Meet the Wisdom Makers™

These pages introduce you to some of the people who have been referred to us for the Wisdom Out book project. These are extraordinary "regular people" who have experienced ups and downs, losses, trials, and adversities in life, but who choose to carry on in ways that make things turn out well for themselves and others. The book, Wisdom Out: Contemporary Wisdom Strategies for Transforming Loss & Adversity into Positive Growth, will tell you more about how you can live life this way too.

Through the individual and collective voices of the Wisdom Makers, a new story of what it means to be wise emerges. Check back often – more Wisdom Makers are added each month!

Catherine Munson: President, Lucas Valley Properties; President, Project Amigo, Cofradia Colima, Mexico; Board member of the Marin History Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center Conservancy, The Buck Institute for Age Research
http://www.buckinstitute.org
http://www.projectamigo.org

The day I met Catherine Munson at the McGinnis Park Golf Center in Marin, CA, she was headed next on her way to an open house for a place she had refurbished and was hoping to sell for a profit to split between an endowment for the Concert Master's Chair for the Marin Symphony and the Buck Institute for Age Research. This is all in a day's work for Catherine who, at age 80, maintains a schedule that would exhaust most people. As President of Project Amigo, a non-profit Rotary project that helps poor families in Cofradia Colima, Mexico, and with degrees in microbiology and biochemistry as well as decades of experience as a real estate developer, Catherine approaches life with a potent blend of art and science, heart and head, infinite common sense and self-knowledge. Being with Catherine for just a few hours made me realize how important mentors are – to have one, to be one. Her expansive views of life, family, work, and love are supportive of others and yet completely unambiguous. She knows where she stands and what she believes in and every decision squares with her values. Her life has been filled with unbelievable joy and adversity and from this, she sees the world as an extraordinary place.

Ed Furuike: Artist
Cedar Street Galleries
http://www.cedarstreetgalleries.com
Hawaii

Ed Furuike says. "The first time a friend put a palette knife in my hand, I felt a charge go through my body." Ed was in his thirties at the time and had never had an art lesson in his life. But he knew that being an artist and teaching art was as Ed says, "Why I was born." Ed's philosophy as a teacher includes an openness and vulnerability that allows him to learn as much form his students as they do from him. Ed navigates the challenging times in his life by reaching out to friends who understand him, listen to him and share ideas with him. He says, "I cannot keep my sadness or my happiness to myself. I talk to others and then I search my heart and make a decision." Ed recently moved back to Hawaii where he was born and feels connected to the natural world and people. Please enjoy looking at some of Ed's beautiful paintings at www.cedarstreetgalleries.com.

Andy Reeves: Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
http://www.parsonshouseoneaglerun.com

Andy Reeves is an extraordinary entrepreneur. He has a knack for creating successful businesses even as he nurtures family relationships and is a thoughtful philanthropist. When Andy had the chance to change the nature of his work – from traveling every day of the week and using the weekend to catch up on yet even more work – to working from home and driving his kids to school each day, he took it. This is not to say that he has a lot of free time on his hands. In fact Andy is involved in numerous entrepreneurial and Philanthropic projects, including an elder care center called Parson’s House and funding a major educational complex through World Vision in Zambia Africa. Andy tells me, “In Africa, people don’t ask you what you do for a living. Instead they ask you who you are.” Andy tells me he is first a father, husband, and volunteer.

Charlene Teters: Artist, Activist, Lecturer
Founding Board Member of the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media
http://charleneteters.com
Spokane, WA

Charlene Teters returns to the stories of her Grandmother for clarity about what matters. At no time did Charlene need her Grandmother's stories more than when she moved to Illinois in 1988 with her son and daughter to earn a master's degree at the University of Illinois. Charlene was one of three Native American students on campus. When she questioned the University's use of Native American images as "mascot," she was met with dangerous hatred. Support came from people like Ken Sterns of the American Jewish Committee who called her and said, "It sounds like you need some help." Charlene maintained her ground. In her quiet, dignified way, she catalyzed a national movement to confront and eliminate the dehumanization of Indian People. Coming back to her Grandmother's stories, Char says, "I had no choice. I realized there were children everywhere being damaged by this." Through her art, teaching, lectures and activism, Charlene confronts and exposes racism and bias in American culture. She extends her energy to the students she currently teaches in her classes at California Polytechnic University–some of them who are first generation from Mexico–facilitating their creation of empowering cultural art. Charlene's work is the subject of a documentary by Jay Rosenstein called In Whose Honor?  Please visit Char's website to become involved in eliminating American Indian mascots in your community: http://charleneteters.com

