Posts by Rumaisa Khawaja

Caitlin Russell is the Senior Vice President at Russell Construction.  She joined the Russell team in 2009 as a Project Engineer and became a Project Manager shortly after.  In the last few years, she has transitioned from construction operations to real estate development leadership, and Vice President of the company.   Caitlin graduated from Arizona State…

As an aspiring dancer, Nurjahan Boulden was shot with an assault rifle in a random attack when she was 21 years old. She struggled with the physical and emotional impact of the shooting for years, believing that her dreams had been destroyed. She didn’t realize that the one night she thought had ruined her future…

Brandon Carleton is the author of the book titled, “Meaningful Again:  How One Pastor Questioned Everything & Found Comfort in Uncertainty.” He is a community organizer from Rock Island, IL, where he lives with his wife and son. He leads Connection Quad Cities, is the co-host the Ode to the Underdog podcast, and helps people…

Andrea Ranae is a coach, facilitator and a writer.   She is deeply committed to supporting others in making a unique impact in one’s life + the communities you call home. Much of Andrea’s life has been about two questions: “Why is the world the way it is?” “How can I grow/heal?” In her pursuit to…

Rachelle Karstens serves as the President at Briar Cliff University.  A compassionate and proven leader with a background in higher education, law and fundraising.  An Iowa native and one of nine children, Rachelle graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa, where she was involved in vocal music, band and mock trial. She then went…

In January 2019, THE Market was founded where Katie is bringing Market vendors, makers and curators into one common location for a year round marketplace focused on strengthening local small businesses. Ms. Thompson believes in the strength of community and THE Market defines this strength; businesses supporting each other to elevate each other’s potential.  A…

Samara Zelniker is dedicated to helping others transform into their healthiest versions of themselves.  Samara’s story to health and wellness started after years in the corporate workspace, where she was left feeling tired, unfulfilled and burnt out.  After a freak injury and life changing trip to Africa, Sumara began her own spiritual journey, she figured…

Friends,  I went on a trip by myself! No husband, no three year old, no girls trip.  I went solo!  When was the last time you left the kids to take a trip for you and only you?  I highly recommend it! How many of you feel stuck?  Like you are ready to make a…

It’s time for a summer re-cap!  We are half way through 2019!  How are we doing with our yearly goals?  How are we navigating through the summer?  The kids are out of school, that means more activities, summer bbq’s, family gatherings, wedding season and more!  Are you getting the things that you need to get…

Zachary Ritter received his Ph.D. in higher education from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), focusing on Asian international students’ cross-racial interactions. He is currently an adjunct professor at UCLA, La Verne, and Redlands, teaching social justice history. Additionally, he is a diversity and inclusion consultant for Organic Communications. He was most recently the interim associate dean of the…