Giving consideration to frequently overlooked narratives when discussing the American experience. — The Atlantic recently published an article by David Brooks titled “How America Got Mean,” attributing the rise in societal meanness and sadness to an erosion of moral education. …

While society seemingly crumbled around us, I survived and found purpose by streaming films and shows with dystopian plots. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my living room transformed into a makeshift theater, showcasing a relentless marathon of post-apocalyptic and dystopian narratives. It didn’t matter if the production was a masterpiece or a one-star wonder; I was there, remote in hand, ready to confront the end of the world through the safety of…

Tips for laying the financial groundwork for business success and navigating American health insurance challenges. — “I did not have the most experience in the industry or the most money, but I cared the most.” — Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx Starting a business can often feel like navigating a maze, with health insurance and financing as two significant barriers many entrepreneurs face. This is especially…

My journey of self-awareness from survival mechanism to authentic human connection. — There’s an adage that says, “A smile can hide a thousand tears.” For many years, I embodied this saying — brandishing optimism like a shield, deflecting emotional wounds, and building walls of positivity. It served as a survival mechanism, my way to navigate an unforgiving childhood environment. However, I didn’t realize that my constant push for optimism and solutions was distancing me from my own emotions and alienating those around me.

How the global roots of immigrants creates new businesses that shape America’s economy — The spirit of American entrepreneurship is soaring, but the narrative of what it means to start a business may not be as clear-cut as many believe. While the image of a self-made business owner is compelling, it glosses over the hard truths of the entrepreneurial journey. Immigrant Contributions A sobering half of…

Overcoming the hurdles of family separation and culture shock in a 12-year-old’s odyssey toward a new life in America. — I write this piece to use my voice to bridge misunderstandings, foster empathy, and inspire a shared commitment to a more inclusive and compassionate society. I write this while experiencing a life that now includes threads of both Caribbean vibrancy and American tenacity. The Spark

How tuning in and captivating the buyer’s mind can amplify your message in the holiday season and beyond. — Every business wants to grab the attention of potential buyers. The Herculean task is to capture and sustain this attention in a world where distractions are, but a mouse click away. As Jake Sorofman succinctly says, “When you start with what’s at stake for the buyer, you earn the right…

How authenticity, freedom, and happiness are outselling everything else — a marketer’s perspective — “Sex sells!” Our lives are saturated with clickbait headlines, eye-popping visuals, and provocative ads. It brings to mind a maxim as old as marketing itself: sex sells. And while the aphorism holds a certain undeniable truth, it’s not the end of the story. Who doesn’t dream of escaping the 9-to-5 grind, hopping…

At 22 years old, I lost my fiancée to a drunk driving accident. Here’s how I navigated the loss and emerged from the shadows with hope and a beautiful perspective on life. — Young love often feels like a whirlwind of emotions, experiences, and dreams about the future. But what happens when that dream is abruptly cut short? When the world you’ve started building with someone is suddenly snuffed out, leaving you in a state of confusion, grief, and immeasurable loss?