Boo Thomas: Community Leader, Entrepreneur
President of the Center for Planning Excellence
http://www.centerforplanningexcellence.com
Baton Rouge, LA

"My philosophy has always been participatory and inclusive - I don't care if people say bad things about me - I listen to them all because I won't become the leader I want to be if I don't." Nothing prevents Boo (Elizabeth) Thomas from engaging Louisianans in rebuilding their communities and she believes everything in her life has prepared her for helping Louisiana rebuild after the havoc of Rita and Katrina.  Right before Katrina, Boo thought she might retire from the work she had been doing in neighborhood and city planning and revitalization.  She went on a personal retreat and returned not with a plan to retire but with renewed energy.  When Katrina hit and Boo was asked to lead efforts to rebuild, she understood the divine grace guiding her to continue her work and take it to new levels.  Boo was a conscientious, hard working child, growing up with parents who struggled with addictions.  Yet, she always knew she was destined to lead and over her life has come to understand her purpose in life is to "deliver hope."  When Boo speaks to crowds in every Louisiana Parrish, she sees and feels love coming to her from every person.  She says, "And I feel such love for them.  It's an acceptance - it's not emotional for me anymore - love is a way of being.  I think that's why collaboration and inclusion is so important to me, I want everyone to come inside the circle."

Jean Deeds: Community Leader, Author, Speaker, Adventure Trip Leader
Indianapolis, IN

When Jean Deeds says "sometimes you have to let things go," she speaks from experience. At the age of 51, Jean quit a great job, rented out her house and took six months to hike the 2159 mile Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine. Jean was not a hiker or a camper, but after reading an article about it, she had an overwhelming feeling that she was meant to do this. Jean says, "There was such an overwhelming feeling of destiny...and even though only 10-15% of all people who start the hike finish, I knew I was cutting away all my safety nets. It never entered my mind that I would not finish." Jean did finish her journey, completing the last 300 miles after healing the leg she broke along the way. Jean's journey - including the broken leg - has had far-reaching effects, creating opportunities she never imagined. At a deeply personal level, Jean connected spiritually with her father who had died when she was only six. "When I needed a breeze on the trail and one would come, I would say thanks to my dad." On a public level, Jean has found herself in the role of mentoring others through her story. She wrote a book and speaks about her experience, and a film crew followed her on her last 300 miles, creating a documentary. Jean also leads outdoor adventures for women and continues to hike all over the world. "I've realized that my journey is about all of our journeys - the collective journey we all have." Jean's book, There are Mountains to Climb (Silverwood Press 1996) can be purchased online at Amazon and Powells.

Wallace Howard: Educational Leader
Huntersville, NC

Wallace Howard had a hard time learning to read when he was a kid. So it surprises him as much as anyone that he became a teacher. Due to his personal struggle to learn to read, Wallace thought he'd better stick with teaching kindergarten. Over the years, kindergarten requirements increased and Howard found himself responsible for teaching the most important requirements of reading to his young charges. As he watched many students struggle with learning the sounds associated with the written letters and blends, Wallace knew there had to be a better way. He stumbled upon success using a strategy he has refined over the years that asks student to "see the sound and think the letter by using motion of the body." For his fledgling five year old readers, it was magic. Wallace ran into a roadblock when the school district he worked for directed him to use only the approved district reading program. Partly in frustration, but mostly because his passion is to help children read, Wallace resigned from his teaching position with only two years to go to receive his pension. Wallace says, "You can't let fear hold you back." Wallace is now developing his product and is presenting it at workshops and in school districts all over the country. To contact Wallace Howard, you can email him at Email ElleWisdomOut.com (I will forward email to Wallace) or write to him at PO Box 972, Huntersville, NC 28070

Teresa McCoy: Community Member, Farmer
Cherokee, NC

Everyone in Cherokee, North Carolina--teens, elders, and even the mountain creatures-- know Teresa McCoy. People come to Teresa when they are facing difficulties because they know she will facilitate peaceful and fair resolutions. In turn, Teresa is sustained by the ancient wisdom of her tribe, which includes valuing the insight of children and the experience of the elders. Teresa also turns to the quiet strength of the mountains. She says, "You go to a quiet place and I don't care how big and strong, and unruly you think you are, you will find that you are not pushing the earth down but the earth is holding you up."

