidedtomovetoSeattletopursue aMastersinNutritionatthe UniversityofWashington.Duringmy MastersandRegisteredDietitian programs,Inanniedforawonderful familyinourneighborhood,John& KarenCulver.Johnworkedfor Starbucks.

AfterIcompletedmyeducation,John sokindlyoﬀeredtosendmyresume totheQA/RegulatoryAﬀairsteams atStarbuckstoseeiftheyhadany needforadietitian.Andthestars werealignedformethatdayas they'djustdecidedtheyneeded someonetocomehelpwith NutritionAnalysisfortheirirst

BeverageNutritionBrochure.Itwas justa3-weekcontractorrole,butI waselated!Ididn'tcarehow mundanetheworkfelt,Iwas workingforoneofthebiggestand mostrespectedbrands.Icompleted the3-weeksofworkin2weeks. Beggedtostay.AndIdid.

Overthecourseofthenext6years, I'dcreatetheirst'Nutritionist'role atStarbucksasafull-time'Partner'. Itwastheirstrideofmylife. Knowingtherewassomuchmorea dietitiancoulddoforacompany thannutrition/dataanalysis,Itook anearlyopportunitytopresentto thethen-CEO,JimDonald,andshare mythoughtsonthecompany's Strengths,Weaknesses, Opportunities,andThreats.

Italkedaboutthehealthbeneitsof teaandcoﬀee,andthenutritional impactthatadailylattecanhaveon apopulationthatislargelyinneedof calciumandvitaminD.Italkedabout thesugar,sodium,transfat,and saturatedfatacrossthefoodand beverageportfolioand recommendedhealthieroptions, smallerportionsizes,andafocuson communicatingtothecustomerhow tocustomizetheirbeveragetomeet theirneeds.

LEARNING THE 'INS' AND 'OUTS'

Istartedmycareeronthe RegulatoryAﬀairs&Quality Assuranceteam--inchargeofthe accuracyofeverynutritionfacts panelandclaimonthepackaging.I learnedfromthebestregulatoryand legalspecialistswhotrainedmeto understandtheFDA'sregulatoryins andoutsaswellashavean appreciationforanddedicationto marketingandpackagingthatwas 'truthfulandnotmisleading'. Essentially,thisworkpreparedmeto

walkthroughagrocerystoreandsee throughtheBSmarketingthatoften plaguedtheaisles.

Overthenextseveralyears,I'dtake onastrategicroleinthecompanyas Health&Wellnessbecameoneofthe 4strategicpillarsofthecompany.I'd workalongsideMarketingand Categoryteamstodetermine productprioritiesandwithR&D chemiststoreformulateexisting foodandbeverages--goingtoa SkinnyVanillaLattetastetestingwas afun'meeting'tohaveonthe calendar!

Wemadesomeincredibleprogress togetheraswecreatedtheirst NutritionGuardrails(capson calories,fat,saturatedfat,sodium, etc.)andIngredientStandards (removingartiiciallavors,colors, preservatives,HFCS,andartiicial transfatacrosstheUSand Internationalfoodandbeverage products.)Hundredsofproducts werereformulatedtobebetterfor you.

Anddozensofnewproductswere launchedlikewholesomesmoothies, oatmeal,eggwhiteoptions,anda beautifulassortmentofsaladsand proteinandveggie-packedbistro boxes.IalsoconsultedtheStrategy andM&Ateamsonretailassortment andpotentialacquisitionsforthe Starbucksbrand.

Withalloftheseproductlaunches andnutritioninitiatives,Istartedto havetheopportunitytoactasa spokespersonfortheHealth& WellnessAgenda--doingTV,radio, andprintinterviewsaswellas numerousdesksides.IfoundthatI lovedstorytelling,especiallyon behalfofabrandIwassoproudto beapartof.

ANOTHER TASK ADDED TO THE CHECKLIST

Everything--andnothing--changed whenIbecameamomin2008. Everythingchangedinthatmyfocus shiftedfromFrappuccinosand breakfastsandwichestobabypurees andinfantcereals.Andnothing changedinregardtothefactthatI wasalwaysfocusedoncreating healthysolutionsforcustomersand wasachampionfortransparent, authenticbrandsandtruthful marketing.

