Throughout different points in my life, I have met, worked with, and been friends with individuals that have made a huge impact on me and have been a mentor. What they inspired in me altered me forever and continues to drive how I work and deal on a day-to-day basis.

Twenty years ago, if you asked me what I did, I would have said. I'm part-time dental assistant, full-time mom and over-time wife. Today this answer isn't so easy.

Working in the dental field was easy, too easy, for me. Rarely came an opportunity to develop me - who I am. There, of course, have been mentors. One of my instructors at Indiana University and the first dentist I worked for were instrumental in my transition through young adulthood.

Being a wife and mother, I drew inspiration from my own mother, mother-in-law and close friends. I also really identified with Hope Steadman, played by Mel Harris, on the show thirtysomething.... I know, "But, Ray, it's TV..." I know. I couldn't help myself, I was drawn to the similarities in our lives - even though I was a twentysomething.

As a recruiter and businesswoman, I feel extremely lucky to have had so many mentors from many different industries. These individuals continue to inspire me, daily. It was a year ago, almost to the day, that I joined RBC and became a fan of this community and the idea-sharing, industry-shaking innovation, and knowledge diffusion that takes place. Jason Davis has been a mentor to me, interestingly enough, not for what he gives to me but for what takes from me and the rest of us. He is a cyclone that pulls in knowledge and relationships and spreads the best parts around to fertilize the virtual ground we traverse.

I am better at what I do and in all aspects of my life for having been a member of this community.

So what inspires you?