The earth and all of her creatures are of primary concern for Teresa and she believes the US government needs to look to Native American wisdom to find solutions in matters of conservation and peace. On love, Teresa says, "You must get up every morning and forgive yourself for anything that might be bothering you. That negative feeling will be replaced by love for your community, family, nation--it all starts with love for yourself."

Edward Rastovski: Educational Leader
Superintendent of Wahoo Public Schools
Wahoo, NE

When Edward Rastovski was eight years old, he lost his dad. For the next ten years, his mom used the same pen to write checks to pay off their rural North Dakota home. With no insurance and just fifty bucks per week for groceries, Ed had the good sense and maturity to pay attention to people he thought were "good." His best friend Larry and Larry's parents were such good people and as Ed watched Larry prepare to go to college, he thought he'd better find a way to do the same. Edward did go to college, and through scholarships and jobs, he persevered where others give up. Today Edward is superintendent of Wahoo Public Schools in Wahoo Nebraska. In this position, Ed has the opportunity to weigh in on important issues, guiding others to make the best decisions they can. From his days as a teacher on the Indian Reservation, Edward has pained memories of watching mothers take their kids out of the water when Ed and his students came to the pool. Out of this heartache, Edward is passionate about increasing tolerance for all people. Edward says, "It's easy to do this professionally--people expect it on the job. The challenge is in social settings. I teach my son it's OK to be silent when someone tells a racist joke, but it's better to speak out against it when it happens."

Donna Mayeax: Chief Operating Officer
Louisiana Family Recovery Corps
http://www.recoverycorps.org

In the aftermath of Katrina, countless groups went into action to help the families who had lost their homes and were displaced. A friend approached Donna Mayeux, who had her own consulting company in Louisiana, and asked her to lend a hand to the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps. At first Donna thought she could take the group on as a client. It did not take long for her to understand that her work with this group required a commitment beyond anything she originally imagined. Donna says, "You cannot comprehend the devastation." She decided to put her own company on hold and join the Family Recovery Corps full time as its Chief Operating Officer. One year before, Donna's husband had perished in a plane crash. Her work with the LFRC helped to draw her out of her sadness while at the same time, the strength she gained while coping with the loss of her husband gave her an edge in her work. Donna is guided by what she has learned from her parents and through experience. She says, never lie, don't be intimidated by people who want to manipulate you, treat every person with dignity. She has unshakable faith that everything will work out. Donna says, "What I celebrate are the communities in Louisiana that are pulling together and finding solutions--getting people out of those trailers and into homes."

DJ Jones: Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker
Albuquerque, NM
http://poseyfoundation.com

I wish I had been there to see DJ Jones at the beginning of her fifty state cruise on Big Bertha, (her motorcycle) to raise money and awareness for heart disease. Starting in New Mexico, a posse of friends and a police escort bid DJ on her way. Not long into the trip it became clear to DJ that she was not going to raise money for her cause. In fact instead of being greeted with open arms, more often than not, she encountered suspicion, indifference and outright hostility. People just didn't "get" her. A tall, vivacious, strong, black woman who listens to country music, reads a map, and rides a motorcycle? Just what was she reallyup to? DJ asked herself the same question. What was this really all about? The answer was as plain as the journal and camera in her hands. She would write a book about this experience in order to inspire and empower others who are marginalized and misunderstood. DJ says, "My whole life has prepared me for this. I was the only little colored kid in my class in a small Oklahoma town of one thousand--counting the cows. I've always been different." DJ Jones is the first person in the world to ride the same motorcycle through all fifty United States. Information about how to order DJ's book will soon be on her website: www.poseyfoundation.com.

Bonnie Bishop: Educator and Entrepreneur
Center for Accelerated Learning
Long Beach CA

Twenty some years ago, Bonnie married Bruce Bishop - a decision she says is among the wisest she ever made. Together, they have created an expansive life with plenty of room for family, friends, adventures, and support for each other. Bonnie has a knack for knowing when to start and end things. While still in her twenties, she started an alternative school, selling it fourteen years later when she and Bruce moved to Spain. They left Spain when Bruce's ailing mother back in California needed their care. Bonnie, who was now fluent in Spanish, took a job in the Long Beach schools - a place that sorely needed her skills and compassion. Having grown up poor herself, Bonnie resonated with the needs of the economically and language disadvantaged children she taught, finding her purpose as an advocate and leader in bilingual education. Bonnie says that none of these changes really were decisions. Instead they were obvious choices. "You could go right or left," Bonnie explains, "I just went the way I was meant to go." Today Bonnie is a sought after expert and leader in the field of bilingual education. Her company website is under construction - check back to get the link. You can also contact Bonnie at www.makingstandardswork.com.

