Mark and his son John are crazy about socks! John has down syndrome and says socks let him be himself. Their company, John’s Crazy Socks, donates 5% to the Special Olympics and over half of their employees are differently abled. An amazing story of joy and unity all around “socks, socks, and more socks!”

“Be strong and courageous...” says the scripture. Kirsten Moore lost her husband, gave birth to their first child 7 weeks later, and persevered to lead her Westmont College women’s basketball team to their first ever national championship. The scripture about being strong and courageous, along with a verse about God taking care of the fatherless and widows...she found those on post-it notes on the wall of her late husband’s office. Strong and courageous. Those words pretty well describe Kirsten Moore.

Hannah is the daughter of an overcomer. She only knew of her father in a wheelchair but also as someone who was not going anything limit him. When he passed away from his ongoing battle with GBS-CIDP she promised to share his can-do and will-do attitude and story. An amazing story of resilience and courage!

Jozanne is an actress, writer, TEDx speaker, and a powerful woman. There is simply nothing that she cannot do! She talks to Dean about her new memoir BEAUTIFUL, Unashamed and Unafraid, a powerful story of overcoming. You do not want to miss this interview!

James grew up in Maryland and moved to California just after college. He has been always invested in his community and it’s growth. In the summer of 2016, James launched Coffee with a Black Man, where he hosts interactive community conversations about a variety of issues from the perspective of a black man. Simply put: Coffee. Connection. Conversation. Amazing interview!

Chris, 21, became the first person with Down syndrome to finish the IRONMAN race in November of 2020, offering lessons in perseverance and hope. Amazing athlete, even more amazing person!

Mari Hernandez’s world turned upside down on May 15, 2018, when she discovered her son, Andrew, had taken his own life. Known as the “Big Friendly Giant” by his friends, Andrew was just weeks away from graduating Santa Barbara High School. As a social worker, Hernandez understood that oftentimes those who take their lives appear happy on the outside, but she didn’t realize her son was struggling under the surface. Though she’s dreamed of starting a nonprofit for over 20 years, the idea for the Vida Center was born three days after Andrew’s death. Andrew’s football coach came to Hernandez and asked her to start it after two other kids on the team confessed to the coach that they too had plans to end their lives but chose not to after witnessing the effect of Andrew’s choice.

Chris Orlando loves sports and he believes that sports can change people and the world! He has been a part of the NFL Alumni Association helping them stretch their charitable dollars. He currently works with Sports Industry of India, helping them expand the infrastructure for university sports in India.

Kaylie is the Transitional Age Youth Program’s Director for the Youth and Family Services branch of the Channel Island YMCA. There she helps connect youth in need of a safe place to stay with services and counseling. One of the programs she helps run is Noah’s Anchorage, a licensed eight-bed runaway and homeless shelter for youth age 12-17. An amazing story from a woman who loves youth and wants to see them are and flourishing!