At Pathfinders, we strive to spotlight changemakers who embody the values of Vision, Passion, Action, Tenacity, Humility, and Impact. In this feature, we delve into the remarkable story of Valrie Grant, a geospatial scientist, entrepreneur, and mentor, whose work empowers communities and bridges digital divides across the Caribbean and beyond. "Geography should not dictate destiny. I’m passionate about bridging the digital divide, empowering underserved communities, and fostering youth development to create meaningful change through technology." Vision: Pioneering Sustainable Development For Valrie Grant, the vision is clear: a digitally inclusive world where geography does not dictate destiny. As the founder of GeoTechVision and Jamaica Flying Labs, Valrie is committed to using geospatial technologies to drive sustainable development. Her work spans disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and youth empowerment, always with a focus on creating fit-for-purpose solutions that address the unique needs of underserved communities. “I want to help lead the charge for a digital Caribbean that’s empowered to navigate its own solutions” Valrie explains. This vision extends to her leadership roles, including as Vice Chair of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) Private Sector Network, where she bridges the gap between governments and the private sector to tackle global challenges collaboratively. Passion: Empowering Others Through Technology Valrie’s passion is rooted in her upbringing in a rural farming community in Jamaica, where she witnessed firsthand how limited resources can hinder opportunities. “I’ve always believed that geography should not dictate destiny” she shares. This belief fuels her dedication to bridging the digital divide and fostering youth development, particularly for women entrepreneurs. “Mentorship is one of my greatest joys” Valrie says, reflecting on her efforts to guide young professionals in geospatial technologies. Through initiatives like the GIS in Schools Education Program and Jamaica Flying Labs, she’s helped countless individuals discover new possibilities, many of whom have gone on to thrive as GIS managers and Youth Mappers ambassadors. Action: Building Pathways for Change From founding GeoTechVision in 2008 to spearheading the development of Jamaica Flying Labs, Valrie’s actions demonstrate her relentless commitment to impactful change. GeoTechVision was one of the first woman-owned geospatial companies in the Caribbean, breaking new ground in an industry often misunderstood at the time. Under her leadership, these organizations have introduced innovative programs, such as drone training for disaster resilience and STEM initiatives for youth. “We focus on localization—solutions that are contextually relevant and empowering for the communities they serve” Valrie emphasizes. Tenacity: Rising Above Challenges Valrie’s journey has been far from easy. From the challenges of educating clients on emerging technologies to navigating a major contract termination that impacted her operations, she’s faced numerous obstacles with unyielding resolve. “Entrepreneurship demands persistence,” she notes. “It’s about staying true to your values and fighting for what’s right, even when the path is difficult.” Her resilience is a testament to the power of determination and ethical business practices. Humility: Learning and Growing Together Despite her many achievements, Valrie remains grounded and deeply grateful for the support of her team, family, and mentors. “Success is not an individual achievement; it truly takes a village” she reflects. Her journey has taught her the importance of listening to diverse perspectives, pivoting when necessary, and embracing life’s unexpected challenges as opportunities for growth. Impact: Inspiring Future Generations Valrie’s impact resonates far and wide. Her mentorship programs have empowered a new generation of geospatial professionals, while her advocacy for ethical and sustainable practices influences global dialogues. For Valrie, the ultimate measure of success is the ripple effect of her work—creating opportunities for others to thrive and contribute to their communities. Final Thought: A Call to Action As a mentor, leader, and innovator, Valrie Grant embodies what it means to be a Pathfinder for good. Her advice to aspiring changemakers is simple yet profound: “Do it afraid. There will never be a perfect moment. Lean in, prepare, and recognize that success is a marathon, not a sprint.” Contact To learn more about Valrie’s journey and connect with her work, check out her podcast, Mapping the Conversations, available on Spotify and LinkedIn. Join the movement to amplify the stories of everyday heroes and inspire meaningful action.

