In our view, values and principles are the foundation upon which our lives, careers and relationships are built. So, we asked folks we admire to open up to us about the values and principles that matter most to them.

Mona Maahn | Producer / Development

As cheesy as it may sound: empathy. To me the most important thing as we move through life is to do so with empathy, in all aspects. I feel that life is easier when I treat people, even those I may disagree with, with empathy since anything else does more harm than good. You never know what a person is or has been going through, and so simply being kind and empathetic is such an easy task that may make a big impact on someone’s day. Read more>>

Nancy Dobbs Owen (She/her/hers) MFA | Dance: Creator/Educator/Writer/Dreamer

As a performing artist, an educator and a creator, the value that matters most to me is being human; how can what I do or say through my art create a positive force in the world. As a teacher and educator, how can I work in a way that brings people in rather than casts them aside; how can I heal a dancer’s relationship with ballet? How can I make my space inclusive and inviting? Read more>>

Barrie; Laurenzo Rose; De Camilla | Content Creators, Advocates, and Educators

Using our inherent skills and talents to benefit the LGBTQ+ community and to help create a happier, healthier, more compassionate world Read more>>

Keep it Clear | Alexa Eisner & Natalie Stone (Creators of Keep it Clear)

The world is a wild ever-changing place – amidst so much unknown we all crave transparency. And yet we fear it or lack tools to facilitate it. Open dialogue and authentic expression are the key to real connection, real intimacy…That’s why we are called Keep It Clear, because we want to clear out all the unnecessary “stuff” – people pleasing, busyness, spiritual bypassing – that gets in the way of growth and meaning in this life. Read more>>

Kasey Dutcher | Business Owner

Honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty. These values are extremely important to me both personally and professionally. In the professional setting, employees should be trust worthy (they are essentially taking care of your baby), they should be honest (admits a screw up so I can help you unscrew it) and be loyal to the company who provides their income for their lifestyle/family etc. Period. Read more>>

Kadeem McPherson | Photographer & Creative Artist

I value family the most. My family’s been extended to people I’ve grown up with and I built my identity with the circle closest to me. Even a lone wolf comes from a pack and searches for love it’s in our DNA. Read more>>

Jessica McCargar | Massage Therapist and Health Coach

I value compassion most of all. I strive in my business to give compassion to my clients, and meet them where they are. I feel that in the health industry a lot of times patients don’t get heard or seen when they are going through a painful experience, and I have been one of those patients. As a massage therapist and health coach I want to make my clients feel seen and heard when they explain to me what’s going on, and create a safe space for them to open up. Read more>>