Asanewmom,Icruisedtheaislefor babyfoodoptionsandwasfedup withwhatIfound—manybaby foodswereunbalanced,lacking premiumproteinsandhealthyfats, andmisleadinglymarketed.Isawa seaofuninspiring,shelf-stable, mutedlavors.Androwsandrowsof unrecyclablepouchesthatdon't encouragetheimportantmotor developmentskillofspoon-feeding.

So,IleftmydreamjobatStarbucks tosetouttocreateabettersolution forparents.

FILLING UP THE BABY AISLE

Wedidn'twantthenextgeneration ofbabiesgrowinguponsomuch applesauce.Didyouknowmany babyfoodpoucheshavethesame gramsofsugarasabowlofLUCKY CHARMS?

Babiesdeservebetter

Iwasdeterminedtosolvemealtime forparents.Totaketheguesswork outoffeedingbabybalancedmeals. Tooﬀeravarietyoffoods,lavors, andtextureswithoutspendinghours inthekitchen.

So,Iputinthework.Idoveintothe

researchsurroundinginfant nutrition--understandingthe developmentalmilestonesand importantnutrientslikeiron+ vitaminC,calcium&VitaminD,zinc, biotin,choline,probiotics,omega3's, healthyfats,iber,protein,etc.

IdevelopedtheSquareMeal System™,theirst-evercustomizable mealplanservicethatoﬀers100% DailyNutrition.Thatmeansany2or 3SquareMealsperday(depending onbabies'age)oﬀer100%ofthe baby'sdailyrecommendedservings ofveggies,fruit,wholegrains,and protein-basedonUSDAandAAP recommendations.

Afterseveralyearsofnutrition research,recipedevelopmentand babytastetesting(thebestpart!), developingabusinessplanand model,andcreatingourbrand--I movedtotheBayAreain2014with myhusbandand2kids,Nolanand Jacksonwhowere2and5yearsold atthetime.

EverythingchangedwhenImet Kendall.

THE PERFECT BUSINESS PARTNER

Shewasoneofmyirstfriendsinmy newtownofOrinda.Webothhad kindergartnersandapassionfor healthandwellness.Together,we volunteeredinourcommunityto raisemoneyforlocalchildren's hospitalsandorganizations,starta nutritioneducationprogramatour elementaryschool,revampthe SchoolLunchProgram,andmore.I quicklylearnedthatKendallwasthe perfectbusinesspartnerforme--a solutions-basedoperatorand executorandabornleader.She's alsoinsanelysmartand accomplishedwithaMastersin Biophysics&MolecularGenetics.

Kendallstartedherownbusinessby theageof30--theirstprivate PerinatalPracticeinSanFrancisco.

In2017,followingoneofmy insistentgutinstincts,Iaskedifshe wouldjoinmeinlaunchingSquare Baby.Tomysurprise,sheaccepted! Wegottoworkreviewingand reiningalloftheresearchand businessplansanddevelopedour go-to-marketstrategy.Thiswasa turningpointinmylife.

SOLVING THE HUNGER OF PARENTS

WecreatedSquareBabytosolvefor everypainpointwehadwhen feedingourkiddos.Tosolveallofthe fearsandquestionswehadwhen irstfeedingourownchildren.How doweknowwe'vegivenhimthe rightamountoftherightfoods?Ishe gettingenoughprotein,veggies,and healthyfats?Whenishereadyfor gassierfoodslikebeansand

InJuly2018,SquareBabywasborn.

caulilower?Andhowaboutherbs& spices?HowdoIhelppreventfood allergies?AndhowcanIassurehe'll growuptobeanadventurouseater wholovesbeetsandsushi--andnot apickyeaterwhodemandschicken nuggetsandplainpasta?

EverythingI'dlearnedand experiencedasayoungpickyeater, atgraduateschool,andatStarbucks helpedmedesignpremiumandsafe productswiththemostoptimal nutrition,atrustworthybrandwith transparentpackaging,anda solutionforparentsthatwasalways laser-focusedonthecustomer

experience.

Wearesoproudofwhatwe'vebuilt withSquareBaby.Ourorganicmeals aremadefreshinsmallbatchesand deliveredfrozen—givingyouas closeto'homemade'quality& nutritionaspossible.Andwearethe onlybrandthatoﬀers100%Daily Nutritionandacomprehensive AllergenIntroductionMenu.

