"Commit to yourself and your dreams regardless of the obstacles you face" with Claire Sumadiwirya
Claire Sumadiwirya, the owner of Bellden Cafe, blends her passion for coffee and community through high-quality food and drink offerings, authentic community service, and charity efforts that give back to those in need. She utilizes her MBA in Accounting and Marketing, as well as a decade of professional experience in global entrepreneurship, to support her business and community-based efforts. Her love for others and coffee earned Bellden Cafe, “The Nicest Place in Washington,” by Reader’s Digest, as well as features in Good Morning America, The Seattle Times, and Eater Seattle.
"Stick with it and don’t give up" with Arete Eleni Friedman
Arete Eleni Friedman has over 20 years of legal experience, including mass tort and environmental litigation, insurance coverage, project management, settlement negotiation, mediation, and dispute resolution. She founded Renovation Legal to help homeowners navigate their home improvement journeys from start to finish. Renovation Legal provides custom contracts, legal coaching, support, and process improvement strategies. Arete Friedman is licensed to practice law in NY and CT.
NYC REALTOR® COMBATS HOMELESSNESS WITH HOUSING VOUCHERS
With the median cost of a home in New York City coming in at around $750K, real estate professionals in this market can make a killing. However; one realtor is turning her attention to a market that is often overlooked. MonaLesa D. Brackett, New York Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (REALTOR®), specializes in assisting homeless clients with housing vouchers lease their own units. In a niche market, voucher holders are often illegally discriminated against by realtors, landlords, and other tenants. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, the actress turned REALTOR® has always had a passion for charity and has found her niche in helping the homeless find safe housing to improve their quality of life.