In this episode of Pathfinders, we sit down with Steve Mark, a geospatial leader from Victoria, BC, who has dedicated his career to advancing data sharing and collaboration in the geospatial industry. As the Director of the Integrated Cadastral Information Society (ICI Society), Steve leads an initiative that brings together governments, utilities, and First Nations communities to create a single source of truth for geospatial data. From mapping parcel data to supporting First Nations' data sovereignty, Steve and his team are at the forefront of using GIS to solve real-world challenges. His journey highlights the power of relationships, trust, and collaboration in building a data-driven society. “We bring people together who otherwise wouldn’t be in the same room.”  – Steve Mark About Steve Steve Mark is the Director of the ICI Society, a geospatial data-sharing organization in British Columbia. With a career spanning over 15 years, Steve has played a critical role in evolving the Society from a parcel data aggregator into a collaborative network of over 300 organizations, supporting infrastructure planning, emergency response, and Indigenous data governance. The ICI Society serves as the “Costco of geospatial data”, a one-stop shop for government, utilities, and First Nations to access high-quality spatial data that informs critical decision-making in land development, emergency services, and infrastructure planning. Passion: A Love for Geospatial Collaboration Steve’s passion for GIS goes beyond the data—it's about the people. He has spent years building relationships across governments, utilities, and First Nations, ensuring that data-sharing remains a trusted and voluntary collaboration rather than a mandated initiative. His belief? GIS is not just about maps—it’s about people using data to make informed decisions that impact lives. “Every decision has a geospatial component. Ambulances getting to the right location, fiber optics reaching rural areas, or planning affordable housing—it all starts with good data.” Action: Building a Data-Sharing Society The ICI Society was founded in 2001 to aggregate and standardize parcel data across BC. Over the years, Steve has led initiatives to: Expand beyond parcels to include infrastructure, zoning, and emergency response layers Support First Nations communities with data sovereignty initiatives and digital mapping Launch GeoShare, an automated system that delivers weekly geospatial updates to thousands of users Create a governance model that ensures data trust, security, and usability This collaborative approach has led to faster decision-making, cost savings, and improved emergency response times across BC. Tenacity: Overcoming Data Silos and Resistance Building a collaborative geospatial network hasn’t been easy. Steve and his team faced significant pushback from municipalities hesitant to share their data due to concerns over accuracy, privacy, and control. By demonstrating the value of voluntary data sharing, the ICI Society gradually gained buy-in from 300+ organizations, proving that collaboration leads to better outcomes than siloed data. One major challenge? Ensuring data quality. Instead of aiming for perfection, Steve’s philosophy is: If it’s the best available data you have for internal decision-making, it should be shared—it will only improve with more eyes on it.” Humility: The Impact of a Connected Community Despite years of hard work, Steve remains humbled by the impact of the Society’s work. He often hears from new members: “How did you make this happen? I wish we had this in our jurisdiction.” For Steve, it’s not just about aggregating data—it’s about bringing people together, fostering trust, and creating a network where GIS professionals don’t feel alone in their work. The ICI Society isn’t just a database—it’s a community. Final Thought: The Future of GIS Collaboration As geospatial data becomes more critical in urban planning, climate response, and emergency services, the ICI Society continues to evolve. With a focus on: Expanding data sets to include human and environmental geography Advancing First Nations data sovereignty and digital infrastructure Improving real-time data sharing for emergency response Steve envisions a future where geospatial collaboration is the standard, not the exception. “Data is power—but only when it’s shared and used for the greater good.” Connect with Steve & the ICI Society 🌍 Website:  ICI Society 📧 Email:  info@icisociety.ca 🔗 LinkedIn:  Steve Mark Interested in using GIS for good? Join the conversation at Pathfinders and help build a more connected, data-driven world. 🎙️ Subscribe to Pathfinders for more stories of geospatial impact!