Jonathan Sperling: Educator, Founder of I Care
North High School, Torrance CA

One year, high school English teacher Jonathan Sperling had a class of students who just didn't seem to care. Not about their grades, the quality of their work, or even others perceptions of them. None of his usual strategies to engage them worked. Out of ideas, Jonathan went to the students and told them, "We have to stop and talk about this--half of you are failing and it is really effecting me--but I don't think its me that's the problem--I think it's you." He told them about a campaign he wanted to start that he called I Care. By the end of the class period, his students had brainstormed all the ways a person could care. Jonathan says, "When you are honest with the kids, they are honest back with you."

With the support of other teachers in the school, the parents, and the community, I Care has become "a way of being" at North High School. Now, given an opportunity to care or not, more students choose to care. Jonathan is overwhelmed by the impact of the I Care movement. "It started because I didn't like how I was feeling as a teacher--but I had no idea where it was going to go. Now this feels like a calling."


Randolph Fazande: Community Member
Katrina Survivor

During the hectic days following Hurricane Katrina, the bodies of Randolph Fazande's mother and father were recovered, but then misplaced by authorities. Months later, with the help of the Next of Kin Registry, Randolph claimed the bodies of his parents. The ordeal brought out Randolph's resourcefulness and perseverance. From dealing with red tape to sneaking into the neighborhood where his parent's house stood, Randolph was steady in his mission to recover his parents. Randolph says, "God just gave me the strength to do it. I have plenty of street sense so if I got blocked going one way I went the other way." During this time, Randolph made an impression on other people. His tenacity, kindness, and sincere appreciation for all the people who helped Katrina victims became an inspiration for others. Randolph's parents lived a great life together--they were childhood sweethearts who were married for 56 years. Randolph says, "I never once cried. I knew we had done all we could."

Dr. Miguel Alvarez
Psychiatrist, Community Activist, Volunteer

In 1973, when Pinochet took power in a coup that overtook Chilean president Salvador Allende, Miguel Alvarez was a pediatrician, who also treated children in the shantytowns of Chile. Because he was educated and a community leader, it was clear that Miguel would be arrested and subjected to "adjustment" by the new government if he was caught. Many people were imprisoned or killed during these politically unstable times. Miguel was able to flee to Brazil, a move that began his struggle to reestablish himself as a physician. Eventually he ended up in Brooklyn, New York where he completed a second medical internship and continued to remove roadblocks to securing his licensure and citizenship. In the middle of all of this Miguel became seriously ill with hepatitis B. With his two children cheering him on, he struggled to recover. Miguel's life is characterized by decisions he makes with consideration for others. Currently, he is a practicing psychiatrist in New York state committed to his work in part to support his mother who still lives in Chile and an organization that helps AIDS orphans. Miguel says, "When I am faced with challenges, I stop what I am doing and I know I will find an answer. I become active in recreating myself, adapting and changing. I am always optimistic that things will be OK--even when I am anxious, I realize it means I am working on it."

Mark Cerney: Founder & President
Next of Kin Registry (NOKR), Columbia SC
http://nokr.org
http://pleasenotifyme.org

The seed for what is now known as the Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) was planted years ago when Mark Cerney's childhood caretaker, MiMi passed away while Mark was on his honeymoon. MiMi was in a care center at the time, where Mark visited her every weekend. Most of the staff there knew him by name, but no one thought to call him when she died. Mark began to wonder; with all the great technology we have, surely there must be a way to prevent this tragedy for others. Mark says, "Everyone deserves dignity--the homeless, kids on the street--someone needs to be notified if they are injured or deceased." Mark and his wife set their minds to developing a robust information management system, now housed on the nation's supercomputer in La Jolla, CA. They did this by selling their home more than one time to fund the project and in spite of others who told them it could not be done. Today, NOKR can be found on the websites of nearly every state. In the beginning, Mark says, "I was like a kid on a bike who didn't know how to peddle." Now, Mark skillfully appeals to every decision maker who can get the word about NOKR out to the people who need it.


