“We are all patchworks of the people and ideas that move us. Some are loud. Some are quiet. But all of them leave a mark, shaping our thoughts, dreams, and aspirations in profound ways.“

Below are ten of the stories, mentors, and resources that shaped how I see the world and how I choose to build in it. From creative endeavors that spark joy in the simplest forms to the impactful work of global changemakers who tirelessly advocate for a better future, these influences resonate deeply with me.

Each individual or event I highlight carries with it a lesson, a piece of wisdom that has enriched my understanding of community, resilience, and innovation. Through their stories, I find encouragement to pursue my passions and face any challenges that come my way.

1. My Mom –
The Backbone of Every Win

No one on this list has shaped me more than my mom. She is the kind of woman who gives her whole heart—without expecting anything in return. From those long, sleepless nights spent helping me prepare class projects that I told her about the night before, to standing by my side through every academic, emotional, and financial challenge I faced, her sacrifices have truly powered my pursuit of everything I believe in.

Her belief in me has been a constant source of strength, reminding me that perseverance and hard work are invaluable. She taught me that you don’t need a title to be a leader, you just need consistency, love, and the courage to show up for others even when you’re tired. Whether it was celebrating my achievements with genuine joy or comforting me during setbacks, her approach to life has been nothing short of inspirational.

Every lesson she imparted was filled with kindness and wisdom, shaping the person I am today. I owe her everything: my drive, my values, and my sense of purpose. Her selflessness has shown me the importance of giving back, and I aspire to reflect her spirit in all my endeavors, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire not just me, but everyone around me.

2. Caine’s Arcade –
Creativity Has No Age (or Budget)

Over 10 years ago now, I saw a video on YouTube. (Thank you to Kellie Determan—another role model of mine!) A 9-year-old boy built an arcade out of cardboard boxes in his dad’s auto shop, and a viral video turned his curiosity into a global movement of creativity and childhood innovation. This young boy, with nothing more than his imagination and some discarded materials, captured the hearts of millions, demonstrating that innovation doesn’t always require significant funding or resources.

This story resonated deeply with me, reminding me that genius isn’t gated behind resources. It’s found in the willingness to dream, even when nobody’s watching. The power of creativity lies in the ability to envision something extraordinary from the mundane, to see potential where others see limitation. That same imaginative drive still fuels my approach to building problem-solving models from scratch. It’s about embracing the process and understanding that even the simplest ideas can blossom into something profound.

3. Emily Warren Roebling –
Bridging Barriers, Literally

History books credit her husband for building the Brooklyn Bridge, but Emily Roebling did the real heavy lifting—taking over when he fell ill and managing one of the most ambitious engineering feats of the 1800s.

Despite lacking any formal training in engineering, Emily demonstrated remarkable intelligence, resilience, and determination. In a time when women were often excluded from professional fields, she broke through barriers and showcased her capabilities by overseeing the construction of this monumental bridge. Not only did she coordinate with workers, but she also tackled intricate engineering challenges, bridging the gap between her husband’s vision and the practical realities of construction.

She had no formal training. She was a woman in a man’s world. And yet, she succeeded where others couldn’t. The adversity she faced only fueled her drive to succeed, making her a pioneer for women in engineering and beyond. Her story gives me the strength to lead confidently, even in rooms where I’m the only woman—or the youngest voice at the table. Each time I encounter a challenge or feel underestimated, I think of Emily Roebling’s journey.

4. Ethyn States –
Steadfast in the Storm

I talk a lot about ambition, but none of it would feel grounded without Ethyn. He is my reminder that love can be steady, supportive, and soft all at once. When I doubt myself, he doesn’t just tell me I can do it—he helps me find the evidence that I already have. His unwavering belief in me serves as a foundation that encourages and empowers me to reach for my goals, even when the path seems uncertain.

Ethyn’s presence in my life is proof that relationships can be rooted in growth, patience, and mutual respect. It’s fascinating how he knows when I need a push or when I simply require a listening ear. He celebrates my successes, no matter how small, and offers comfort during the setbacks that are an inevitable part of any journey. This dynamic is a beautiful testament to what it means to partner with someone who genuinely cares about your well-being and aspirations.

5. “Invisible Women” –
The Data Gap That Changed My Lens

This book stopped me in my tracks. It exposed the systemic exclusion of women from data sets, design frameworks, urban planning, and safety protocols—not by malice, but by default. I suddenly saw the invisible patterns all around me, and realized just how deeply bias is baked into everything we consider “normal.”

The implications of this systemic exclusion are vast and far-reaching. From urban spaces that fail to accommodate the unique needs of women, to the technologies that omit critical data, the ripple effects can lead to environments that are unsafe and unwelcoming.

6. Andrew Spiece –
The Mentor Who Saw What I Couldn’t

I wouldn’t be an engineer today if it weren’t for Andrew Spiece. As my FIRST Robotics coach, he recognized my talents before I ever did, and his impact has been long-lasting. He pushed me when I needed direction, encouraged me when I doubted myself, and made me feel like my ideas mattered.

What truly set Mr. Spiece apart was his ability to foster an environment where creativity thrived. In a world where doubts often creep into the minds of young innovators, he offered a safe haven for exploration. He didn’t just teach me mechanics or strategy; he instilled in me a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before.

Mr. Spiece’s mentorship went beyond the confines of our robotics team. He encouraged us to tackle real-world problems with the tools we were developing, fostering a sense of purpose and connection to our work. Whenever we encountered setbacks, he turned those moments into invaluable lessons. The resilience he nurtured within our team became a cornerstone of my character, shaping not just my engineering skills but my approach to life itself.