Julia Wagemann’s vision is clear: she wants to build a geospatial industry that is truly inclusive, where all genders can thrive and have equal opportunities. She believes that diversity isn’t just a box to check—it’s the foundation of progress. Her journey has been shaped by the realization that women and non-binary individuals in geospatial and Earth observation often struggle to find the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Rather than accepting the status quo, Julia took action. Through Women+ in Geospatial, she is working to reshape the industry, ensuring that diverse voices are not just included but amplified. Her vision is about more than representation—it’s about empowerment, community, and transformation. “Let’s make the geospatial industry a place where everyone can thrive. We can’t afford to lose talented people due to lack of support or inclusivity. This is something we must build together.”   Julia believes that change is a collective responsibility. She calls on companies, organizations, and individuals to take an active role in creating a more inclusive industry. Whether it’s mentoring, funding initiatives, or simply sharing the stories of underrepresented professionals, every action counts. Passion Julia’s passion for geospatial sciences didn’t come from a textbook—it came from life itself. Growing up in a tiny village with just ten houses, she was always eager to explore beyond her surroundings. She craved adventure and the chance to see the world. That passion led her across continents, from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, where she worked as a diving instructor, to the French Alps, where she experienced the power of geography firsthand. It was these early experiences—living in extreme environments, witnessing the delicate balance of nature, and seeing how geography shapes human existence—that sparked her lifelong love for Earth observation. When she eventually pursued geography at university, she wasn’t just studying maps and data. She was uncovering the stories of the world, piecing together the interconnectedness of landscapes, climate, and human activity. “I had a real desire to understand our Earth, how space is shaped, and how it influences everything around us. That’s what led me to study geography and, eventually, geospatial sciences.”   Action In 2019, Julia posted a simple tweet—a call for women in geospatial to come together. She never expected what happened next: within two days, over 300 people had signed up, eager to join a movement that didn’t yet exist. That tweet sparked something greater than she could have imagined: the birth of Women+ in Geospatial. Today, that movement has grown into a global network of 5,500+ members across 149 countries. Through mentorship programs, community-building, and leadership initiatives, Julia and her team have built a space where women and non-binary individuals can connect, support each other, and rise together. Their work isn’t just about networking—it’s about breaking down systemic barriers, fostering confidence, and opening doors that have long been closed. “The community lives by how much people give and share. The more you contribute, the more you get back. And through mentorship, networking, and shared learning, we are shaping a stronger, more diverse industry.”   Tenacity Building Women+ in Geospatial wasn’t easy. The early days were fueled by enthusiasm, but Julia and her team quickly realized that creating real, lasting impact required more than good intentions. They had to navigate the difficult transition from a grassroots movement to a structured nonprofit, balancing growth with sustainability. They made mistakes. They experimented. They faced tough decisions—should they expand, formalize leadership, introduce governance structures? Every step forward required difficult conversations and unwavering commitment. But they pressed on, knowing that their mission mattered. The transformation from an informal community to a registered nonprofit with strategic goals, leadership structures, and long-term sustainability wasn’t just a necessary evolution—it was a test of resilience. Julia and her team climbed that mountain, and while the journey isn’t over, they now stand on solid ground. “We realized that to have a lasting impact, we needed more structure. Transitioning to a nonprofit organization was a mountain to climb, and we are still climbing. But staying focused on our long-term mission and making strategic decisions has been key.”   Humility Despite her leadership and the movement she’s helped create, Julia remains deeply humbled by the passion of those around her. She knows that Women+ in Geospatial isn’t just about her—it’s about the thousands of people who give their time, energy, and expertise to build something greater than themselves. Every mentorship pairing, every conference panel, every success story is a reminder that change happens through collective effort. The organization thrives because so many people believe in it, and that belief has fueled real-world transformations. It humbles me to see what is possible when people come together for a shared cause. We are all volunteers, giving several hours a week, yet we’ve built something truly impactful.”   Impact Women+ in Geospatial is more than a network—it’s a lifeline for many professionals. Through mentorship, career connections, and advocacy, Julia and her team have helped members land jobs, gain confidence, and carve out spaces where they previously felt invisible. The organization’s success stories are countless: individuals who once felt isolated in male-dominated workplaces now have a thriving support system; professionals who never thought they could reach leadership roles now mentor others; women and non-binary individuals who lacked representation now see leaders who look like them at the forefront of the industry. “Seeing people grow professionally, find jobs, and feel supported in this industry—these small but meaningful changes add up to a bigger impact. That’s what keeps us going.”   Connect Website:  Women+ in Geospatial LinkedIn:  Women+ in Geospatial

