In this episode Alaina takes us back to 3rd grade where she first connected to what art could be in her life, the teachers that influenced her, what she has learned through pursuing her passion, and what artists have had an impact on her work. If you are in education this episode should not be missed! Alaina was the winner of the 2022 Verve Arts Scholarship!! She loves nature and art is her passion. Throughout her childhood, she spent countless days sitting on the banks of a pond in her backyard where nature was her muse. Her goal is to continue down this path with the arts, become a professional artist or art teacher and display her art in galleries. Alaina will be attending the University of New Haven and her 1st semester of studies will be in Florence, Italy. Check out this episode where we discuss the first time Alaina really connected to what art could be, the teachers that influenced her, what she has learned through pursuing her passion, and what artists have had an impact on her work. You can follow Alaina's art journey on Instagram @ ae_scribbles To learn more about the Verve Arts Scholarship and the Fall 2022 art show email us at [email protected]

On this episode I talk with Vallori Thomas about the key components of a hero's journey, some of the treasures along the way, and what defines success. Vallori Thomas is an accredited member of the Forbes Coaches Council, an ICF-Certified Coach, 2021 WeInspire Movement for Change Ambassador, and the Founder of The Institute at WOW Coaching and Consulting, She is the author of “POSSIBILITOLOGY: Its A Great Day To Be Amazing”, and Co-Author of “Through It All We’re Still Standing”. Known for delivering potent results, a practitioner of context mastery Vallori is adept at vision building and breakthrough learning. Her field of expertise is professional development, D E I B, leadership optimization, corporate culture & team dynamics. She is an enthusiastic and indefatigable keynote speaker and facilitator who has delivered empowerment training for WOCC for Harvard University Graduate Students, as well as adult and youth leadership programs in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C, Seattle, South Carolina, and Atlanta. Recently, Vallori began expanding her reach to other countries, traveling first to South Africa and later to Peru then Thailand to bring a message of empowerment, and to raise money and awareness for indigent social programs there. For more information about Vallori go to www.vallorithomas.com For more information about Cafe Verve's host-Lynee' Lopez-go to www.verveconsultant.com

Cafe Verve launching on August 8th! Please tune in:)