It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around Atlanta.
Champ Wokoma
I grew up in Atlanta, shaped by the values of hard work, faith, and community. As a proud graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to pour back into the city that raised me. Atlanta isn’t just where I live — it’s home, and it’s where I’ve always wanted to make an impact. Read more>>
Jeremy Nguyen
Dr. Jeremy Nguyen’s path into dentistry has always been driven by a simple but powerful mission: helping people when they need it most. From an early stage in his career, Dr. Jeremy Nguyen was drawn to dentistry because of its unique ability to change someone’s life immediately. Read more>>
Amani Mansur
Absolutely. At the core of it all, my story started with a girl who simply wanted more out of this experience — this life. And the vision was never just about me. It was always about co-creating a reality that would benefit others too. A high-vibrational world where creatives could thrive, connect with community, be seen, and truly shine. Read more>>
Ashlea Snell
I’m Ashlea Snell, and I’m the co-owner of The Snells, a luxury wedding photo and video team based in North Georgia. My journey started pretty simply — with a love for storytelling, people, and beautiful imagery, and a desire to create something meaningful through photography. Read more>>
Kamryn McCorkle
My name is Kamryn McCorkle, and I’m a designer, educator, and the creative behind Guichet Unique, a brand that allows me to bring together my love for fashion, creativity, and community. I’ve actually been designing since I was about seven years old. Creating clothes and imagining designs was always something that came naturally to me. Read more>>
Atlanta Planting Cooperative
We started as a group of volunteers who were assisting with small planting projects. We were doing everything to get more plants in the ground and work for our community. Fall 2024, M. Read more>>
Zaira Baker
I’m a painter and portrait artist from South Jersey that has expanded to ATL. My journey as an artist began when I was a kid. My earliest memories are of me sitting at the kitchen table drawing my wildest imagination. In my free time, me and my cousin would sit and draw for hours with scrapped paper and coloring pencils scattered around us. Read more>>
Gabrielle Jackson
From Broward County to the Mecca, my journey has always been about more than just a paycheck. It’s about culture, community, and craft. As a first-generation college student at Howard University, I earned my marketing degree while finding my footing in the industry through the 21 Cap program and finding sisterhood in Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Inc.. Read more>>
Jazmine Rochelle
My journey began with creativity and a passion for building things from vision. For more than 15 years, I’ve worked as a Creative Director specializing in graphic design, branding, and web design. During that time, I had the opportunity to lead design teams, develop campaigns, and help businesses bring their ideas to life through strategic creative direction. Read more>>
Felicia Vereen
Hello everyone!! I am Felicia J. Vereen and I was born in Cordele, Georgia, and raised in the small town of Buena Vista. From a young age, I realized how powerful it can be when someone believes in you, offers guidance, or simply gives a second chance. Read more>>
Heavy Hennix
I’ve been around music for as long as I can remember. Growing up singing in church taught me how powerful music can be—it connects people and carries spirit. As I got older, that love for performing followed me into karaoke nights, where I started to really find my style and stage presence. About three years ago, I decided to take it seriously. Read more>>
Olivia Choi
Even as a child, I’ve always noticed when people look unwell. The bus driver taking me to school was so tired—I could see it in his face, and it made me want to help. People I passed on the street would look sick, and while I didn’t know them, I wanted to help them too. Read more>>
Elijah Wilson
I got started with photography using my dad’s old Nikon D750. At the time I wasn’t thinking about building a business. I just loved capturing moments and learning how a camera could tell a story. The more I photographed people and events around me, the more I realized how powerful photographs can be. They preserve moments that would otherwise pass by too quickly. Read more>>
Jessica Peete
When I was in high school after working my first job, I started doing my own taxes which was around the year of 2000. During this time, I was trying to decide on a career path. I initially wanted to be a writer and publisher, but my father encouraged me to pursue accounting. Read more>>
Caryn Sokol
Bosley’s Place is a puppy rescue, specifically focused on saving orphaned neonatal (under 4 weeks old) puppies. Puppies become orphaned either due to nature (complications with the mother) or by nurture (irresponsible actions by humans). We are 100% foster based and care for even the most fragile babies. Read more>>
Jenn Streck
My path into this work really began after I had my two children. They are energetically sensitive kids, which gave me the motivation to find out more and start researching energy with a deep curiosity about the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Through this research I started to realized I was also sensitive to energy, and had been since I was a child. Read more>>