For Elena Iacono, the future isn’t just about wealth or material possessions—it’s about legacy, in the truest sense of the word. She envisions a world where people don’t just pass down money and assets but also the values, wisdom, and stories that define who they are. Through her company, LegacyNex , Elena is on a mission to help individuals capture the essence of their lives so that future generations can learn, grow, and feel connected to their roots. “I’m trying to untap the ability for us to really think beyond material things. I want people to learn from the best of who we are, to preserve the values of those who shaped us, and to carry that forward with meaning and purpose.” Her vision is clear: build an enduring connection between past, present, and future through storytelling, reflection, and intentional documentation. Passion: The Personal Connection Elena’s passion for this work is deeply personal. Having lost her father, she knows firsthand how fleeting time is and how easily the essence of a person can fade without a way to capture their wisdom and values. “Losing my dad changed everything. His values were my guiding force, and suddenly, they felt distant. I’m working hard to remember the best of who he was so I can carry that with me—and I want to help others do the same.” Her lived experience, coupled with her background in well-being, fuels her mission. She sees LegacyNex as more than just a business—it’s a movement to ensure that people’s most cherished values don’t disappear with time. Action: Turning Vision into Reality Elena took her vision and turned it into action by founding LegacyNex, a fully incorporated Canadian organization dedicated to documenting and preserving personal legacies. She works with clients to create meaningful records of their stories through written, audio, and video formats, ensuring that the wisdom of previous generations isn’t lost in the digital age. “I’ve spoken with financial advisors, estate planners, and families who are recognizing that inheritance is more than just assets. LegacyNex helps people document the intangible aspects of life—their values, their lessons, their stories—so that they can be gifted forward as part of a holistic legacy.” From working with grandparents who want to leave letters for their grandkids to professionals capturing leadership lessons, Elena has made it her mission to redefine what inheritance truly means. Tenacity: The Hardest Moments & Lessons Learned Building a business focused on legacy and values isn’t easy—especially in a society that often shies away from conversations about mortality. Elena has faced challenges, from skeptics who question the importance of intangible inheritance to the emotional weight of working with clients dealing with grief. “There are days where I’m drained, where the emotional depth of these conversations weighs on me. But I remind myself why I started—because everyone deserves to be remembered, and their values deserve to live on.” She acknowledges the emotional toll of this work but remains steadfast in her mission, fueled by the understanding that what she’s building will have a lasting impact. Humility: Lessons from the Journey Through her work, Elena has gained profound insights into what truly matters. It’s not wealth, titles, or possessions—it’s the everyday wisdom, values, and experiences that shape who we are. “I used to think role models had to be big senior leaders or famous figures. But I’ve come to see that the greatest role models are all around us—in our families, our mentors, our communities. We just have to take the time to listen and learn.” This realization has kept her grounded. She understands that her role isn’t about being the center of the story—it’s about helping others share theirs. Impact: A Call to Action Elena’s work is already making a difference in people’s lives. From grandparents recording messages for future generations to leaders documenting their guiding principles, LegacyNex is proving that legacy is about more than just financial wealth—it’s about passing on the best of who we are. “If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: don’t wait. Don’t wait until it’s too late to capture your stories, to document your values, to pass down your wisdom. Everyone has something to share. Everyone has something worth remembering.” As LegacyNex grows, so does its impact. By helping people embrace storytelling as a core part of inheritance planning, Elena is shaping a world where stories, wisdom, and values become the true wealth we leave behind. Join the Movement Legacy Next is redefining what it means to leave a lasting impact. If you’re interested in documenting your values, preserving your stories, or learning more about how to create a meaningful legacy, visit www.legacynext.com  or follow Elena on LinkedIn and Instagram . Because in the end, it’s not just about what we leave behind—it’s about how we ensure the best parts of us live on.

