“I started my first business when I was 10 years old – a dance studio because I had a passion for ballet. A year later, after performing in the Nutcracker Suite with the Detroit Symphony, I set a meeting with my elementary school principal (scary) and delivered my first pitch. I wanted to hold auditions and put on the Nutcracker at our school to make it possible for other kids to do what I did. It was my passion. Six months later we performed 3 live productions of the Nutcracker including a city performance. The city news was there to capture the event. I didn’t realize what a big deal it was. At the time, I was just following my passion, trying to help kids and make an impact at our school. Fast forward 40 years – there have been many more live productions and businesses. But my most important accomplishment has been raising five children, one who recovered from severe autism, all who are now successful adults. I became a widow by circumstance a decade ago after we all survived several homicide attempts on our lives. We personally understand the bully/domestic violence connection. We’ve discovered what it takes to walk by faith (the real kind that puts food on the table, gas in the tank or literally keeps you alive). We’ve learned to overcome obstacles that most people never experience in life. Going from private jets and yachts to five kids in a minivan was a trade worth eternal value. We’ve never been on a government program although we’ve been homeless three times the past decade. Today, I have a passion to save lives. When we banish bullying, we help prevent: youth suicide, school shootings, human trafficking…and domestic violence, something I personally fell into after believing the lies bullies told me from my first day of Kindergarten. It doesn’t have to bee this way. We can make a huge positive social impact. Together, we can change the world!”