He celebrated our victories without overshadowing our individual contributions, ensuring everyone felt valued and motivated. That belief in my potential changed the entire trajectory of my life. I’ll forever be grateful that he put me on the path I didn’t yet know was mine to walk, and I carry his lessons into every project and challenge I face today.

7. Jane Goodall –
Empathy is a Scientific Tool

Jane Goodall approached research not with clinical detachment, but with empathy. She named the chimps. She earned their trust.

In a world that often values cold efficiency, Jane reminds me that compassion can coexist with intellect and that the best systems are those built with care. Her groundbreaking work in primatology exemplifies how a thoughtful approach can yield profound insights.

By dedicating herself to understanding the lives of chimpanzees in their natural habitats, she illuminated the importance of emotional connections, not only among primates but also in human society.

Through her compassionate interactions, Jane showed us that the act of studying living beings does not need to be devoid of warmth or understanding. Instead, it can be enriched by curiosity and a genuine desire to connect. Her discoveries about tool use and social bonding among chimps shifted the paradigm of how we perceive animals and their capabilities, demonstrating that intelligence and emotion are not exclusive to humans alone.

In addition, Jane’s influential legacy encourages us to incorporate kindness into our own endeavors, reminding us that empathy fuels progress and innovation. In an age where efficiency often eclipses empathy, her example serves as a guiding light, steering us to create systems and practices that honor both intellect and compassion.

8. Ruth Bader Ginsburg –
Precision as Protest

RBG changed the world not by shouting the loudest, but by making the most compelling case. Her entire legal strategy was rooted in facts, restraint, and undeniable logic—but always with fire underneath. She understood that real change requires a well-thought-out approach, one that persuades and influences rather than alienates.

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”
― Ruth Bader Ginsburg

She taught me that you don’t need to change the entire system overnight. You just need to poke the right holes. This approach to systemic change emphasizes the importance of incremental progress and the power of strategic advocacy. It’s about identifying the vulnerabilities in an unjust system and leveraging them to create a ripple effect, sparking conversations and inspiring others to join the cause.

RBG’s legacy reminds us that patience and tenacity are formidable allies in the pursuit of justice. Her life serves as a guiding light for those of us who aspire to challenge the status quo with intelligence, grace, and an unwavering commitment to equality.

9. Shane Koyczan’s To This Day –
Poetry That Heals

The first time I heard Shane Koyczan’s To This Day, I was cried. It’s a spoken word poem about bullying, shame, and the way words linger in our minds long after the playground fades. Koyczan’s powerful delivery and evocative imagery resonated deeply with me, capturing the essence of experiences that many of us carry in silence. It reminded me that pain can be transformed into art, and that art can have a profound effect on others.

Listening to To This Day shaped how I show up for others—as a mentor, a teammate, a creator. I found myself reflecting on the times I had been a bystander to others’ struggles and how my silence may have contributed to their pain. Koyczan’s words challenged me to take a more active role in the lives of those around me, encouraging me to speak up and offer support. I became more aware of the power of words, recognizing that they can either build or destroy.

This poem continues to inspire me to foster kindness and understanding, reinforcing the belief that we all play a role in someone else’s journey toward resilience and hope. It serves as a constant reminder that every individual we encounter is fighting their own battles, and the courage to share our stories can illuminate pathways to healing for others.

10. Rube Goldberg –
The Joy in Doing Things the Long Way

Rube Goldberg’s machines were absurd, delightful, and almost always unnecessary. BUT behind the chaos was an important lesson: creative thinking matters. Even when it’s weird. Even when it’s messy. Each contraption, with its intricate and convoluted series of actions, showcases humanity’s ability to approach problems from unique and unexpected angles.

These machines encourage us to break free from conventional thinking, reminding us that there isn’t always a straightforward solution. In a world that often values efficiency and simplicity, Rube Goldberg’s work challenges us to embrace complexity and innovation. It’s a celebration of imagination, as every piece in his machines serves a whimsical purpose, highlighting the beauty in the unexpected and the joy of experimentation.

Today, when I build automation tools or design workflows, I think about the joy he brought to solving complex problems. I carry that playful spirit into even the driest spreadsheets, seeking creative ways to visualize data and turning mundane tasks into engaging challenges. This mindset makes the process enjoyable and often leads to insightful breakthroughs.

Final Thoughts:

While I’ve highlighted ten specific inspirations here, the truth is that I’m inspired by nearly everything and everyone I meet. Life is a tapestry woven from countless threads of experience and interaction; each encounter adds color and depth to who I am.

From the coworker in the pink safety vest who brightens the plant floor with quiet confidence, effortlessly making the space feel more welcoming, to a random TikTok hack that shaves ten minutes off my meal prep, making my daily routine smoother, to the friend who texts at just the right moment—these seemingly small moments leave big impressions on my heart and mind.

I’m endlessly grateful for my family, my partner, and the friends who uplift and challenge me—Matt, Maggie, Sidney, Alayna, Marissa, and so many more. Your constant encouragement, unwavering resilience, and infectious humor remind me that inspiration isn’t rare; it’s everywhere, waiting to be noticed if we take a moment to look around. Each of you plays a unique role in my journey, offering different perspectives and insights that push me to grow.

This list could never be complete. It could expand infinitely, filled with memories, faces, and experiences that contribute to my story. It’s just a snapshot of the sparks that shaped who I am so far—and I can’t wait to see who or what comes next. As I continue on this path, I remain open to future encounters and inspirations, knowing that every day holds the potential for new moments of wonder and enlightenment.

I’d love to hear what fuels you.
Drop a comment and share your TOP 10!