Naz Ali never expected maps to shape her destiny. Growing up in Fiji, she was surrounded by the vastness of the ocean, the winding roads of her hometown, and the unpredictability of life on an island. But there was one thing she always craved—understanding. Why were some places thriving while others were left behind? Why did some communities have resources and others did not? The answer, she realized, was in the data. She didn’t just want to read maps. She wanted to make them tell a story. The Leap of a Lifetime Leaving Fiji wasn’t easy. It meant saying goodbye to everything familiar—her home, her culture, her family. But she knew opportunity lay beyond the horizon. So she packed her dreams and boarded a plane to Canada, stepping into an unknown world where she had to start from scratch. The first job she landed? Drawing maps by hand. She sat in front of an old Mac, using Macromedia Freehand to carefully trace borders and streets for a small cartography company. It wasn’t GIS. It wasn’t high-tech. But it was a start. She learned about colors, layers, typography—the art of making maps readable and beautiful. And then she moved on. She landed at MDA (McDonald, Dettwiler and Associates), working with orthophotography and remote sensing. Each role was a step forward, a way to absorb everything she could about spatial intelligence. And then came the real test. The Accidental GIS Trailblazer When Naz joined CBRE , GIS wasn’t a priority. It was an afterthought. A supporting role. Her first job? Putting dots on a map. But Naz didn’t just want to put dots on a map—she wanted to change the way businesses thought about location intelligence. She saw what others didn’t: A map wasn’t just a visualization. It was a decision-making tool. Data wasn’t just numbers. It was the key to unlocking potential. GIS wasn’t just a support system. It was the future of commercial real estate. And so, she fought for it. She worked long hours, not just creating maps, but explaining them—showing stakeholders how spatial insights could help them predict markets, optimize logistics, and expand smarter. One by one, people started to listen. The Moment Everything Changed Naz didn’t just grow within CBRE. She built something new. She turned a one-woman GIS operation into a nationwide team. She introduced Esri’s ArcGIS platform to revolutionize site selection. She brought in mass mobile data to understand real-time customer movement. She helped brands decide where to open new locations—backed by science, not just instinct. Today, companies across Canada rely on the GIS platform she built. The same organization that once treated GIS as an afterthought now depends on it for strategic decision-making. And Naz? She’s just getting started. A Mapmaker’s Passion GIS isn’t Naz’s only love. She has another obsession—photography. She has traveled to Norway, Iceland, Lisbon, Amsterdam, capturing the world in black and white fine art. For her, maps and photography are the same thing. Both require precision, creativity, and an ability to see the unseen. And now, she has a new project in mind—a StoryMap of her travels. A digital way to bring her two worlds together: the structured beauty of GIS and the raw emotion of photography. Because maps don’t just show where we are. They show where we’ve been. The Quiet Force Behind the Next Generation Naz could have stopped with CBRE. She could have simply been an executive, running a team, making deals, driving strategy. But she never forgot what it was like to be starting out. So she decided to give back. She joined BCIT as an instructor, teaching GIS to young professionals hungry to make an impact. She became a mentor with Women in GIS, leading discussions, workshops, and empowering women in a male-dominated space. She joined Geo Connect BC, ensuring that GIS professionals across Canada have a space to connect, learn, and push the industry forward. She never wanted to just have a career. She wanted to build a community. The Lesson Naz Wants You to Know If you met Naz today, you might assume she was always this confident, always this accomplished. But she had doubts.She faced barriers—as a woman, an immigrant, and an introvert navigating a bold new world. And yet, she made it happen. Because she asked. “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” That simple philosophy is what carried her from a small island in Fiji to the top of Canada’s GIS industry. She asked for opportunities.She asked for challenges. She asked for a chance to prove herself. And when no one handed her a seat at the table, she built one. Now, she’s challenging YOU to do the same. Want to Connect with Naz? 🔗 Find her on LinkedIn:  Naz Ali 📄 Check out her GIS blogs & insights at CBRE Because maps aren’t just about places. They’re about people. And if you’re ready to map your own future—Naz is proof that it can be done. Sponsor This Pathfinders episode is proudly sponsored by Barr Geospatial , a leader in innovative GIS solutions. Hosted by Susan Muleme Kasumba , this episode explores the power of location intelligence, the evolving role of GIS in business strategy, and the impact of mentorship in the geospatial industry.