THERE'S A LOT MORE TO COME

Wearebeyondexcitedtoannounce thatourregional,bootstrapped brandisgrowing!WestCoast

parentshavebeenlovingourmeals andserviceandwequicklyoutgrew ourBayAreacommercialkitchen. Wearescalingintoanewstate-ofthe-artfacilityandexpanding nationallywithourdirect-toconsumerserviceinearly2022.

Anyentrepreneurwilltellyouthat launchingandoperatingastartupis acrazyrollercoaster-toputit mildly.Butthere'sonethingIknow forcertain:I'mdoingexactlywhatI shouldbe.AndI'msogratefulevery dayfortheopportunitytochasethis dreamandmakeanimpactonthe nextgeneration.

Jeanne M. Gills

Bridging Law, Technology, and Leadership

M.Gillsisa powerhouseinthe worldofintellectual propertylaw, seamlesslyblendingherengineering backgroundwithherexpertisein litigationtonavigatethecomplex intersectionsoftechnologyandlegal protection.Asairst-chairpatentlitigator andanequitypartneratFoley&Lardner LLP,shehasbuiltanimpressivecareer advisingFortune500companies,leading high-stakesIPlitigation,andshapingthe futureofintellectualpropertylaw.

Beyondherlegalacumen,Gillsisa trailblazerinfosteringdiversity,equity, andinclusioninthelegalield.From foundingFoley's African American Attorneys Afinity Group andthe Black Patent Network tospearheading Team Impossible,sheisdedicatedtocreating opportunitiesforunderrepresented groupsinSTEMandlaw.Herleadership extendsbeyondherirm—through mentorship,strategiccounsel,and groundbreakinginitiatives,shecontinues toupliftthenextgenerationofdiverse

legalandbusinessprofessionals.

Inthisexclusiveinterview,Gillssharesthe pivotalmomentsthatledherto intellectualpropertylaw,thelessonsshe's learnedfromintegratinglitigation expertiseintohigh-valuecorporate transactions,andhervisionforthefuture ofIPlaw.Shealsodiscussestheimpactof herleadershipphilosophyandthe importanceofcultivatingmeaningful relationshipsinbothbusinessandlife.

What inspired you to pursue a career in intellectual property law, and how did your background in electrical engineering shape your approach to IP litigation?

STEMhaslongbeenapartofmyworld, andIcouldnotrunfromithavingafather withaPh.D.inmathematicsandasister withaPh.D.inopticalphysics.Thatsaid,a fortuitouspre-engineeringprogramat PurdueUniversitybeforemyhighschool senioryearledmeonasimilarpath. WhileIenjoyedelectricalengineeringat MichiganStateUniversity,Iwasunsure

whetherworkinginanengineering labwasmyforte,soIconsidered post-graduatestudiesin engineering,business,and medicine.Fortunately,theanswer cameviamyinternshipsession with3MCompany,whichaﬀorded meextensivetimeinteractingwith 3M'spatentattorneysgiventhe constantinnovationoccurringin mysupervisors'labs.The intersectionoflawandscience immediatelycaptivatedme.AsI delveddeeper,Idiscoveredmy passionlayinlitigation—enforcing patentandIPassetsincourt,rather thansimplyidentifyingand procuringthoserightsintheirst instance.

Watchingmyfatherleveragehis technicalbackgroundinnumerous

waysinspiredhowIdeployedmy owntechnicaltraining.Namely,my fathernotonlytaughtmathto studentsatHBCUinstitutions(e.g., Southern,JacksonState,and Howarduniversities),butalsohis substantiveexpertiseandpeople skillsledtoengineeringrolesat AT&TandNASAandtobecoming theirstBlackmemberof Allentown,PA'sSchoolBoard.Asan IPlitigator,mytechnicalskillsgive metheconidencetotackleany technology.Whilemypractice certainlyinvolvesahealthydoseof patentlitigation,Ilikewisehandle alltypesofIPdisputes—including tradesecret,trademark,trade dress,copyright,andfalse advertisinglitigation.Myown “peopleskills”andabilityto cultivatemeaningfulrelationships

hasallowedmetobuildteams withinandoutsideofFoley,leading toafarbroaderIPpracticethan most.Onanygivenday,theIP issuescouldjustaseasilyconcern patentsonanti-dandruﬀ conditioningshampooorfuel vaporcanisterstoreduce evaporativeemissions,asthey couldpatentsonapparelorAI technologies.Likewise,mycareer hasinvolvedcounselingclientson trademarkandtradedress protectionforcolorandpackaging designsanddefendingclients accusedoffalseadvertisingbased onproductplacementonretail shelves.