Niki Pattharakositkul
I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and I’m the founder and CEO of 26 Hospitality Group. I’ve always loved eating and exploring different foods, and I’ve always been very open-minded when it comes to flavors and cultures. I originally came to the U.S. for school, but after graduating I decided to stay. Read more>>
Keyara A’nya
As a young art kid born and raised in Baltimore, MD, I have always had a deep love for creativity and fashion. To be honest, it’s something that has come naturally to me, and over time I’ve recognized it as a true gift. At the age of 12, I was given a vintage sewing machine by my grandfather, which had originally belonged to his father. Read more>>
Marlene Webb, LE
I came into esthetics through my own healing. During a challenging period of my life, caring for my skin and creating small rituals of calm helped me rebuild my confidence and sense of self. That experience showed me how deeply beauty and emotional wellbeing are connected. When I became a licensed esthetician, I knew I wanted something different from a traditional spa. Read more>>
Natalie Goldwin
I’ve always been drawn to movement, storytelling, and adventure. I originally started pursuing acting in Hollywood, after I move there from Czech Republic. I attended California State University Long Beach where I earned my degree in Performing Arts. Along the way I discovered the world of stunts and martial arts. That completely changed the direction of my career. Read more>>
Hiba Ghalib
My story began before I was even born. My parents are from Iraq and shortly after they married, my father received a scholarship to study at Northwestern University, where he later earned his PhD. I was born in Evanston, IL, two years after they immigrated to the US. When war broke out in Iraq in the ‘80s, returning was no longer an option. Read more>>
Maria Fundora
I immigrated to the United States from Cuba in the 1960s with big dreams and a deep belief in hard work, faith, and family. Read more>>
SHARON SELLERS
Education is my second career. My work began as a program specialist with TRiO programs, and the work was so impactful that I decided to pursue my MEd in School Counseling. Working directly with students and families as a graduation coach, then as a school counselor, gave me a front-row seat to the hopes, pressures, and decisions that shape their lives after high school. Read more>>
Elaine Beattie
I grew up on the Upper East Side of New York City. I attended Catholic school and later graduated from Simmons College, an all-women’s college in Boston. Like many young professionals stepping into the world, I believed deeply in the American dream. I wanted a good job, a stable life, and the chance to enjoy the fruit of my labor. Read more>>
Dante Hancock
Most would look at me and think that I’ve been working out since I was young or developed that bulletproof plan to getting in shape. It was quite the opposite as I was diagnosed with Epilepsy at age nine and suffered from seizures until I was 22. Unfortunately; I could not participate in any physical activities until my disorder was cured. Read more>>
CRICKET aka 1BAD AZZ DRUMMER aka BOAT (Baddest Of All Time)
Ever since I’ve come to Atlanta 2012. I’ve performed with over 100 known celebrities (Not just Atlanta celebrities) and celebrity groups and my personal estimation of at least 1000+ artists from different events and shows I’ve been featured on. As far as your question of what makes me stand out; I truly believe there’s no debate that setting my drums on fire indoors and outdoors anywhere, anytime is what makes me stand out from others. Read more>>
Jewel Imani
My work sits at the intersection of film, fashion, events, and photography, bringing bold ideas to life through immersive experiences designed to resonate beyond the moment. I began at the age of nine years old with the program “Visions Blu” focusing on film, photography, and journalism. From there, I’ve grown to develop her own company in 2018 at only 16 years old, ‘Jewel In Focus’. Read more>>
Keren Selah
I’m a creative director, film director & photographer based in Atlanta. I specialize in concept driven visuals for artists and brands that want more than just a photoshoot or a visual. I focus on building strong visual identities through direction, mood, storytelling, and intentional details. I care about how it feels, not just how it looks. Read more>>
Jeniece Stewart Dortch
Special Needs Siblings didn’t start as a business idea. It started in my living room. I’m a mom of eight in a blended family, and my oldest son is autistic and has epilepsy. For years, my focus was on therapies, doctor appointments, seizures, IEP meetings survival mode. Read more>>
Kristy Beam
Currently, I am the lead founder and CEO of the Academy for Innovation in Medicine (AIM). AIM is a tuition-free, public charter school in the City of Atlanta designed to prepare students for future healthcare careers. We are working with Grady Health System to ensure we understand industry needs, so that students will be prepared for high demand jobs that are waiting for them. Read more>>