For over a century, the education system has followed a rigid blueprint—designed to train students for factory jobs, not the rapidly evolving world they now inherit. Bell schedules. Rote memorization. Standardized tests. Compliance over creativity. But Danelle Almaraz is done with outdated systems. She’s seen firsthand what happens when students hate school—when talented kids fall through the cracks, when teachers burn out, and when leaders lack the tools to create real change. She’s not here to tweak the system. She’s here to rebuild it from the inside out. "We built education for the Industrial Revolution—to train people to show up on time, sit still, and follow directions. And guess what? It did exactly what it was designed to do. But the world has changed, and if we don’t change with it, we are failing our kids." Her vision? Schools where students aren’t just learning but leading. Where teachers aren’t drowning in bureaucracy but thriving as changemakers. Where data is a tool for growth, not punishment. And she has the framework to make it happen. Passion: The Personal Connection Danelle wasn’t born into a world of privilege. She was raised by a single mother, the oldest of three, always stepping up to help. Responsibility wasn’t a choice—it was survival. She started out studying accounting, imagining a stable career. But after landing her first job, she found herself miserable in a cubicle, constantly being told: “Go back to your desk, stop talking to people.” Meanwhile, she was coaching a girls’ basketball team—and something clicked. Many of her players were failing algebra, and without even thinking, she started tutoring them in her apartment after work. "I didn’t know it at the time, but that was my calling. I didn’t love numbers—I loved teaching. I loved helping kids solve problems. And I realized: THIS is what I’m meant to do." So she threw away her accounting degree, went back to school, and became a teacher. But that was just the beginning. She wasn’t satisfied with just teaching students—she wanted to change the system that made so many of them hate learning in the first place. Action: Turning Vision into Reality Danelle didn’t wait for permission to fix a broken system. She built the blueprint for change herself. First, she tackled leadership. Schools were losing principals at an alarming rate—some had gone through six different principals in three years. How do you fix a school when the leadership is constantly changing? You stop relying on top-down change and start building leadership from the ground up. "Teachers are the backbone of schools. If you don’t empower them, nothing changes. You can’t just train principals—you have to create a system where teachers lead too." She developed a leadership rubric that schools now use to: Pinpoint their weaknesses—not with guesswork, but with real data. Empower teachers to become decision-makers, not just rule-followers. Create sustainable change so that no matter who comes and goes, the school keeps improving. Then, she introduced AI-powered solutions—including a chatbot that gives teachers instant access to best practices, so they can problem-solve without fear of judgment. The result? Schools that used to drown in chaos are now thriving, with clear goals, strong leadership, and engaged students. Tenacity: Overcoming the Hardest Moments Danelle has faced her share of resistance. Walking into a struggling high school with six principals in three years, she knew trust was nonexistent. The teachers were tired. They had heard it all before. Then, a towering 6’5” teacher stood up, arms crossed, voice sharp: "Who are you, and why should we listen to you?" Most would stumble. Danelle didn’t flinch. "I don’t know if I should be afraid of that question yet—because I don’t know you well enough." The room shifted. What started as skepticism turned into ownership. Within months, the same teachers who had written her off became the ones leading change. "The problem isn’t teachers—it’s the system they’re trapped in. Give them the right tools, and they’ll transform schools themselves." And that same 6’5” skeptic? He became one of her biggest advocates. Humility: Lessons from the Journey Danelle used to believe she had to do it all herself. She would walk into schools, lead every training, conduct every professional development session, and answer every single question. But then she realized: She was actually holding people back. "I was creating dependency. Teachers would wait for me to come back before they made decisions. That’s not leadership—that’s bottlenecking progress." Now, she co-creates change with the schools she works with. Teachers lead the trainings. They collaborate on the solutions. And she steps back, ensuring they own the transformation—so that change doesn’t leave when she does. Because real change isn’t about one person. It’s about building a movement. Impact: A Call to Action Danelle’s work isn’t about small, incremental fixes—it’s about fundamentally transforming education. Schools that once cycled through leaders year after year now have sustainable, teacher-led models that create lasting change. Educators who once felt powerless and unheard are now stepping up to lead from the middle, shaping decisions that impact their classrooms and students. Meanwhile, AI-driven tools are giving teachers real-time support, helping them solve problems on the spot instead of waiting for yet another ineffective policy. And this is just the beginning. "Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it’s getting now. If we want something different, we have to design something better." The future of education isn’t about tweaking the past—it’s about creating something entirely new. Education isn’t broken. It’s just waiting for the right people to fix it. And Danelle Almaraz is leading the charge. So what can you do? If you’re an educator or school leader, download her leadership rubric and assess where your school stands. If you’re a parent, ask your school: "What does student success actually look like here?" If you’re an advocate for education, support policies that empower teachers—not just policymakers. Learn More & Connect Follow Danelle Almaraz on LinkedIn Explore Innovate Ed’s Resources Try the Schools on the Move AI Chatbot