Growingup,Iwatchedbothmy parentsusetheirpassionsand naturalabilitiestoalsofoster

careersuccess.Givingbackand championingotherswasalso emphasized,whichtaughtmethe valueofinvestingtimetobuild meaningfulrelationships.Those relationshipscoupledwithbeinga naturalconversationalistand people-orientedpersonaretraits thatservemewellasalitigator

How do you integrate your litigation expertise into advising clients on IP-driven transactions, such as the Kraft Foods split or high-value M&A deals?

Nearly15yearsago,aformer Fortune100deputygeneral counselopenedmyeyestohowmy workasalitigatorcouldnaturally addvaluetoM&Ateams.Atthe forefrontoflitigationisthe managementofrisk.Thatskillset allowsmetoviewatransaction fromthestandpointofhowany particularcontractuallanguagewill beviewedifandwhentheparties' relationshipendsandevaluate potentialrisksandproactively addressthem.Totheextentthat languagecanbeclearandfreeof ambiguitiesfromtheoutset,itcan helpminimizefuturedisputeslater oratleastputmyclientinthe superiorpositionastocontract interpretation.Mylitigation backgroundhelpsmethink criticallyabouthowIPwillor mightbecontestedinthefuture, includingviaexperiencewithIP ownershipconlicts,licensing issues,orvaliditychallenges. Whetherthetarget'sIPportfoliois freeofroadblocks,suchasprior adversarialproceedings,could undermineitsvalue.Likewise, becausecomplextransactionsoften involvesplittingortransferringIP rights,theneedtodraftIP

ownershipandlicenserightswith clarityandenforceabilityinmindis paramount.GiventhevalueofIPin manycommercialtransactionsand thehighcostsofresolvingmostIP disputes,itisvitaltohavethoseIP provisionssolidfromtheoutset.At theendoftheday,whetheritis litigationoratransaction,Ialign thelegalstrategiestomyclient's overallbusinessobjectives.

Canyouelaborateontheprinciples thatguideyourleadership, particularlywithinitiativeslike “TeamImpossible”?

While“TeamImpossible”gotits oficialnameduringCOVIDandata timewhenIparticularlywantedto recognizehowhardmycolleagues wereworkingandperformingata highleveleveninthosedesperate times,thefoundationforourteam hadstartedfarearlier.Every companyundoubtedlyneeds strongleaders,butitisour connectionsand relationships—withtheseleaders andwitheachother—thattruly drivesuccess.“TeamImpossible” comprisesadiversegroupofover 60attorneys,paraprofessionals, andbusinessprofessionalsfrom Foley'smultipleoficesand operatesunderamottoinspiredby MuhammadAli'sfamouswords: “Impossible is nothing ”when wesupporteachother professionallyandpersonally.Asa team,wedriveexcellence,foster collaboration,andalwayspush eachothertobebetter

Aclient'sCEOrecentlynotedthat whileallleadersstrivetolead otherstoachievethebest outcomes,greatleadersinspire because “following [that leader] is voluntary.”ThroughTeam

Impossible,Itoohopetoinspire, notjustourteambutotherswithin ourirmmorebroadly.Wework hardforourclientsandsometimes atpersonalsacriice.Butwhenyou workwithpeopleyoulike,dowhat youlike,andseethefruitsofthat laborinhowyoumakeothersfeel andtheresultsyouachieve together,itmakesitallworthwhile. Bybuildingteamsandengaging diverseperspectiveswithinthe broadercommunity,ithasenabled metocontinuouslygrowmy networkoftoplegalandbusiness talent,nurturethoserelationships, andleveragetheseconnectionsto beneitothers.Likewise,through hostingexclusivethought leadershipandsocialevents,I facilitateintroductions,spark collaboration,andinspire innovation.

What role does mentorship play in your leadership style, and how do you cultivate growth within your team?

