Most of the media often paints all businesses with a single stroke, but in our experience businesses are each unique and so many of them are focused on making the world a better place. We’ve highlighted a few such gems below.

Carlos Cardoso | Fitness and Soccer trainer

I believe that fun and structured exercise classes helps children and adults to understand the importance of an active lifestyle. Becoming an elite athlete is secondary, tho the interactions that children are going to be exposed to during the sessions, also teaches them to respect each other’s space, as well as developing social and emotional skills.
“Active children, are happy children”. I won’t remember exactly, but I once read it, and to me it makes total sense. Read more>>

Wenting (katherine) Yang | Sustainability Professional & Wildlife Illustrator

Coming from a conservation background, I intend to use my artworks to inspire people about how they could be part of the global initiative in biodiversity conservation. In many countries, the link between environmental policy-making and local advocacy and community initiatives is often broken. People are not aware of how biodiversity is related to their lives. By portraiting wildlife using illustrations, particularly those people may encounter in their communities, I engage with communities in helping people appreciate the beauty within nature, and trigger more spontaneous actions in protecting these natural treasures. Read more>>

Jasmine Goulding | Dance Studio Owner & Choreographer/Instructor

I believe my business helps the community and the world by building strong, independent individuals, especially young girls, who are learning valuable life skills through dance. I truly teach them more than just dance; I focus on helping them work hard, embrace constructive criticism, and become good humans who will contribute positively to society and their communities. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch these young dancers grow into confident, well-rounded individuals. I believe the lessons they learn in the studio—discipline, resilience, and teamwork—will empower them to become role models and leaders who inspire others and help build a better future. Read more>>

Conor Sullivan | Business Advisor & Storyteller

My brother and I, the founders of Atala, come from a family of non-profit workers. Our dad is the New Mexico State Director of the Nature Conservancy, and our mom works for the International Folk Art Museum in Santa Fe. Our parents were never wealthy, even though they were hard-working and well-educated, because they chose to work for projects that they felt would contribute to making the world a better place. Following in their footsteps, we also became deeply passionate about doing something with our lives that would benefit the common good. Read more>>

Jana Naomi Smith | Interdisciplinary writer/filmmaker & cultural worker.

I come from a tradition of Black artists who created with their people––past, present, and future in mind. And they did so with the utmost intentionality, care, and love. Time and time again, the work of Margaret Walker, Kathleen Collins, Ruby Dee, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Vinie Burrows, Beah Richards, Lorraine Hansberry, Alice Dunbar Nelson, August Wilson, Lena Horne, Dr. Maya Angelou, Abbey Lincoln, Ossie Davis, and many others saved us––so many people–––including myself, a few times over. Read more>>

Carolyn Jaques | Designer, Massage Therapist, Esthetician, Energy Guru

From the beginning of the process in designing Cote d’ Azur, we wanted to have a space that was holistic and green. Considering each client as a unique being and customizing treatments for each client each visit was our focus at the time
We considered what was already available to clients and what our unique difference would be. At the time back in 2002 one could go to a spa which was often filled with chemical processes, noisy hair dryers, and a focus on covering up imperfections. Read more>>

Yoshihisa Toda | Cinematographer

As a cinematographer, I have shot over ten feature films, along with streaming drama series, such as for Disney+ and Amazon Prime, as well as various commercials and music videos. My work has taken me to approximately 40 countries. My focus is on using light to capture the world, the story, and the actors in front of the camera in the most compelling way possible. I aim to illuminate the emotions embedded in the narrative, bringing the actors to life through the use of light to express the beauty of the world and its people. Read more>>