Christina Baldwin: Entrepreneur, Author, Teacher, Storycatcher
Whidbey Island, WA
http://www.storycatcher.net

As a girl growing up in the 1950's Christina noticed that no one in her life was really "tracking who she was." She filled her days and nights with stories she invented--stories where she was the hero, facing down all manner of monsters and adversities, creating justice and kindness wherever she went. Inspired by The Diary of Anne Frank, Christina discovered journal writing, and quickly noticed how they gave her a "container" for the stories she longed to tell. At some point she realized journals gave her a chance to witness her own life and learn about herself.

Today, Christina Baldwin is a "Storycatcher." She creates environments where people learn about themselves and others through the stories they write and tell. Christina says, "If no one is catching our stories, we feel we have not been heard." Through her workshops, books and facilitation, Christina uses storycatching to help people and organizations, bridge and heal communication gaps. Her work between Palestinians and Israeli groups is one example of this. "I feel there is a global understanding that we talk or die."


Rowen Schussheim-Anderson: Artist, Educator
Davenport, IA

Rowen Schussheim-Anderson is an artist and a college level educator. Her supportive parents gave her confidence and encouragement to pursue her goals as an artist, even as the climate and culture in the United States minimized the value of art. Rowen is drawn to indigenous cultures where beautiful items we call "art"-- vessels, weavings, clothing, rugs -- have a function in the society. Rowen travels with her students to African and South American countries so they can witness the seamless marriage between beautiful objects and their use in everyday life for themselves. They see art that is "sat upon, danced around, drunk out of, in motion." The experience expands the vision these students have about their own art and their esteem as artists.


Randall Larsen: Educator, Community Leader
Rockford, IL

Before Randall Larsen became an educator, he wanted to be a veterinarian. His dream was derailed when a gasoline explosion left him with injuries that made a practice in medicine impossible. Following the example of his parents who were positive, and joyful, Randy did not let his injuries keep him down. He set his sights on becoming a teacher. He says, "Before long I felt teaching was what I was meant to do." After teaching for four years, Randy became involved in creating an award winning Teacher Development Center where educators could come for professional development. Even though he is officially "retired," Randy continues to serve as a school principal wherever his community school district in Illinois needs him. He says, "The openness of the kids today is an asset. Kids respond when you say you care about them."

Lisa Foley: Educator, Philanthropist
Old Greenwich, CT
http://www.womenofvision.org
http://www.worldvision.org

Going through a divorce where custody of her young son was at stake, Lisa Foley transformed her personal pain into action to help women and children in disadvantaged countries. Lisa says, "The smallest choices we make in life, set us up for the larger ones." Lisa now works for the Fairfield County (Connecticut) Chapter of Women of Vision conducting educational workshops and leading trips to the countries where Women of Vision works. She and her son built a school in Africa.


Cindy Mendelson: Ph.D., RN
Albuquerque, NM
http://hsc.unm.edu/consg/faculty/mendelson,cindy.shtml
http://hsc.unm.edu/consg/research/connective_tissue.shtml
When Cindy discovered she had a connective tissue disease, she joined a support group where she not only received personal support, but also became inspired to help others. Cindy has devoted her life's work to researching ways to support others living with autoimmune diseases - conditions that disproportionately affect women, and in the case of lupus, women of color. Cindy Mendelson is an Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing Health Sciences Center, at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.


John Simpkins: Law Professor, Author, Community Leader
Charleston, SC
http://www.charlestonlaw.org
http://www.bettersouth.org
John's life reflects the values of the older relatives he grew up with in South Carolina – people who embraced the fruits of the Civil Rights movement and taught him to believe in every possibility. John says, "The reality may be something different, but if you believe, you can naively go out and make it all happen." John brings his believe in possibilities to every situation–from the women he taught to vote and the boys he coached in South Africa, to South Carolina and the entire region of the American South.

John teaches at the Charleston School of Law where he is also the Director of Diversity. He is co-founder of the Center for a Better South, a progressive think tank devoted to ideas and policies to ignite possibilities in the American South. He continues his work in South Africa, supporting various constitution development projects.