Iamtheproductandbeneiciaryof phenomenalmentorshipinsideand outsideFoley,afactIknowmany othersinBigLawcannotsay.I thereforedeeplyvaluethe mentorshipthatshapedmyown careerasoneofthefewirst-chair Blackpatentlitigatorsinthe countryandafemaleequity partnerandirmleader—including rolesonFoley'sIPDepartment leadershipteamandpriormember oftheirm'sManagement Committeeand2024chairofits CompensationCommittee.I thereforefeelastrong responsibilitytomentor,champion, andfosterthenextgeneration.Iam equallypassionateabout supportingtheprofessionalgrowth ofourclientsbyidentifyingand

sourcingcandidatesforopeninhousecounselrolesatalllevelsand assistingbothlawirmandinhouseattorneystransitioningto theirnextcareeropportunities.As asinglemothertoanadopted Blackson,Ialsoparticularlyenjoy mentoringwomenonbalancing (juggling!)workandlife, embracingtherewardsof parenting,andmasteringskillslike multi-tasking,lexibility,stress managementandselfcare—invaluablequalitiesfor handlingcomplexlegalmattersand lifeingeneral.

As a founder of Foley's African American Attorneys Afinity Group, the Black Patent Network, and the Chicago Black Partners Alliance, what motivated you to create these initiatives, and what impact have they had?

Asayounggirl,Iwatchedmyfather persevereagainstracismto becomeoneoftheirstBlack studentstoearnhisPh.D.in mathematicsatLouisianaState University.Thenandnow,wehave toensureallpeople(regardlessof race,gender,religionor orientation)havealevelplaying ieldandanequalandfair opportunitytosucceed.AsaBlack femaleengineerandAmLaw50 irmleader,Iwanttominimize someoftheobstaclesIendured, thoughthosesameobstacleshave undoubtedlymadememore resourceful,resilient,creative,and adaptable.Regardless, championingdiversity,equity,and inclusionisessentialtoleavingour worldbetterthanwefoundit Whilethereisstillmuchprogress tobemade,drivingthelegal professiontowardgreaterdiversity andinclusivenessthrough

organizationssuchastheseis necessary.Indeed,thesuccessof TeamImpossiblestemsfromthe diversityofourcollective backgroundsandlifeexperiences thatallowsustobetter“think outsidethebox”andseethingsthat othersdonotsee.TeamImpossible membersnowworkwithpeople theymaynothavenaturally workedwithbefore,especially afterseeingwhatwehavebeen abletoachievethroughourmore inclusiveapproach.

With multiple leadership positions and a thriving litigation practice, how do you balance your responsibilities and maintain focus?

Honestly,somedaysareeasierthan others.Litigationisinherently demanding,soitrequiresa combinationofprioritization, delegation,andaclearfocuson outcomesandwhattrulymovesthe needle—whetherit'sacritical clientmatter,aninternalinitiative, oraleadershipresponsibility—and allocatingmyenergyaccordingly.

Eﬀectivedelegationiskeyand TeamImpossiblesharesa commitmenttoexcellence.By trustingandempoweringteam memberstotakeownership,work progressesseamlessly,whetherI amdirectlyinvolvedornot.

Regardlessofmyleadershiproles, clientserviceremainsatthecoreof mypractice.Imakeaconscious eﬀorttostaydeeplyinvolvedin high-stakesclientmattersand providepersonalattentionwhere neededwhilealsotrustingand empoweringtheteam.Clearand candidcommunicationensures alignmentandavoidsbottlenecks.

Itisalsoimportanttohavefun, laughter,andjoy,andapersonal boardofdirectorsthatcanhold youaccountableandmakesureyou remainyourauthenticself.Ifeel blessedtohavefamilyandfriends thatkeepmegroundedandensure thateventheworkisfun,butalso thatthereislifeoutsideofwork.

What innovations or changes would you like to see in the ield of intellectual property law in the coming decade?

Fromtheperspectiveofboth technologyanddiversity,theIP ieldhasimmensepotentialfor innovationandevolutioninthe comingdecade.Thereneedstobe clearerguidanceonhowAIenabledinventionsandcreative worksaretreatedunderIPlaws. UsingtoolslikeAIandblockchain tosimplifyprocessescanmake themmoreaccessibleglobally, particularlytoinnovatorsin underprivilegedgroupsorremote partsoftheworld.Inconsistencies inIPprotectionandenforcement alsocreateineficienciesandrisks. Greateralignmentoflaws, particularlyinfast-growing markets,wouldreducebarriers andfosterinnovation.

Fromapeopleperspective,law irmsthatremaindedicatedto fosteringdiversity,inclusivity,and belongingwillcontinuetosucceed. AsaleaderwithinFoley,Iamnot goingtostopwhatIamdoing becauseIhaveseenoverthecourse ofmycareerthewonderfulthings thatcomefromhavingdiverse teams.