Alyson Yamada

Alyson Yamada is a Senior Designer and engineer at IDEO, a former dancer at the San Francisco Ballet, and a spin and hip hop instructor at Uforia Studios in Palo Alto. Her life has taken her on a rollercoaster of injuries, achievements, and crossroads, but she has embraced each phase of her life with an open mind and a positive attitude. Whether you're in high school, college, or beyond, Alyson believes that you can do anything that excites you, whether that's dancing in front of hundreds of people or brainstorming ideas with innovative geniuses.

Be inspired by Alyson's life lessons! Please click HERE for my podcast.

Kellie Brown

Kellie Brown lives in San Jose with her dad and three cats in the house she grew up in. As she grew up, swimming played an important role in her life. Now, swimming remains constant as a piece of her that she is not willing to sacrifice. Right now, Kellie works as a lifeguard, a swim instructor, an aqua aerobics teacher, and an apartment manager. Her favorite jobs involve working with kids though because she not only teaches them, but she learns from them. 

link to podcast

Sue George

Sue George has worked at Rebecca's Mighty Muffins at the California Avenue Farmers' Market since 2013. She grew up in Rochester, New York before moving to California in 2001 for a change of pace. She currently lives in Santa Cruz with several friends. She has a passion for yoga, walking, and photography. Sue values making a strong connection with each of her customers and believes deeply in the power of kindness. She is an enthusiastic and compassionate woman who sells muffins with love and a smile!

Amy Donovan

Amy Donovan is a hairstylist at The Salon of Woodside where she specializes in extensions, color, and balayage—dying the hair through painting it rather than using foils. She is very talented at what she does, and she attracts a significant clientele. Her work at the salon is only one part of her life, for the rest of her time is spent with her family and lovely 12-year-old daughter Sydney. The two of them are inseparable, waking up at 6 am to work out together or just taking the dog on a walk after a long day. 

link to my podcast

Paola Santana

Paola Santana (left) at CSTEAM in 2015

Paola Santana is the co-founder and COO of Matternet, a company that builds small, robust drones that can transport lightweight goods. Matternet has worked with humanitarian organizations to help transport objects such as medicines, blood samples, and paperwork in remote areas of the world. 

Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Paola came to Washington DC on a Fulbright scholarship to study politics. After realizing that the pace of politics was too slow for the change she wanted to make, Paola changed paths and moved into technology.

Inspired by her family, the "everyday heroes" in the world, and the people she works with, Paola is determined to change the world.

Here is the link to my podcast.

Joe Cooper

Impact and Legacy. 

The short and shocking insider's look 

on the real life of a Californian construction worker. 

He may be known as a "broski" to some, he's a hero to me. 

"Keep your eyes on the prize."- Joe Cooper.

Arjay Miller

PHOTOGRAPH:

"I'm sorry you can't take a picture of me in action, but wait till
I get out of my wheelchair before you take it because I don't like to look old.
Here, maybe take the photo from the side.
Should I look straight ahead and be dramatic or smile at you?
I think I'll smile so I look nice. Is this alright?"

PHOTO ESSAY:

"Later today, my entire family is going to come over
and we're going to hang lights on the christmas tree. I'm so excited"

"These are my grandkids minus the youngest.
Below is a pillow they made me."

"No. I don't need help. I can do this on my own.
See! Here's an action shot."

Arjay's three kids and their spouses.

"My wife loved birds so I put this together for her.
Isn't it beautiful?"

The largest of Arjay's many hand woven bowls.

"It's winter. I'd say it's about damn time these leaves fall off!
They're just so stubborn. I like it"