Thank You: 

Steve Polgar 

Steve Polgar is the youngest person ever to receive the President's Lifetime Achievement Award from Barack Obama for his volunteer service. He is also the mind behind American Dog Society. Steve combines his creativity with empathy to create amazing changes in the world. He has taught me to aim high and think outside of the box. 

Christina Low 

Christina is an experienced global sales and marketing executive. She has a history of business development in creative cross-platform marketing solutions, multi-screen content distribution and building mutually beneficial strategic partnership alliances on behalf of organizations across Broadcast Media & Entertainment, Sports & Technology. Christina has always showed me kindness, patience and trust. She has been the ideal person to have in my corner as a younger professional.  

Aki Iwata 

My grandfather was born in California in 1933, avoided incarceration during World War II by moving to Utah after Executive Order 9066. Though the family lived as free citizens, they received no assistance from the War Relocation Authority. After the war, they returned to California, reestablishing their farming business. Akiyoshi served in the US Army during the Korean War, later obtaining a BSME degree from U.C. Berkeley. His 40-year career in Silicon Valley included notable achievements such as patents for the first color video disc recorder and the "Endless Loop Satellite Tape Recorder." Akiyoshi retired from Apple Computers in 2000 after a long career and has been happily married to my Dutch grandmother Jane for fifty years. 

Phyllis Caruth 

My grandmother's father served in World War II and died of benzene poisoning at age 32. "My mother was so filled with grief . . . that she died six months after my father." She moved to California after being taken in by her grandmother. Despite being a black orphan at a time when racism hindered daily life, she fought to have an extraordinary life. Affirmative action enabled her to get a job as a secretary at IBM in California. Soon, though, she moved from secretary to management, and ultimately became the first African American female adviser in IBM's software sector. When my grandmother moved to Salt Lake in 1995, she had a second career working under former mayors DeeDee Corradini and Rocky Anderson, most recently as an Equal Opportunity Compliance officer. 

Sarah Couch 

Sarah Couch is a Chief of Staff at the California State Senate, but I know her as the advisor of Phi Sigma Sigma. Sarah taught me the importance of giving back, for she donated countless hours to helping my organization. Sarah leads with kindness and connects with almost anyone. During her time as my advisor, she built me up to be a confident and ambitious leader. 

Monique Caruth 

My mother taught me the importance of making the most of every day and dedicating time to passion projects. During the day, she excels in the corporate world, and by night, you can find her crafting pottery, jewelry, or candles. Growing up, I listened to her take work calls and would study the way that she solved situations and helped teams to thrive. Once work was over, I would help her with her various art projects. I will always admire her endless desire to learn and foster creativity. My mother and father have been happily married for the last twenty years.

Cedric Caruth 

Just like my mother, my father, Cedric Caruth, lives a well balanced life. He has had a successful career in Digital Marketing, and spends his weekends playing music at museums, farmers markets and restaurants. He taught me to make the most of life by being friendly to others, eating good food and exploring new places.