Douglas Reeves: Entrepreneur, Educator, Author
Boston, MA
http://www.makingstandardswork.com
One of the brightest minds in education, Dr. Douglas Reeves is resolutely devoted to supporting educational systems that create success for all students. Doug built his successful consulting business from scratch and remembers presenting at his first conference where "seven people showed up in a room meant for 200." Doug was selected as the 2006 Brock International Laureate, one of the most significant education awards granted. Dr. Reeves used the award funds to build a school in Zambia. Doug lives in Boston, MA.


Tama Kieves: Entrepreneur, Author, Coach
Denver, CO
http://www.awakeningartistry.com
Tama is known as the "Harvard Lawyer Who Left it All to Find it All!" Responding to a persistent, inner calling to write, Tama left a successful law practice to write her first book, "This Time I Dance! Creating the Work You Love." In it, she documents her journey from what is known through the uncharted territory of what could be. Through coaching, writing and speaking, Tama inspires and supports others who choose to make this journey. Her book is in its second edition, printed by Tarcher/Penguin.


Danielle Jackson: Community Wisdom; Entrepreneur, Educator
Rio Rancho, NM
http://www.dancethespiral.com
At age 18, when circumstances conspired to prevent her from attending college as she dreamed she would, Danielle moved to Los Angeles. Alone, with no job and no place to live, she worked hard to construct an authentic life for herself. From her days in the army to her work as a nurse, and spiritual teacher, Danielle has learned to access and follow an inner wisdom that has not led her astray. Through the classes and workshops she leads, Danielle helps other women do the same.


George Hylkema: Community Wisdom
Contra Mesa, CA
http://www.seeseadragon.com
George Hylkema is at heart, a craftsman and builder. After years of working in aerospace, George came to the conclusion that "Nothing is more important today than for people to reconnect with who we never were not." Since his aerospace days, he has found many ways to reconnect with who he has always been. George is now a guy who builds sailboats and housing structures where tenants can come together to share a meal. He builds homes for Katrina survivors, and water wells where people can drink. Concerned with the environment and global trade, George is an active proponent of the power of communities.


Margaret Rode: Entrepreneur, Website Designer
Kittredge, CO
http://www.websitesforgood.com
Plagued by insomnia and stress related illness, Margaret knew "There was something very unfaithful I was doing in my life that I needed to figure out." Her reflections led her to rediscover strengths she had as a small girl, growing up poor and largely on her own in Detroit–a "wild child" who learned how to hunt up and gather what she needed. As Margaret reconnected with these dormant strengths, she knew she wanted to leverage her considerable skills and experience in technology and marketing to help others do their own bit of good in the world. As the founder and president of Web Sites for Good, Margaret Rode overcame the limiting messages that told her not to ask for or expect anything special in life. In turn, she helps small businesses and non-profit organizations use the Internet as a powerful tool for success.

Gwen Whiting: RN, BSN, MS, APRN
Atlanta, GA
dreamstogrow@aol.com
Gwen was in nursing school when her father died. He died in a hospital from complications related to alcoholism and the toll it had taken on his body. In his dying hours, doctors ignored him and offered no comfort to Gwen's mom and the family. They did not value him because he was an alcoholic. This day changed the direction of Gwen's life. A nursing student at the time, she promised herself she would always extend respect to others no matter what their circumstances in life. Through her work as an instructor for other medical professionals, Gwen also conducts writing classes for women who are recovering from addictions–helping them publish a book of their own poems and stories and treating them with the respect, honor and dignity denied her father.

Michael Francis: Educational Leader, Principal of Jackson Elementary School
Rockford, IL
Mike Francis is a beloved school principal who believes that all students can learn and achieve at high levels. Mike himself grew up in humble circumstances, a reality that arms him with both compassion and a no nonsense attitude toward the students at his school.

Mike and his staff have learned to work well together to bring out the best in the kids they serve. He says, "I always expect people to do their best."


Kevin Morrisroe
Albuquerque, NM
As a young medic in the Vietnam War, Kevin went to each soldier in his platoon, just before nightfall, and gave him a vitamin. Little did the soldier know the true motive behind the vitamin delivery; Kevin wanted to know where each man was in each foxhole, so he could find them if they needed his help in the dark of night. After Vietnam, Kevin, a gay man, worked with war veterans who were diagnosed with AIDS. He also remained in the Army Reserves. Kevin's honest and humble approach to problem solving has brought him many opportunities to excel in life and serve others. Today he is a retired Army Colonel with a plan to bring his knowledge and expertise to help those with AIDS in Africa.

NEXT: Book Elle Allison