Mackenzie Belcastro is on a mission to help people wake up—not just in the morning, but to the fullness of who they are. In a world that tells us to run faster, be more, and chase the next big thing, she envisions a future where stillness and self-trust lead the way. Her work is about guiding people back home to themselves, stripping away the noise, and helping them stand in their own light. She believes that societal conditioning has pushed individuals into a constant state of comparison and inadequacy, making self-acceptance a radical act. Through her own journey, she’s learned that fulfillment isn’t about checking off accomplishments but about creating a life that feels aligned on the deepest level. "I imagine a world where we’re not just running on autopilot, trying to keep up with external expectations, but instead living in full alignment with who we really are." Passion: The Personal Connection Mackenzie's passion for personal transformation stems from years of searching for meaning in the external world—first in the high-pressure world of fashion, then in the gig economy as a freelance writer, and later in social media marketing. In each field, she found a recurring pattern: the more she sought validation outside of herself, the more lost she became. It wasn’t until she turned inward that she discovered her true calling. Now, she helps others who feel stuck in cycles of perfectionism, self-doubt, or burnout recognize that the answer isn’t in doing more but in reconnecting with who they were before the world told them who to be. "For so much of my life, I felt like I had to climb back into my own skin at the end of the day. Now, my passion is to help others feel at home within themselves, always." Action: Turning Vision into Reality Mackenzie brings her vision to life through coaching, writing, and speaking. She creates spaces where people feel safe to be vulnerable, explore their inner landscapes, and challenge narratives that no longer serve them. Her coaching process is deeply intuitive, blending mindfulness, somatic practices, and deep listening to help individuals untangle limiting beliefs and cultivate self-trust. Beyond one-on-one sessions, she uses her voice on social media, through her podcast, and in public speaking engagements to share the wisdom she has gathered from her own experiences and from the countless individuals she has worked with. Her goal is to normalize conversations about self-worth, uncertainty, and the messy process of personal evolution. "Coaching isn’t about telling someone what to do—it’s about creating a space where they can hear their own voice and trust it. That’s the work I do every day." Tenacity: The Hardest Moments & Lessons Learned Mackenzie knows what it means to break down before breaking through. She has endured periods of extreme self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and a sense of being completely unmoored from any clear path. Panic attacks once dictated her days, forcing her to confront the deeper anxieties running beneath the surface. She recalls nights spent questioning whether she had made a mistake in leaving behind conventional success, but each time, she chose to trust herself. Through therapy, meditation, and deep personal reflection, she learned that adversity isn’t a sign of failure—it’s part of the process of coming into alignment. Today, she teaches her clients that resilience isn’t about pushing through a "The dark is just the light in disguise—it’s here to serve a purpose. That belief has given me peace, even in the hardest moments." Humility: Lessons from the Journey There was a time when Mackenzie believed she had to have everything figured out to be taken seriously. Early in her career, she thought confidence meant certainty, that she needed to present herself as someone who had all the answers. But over time, she’s realized that true wisdom comes not from rigidity but from openness. Her work—and her life—have shown her that the best teachers are those who remain students of life. One of her greatest humbling experiences has been navigating relationships—both personal and professional—where differing worldviews challenged her to reconsider her assumptions. Whether it was conversations with clients, coaches, or loved ones, she learned that true growth comes not from proving a point but from staying curious and receptive. "Maybe I don’t know everything. Maybe I’m still learning. And maybe that’s the most powerful place to be." Impact: A Call to Action Mackenzie’s message is simple but profound: Pause. Breathe. Listen.  In a world obsessed with speed and noise, she encourages us to reclaim our stillness, to sit in silence for just 30 seconds a day and see what happens. She firmly believes that the biggest shifts happen not through massive, sweeping changes but through small, intentional moments of self-connection. Her challenge to the world is this: make space for yourself. Even when it feels unproductive, even when your mind tells you there are more important things to do. Because in those small, quiet moments, clarity finds you. "If you take one thing away from this conversation, let it be this: spend a few moments in silence each day. It’s the simplest way to transform your life." Connect with Mackenzie Mackenzie Belcastro is not just a coach—she’s a guide, a wayfinder, a reminder that the answers we seek have always been within us. Her light shines bright, not because she seeks the spotlight, but because she helps others see their own brilliance. Thank you, Mackenzie, for being a force of clarity, presence, and self-trust in a world that so desperately needs it. Website: mackenziebelcastro.com

Three Decades of Coaching Excellence and a Journey to Living in Flow Andrew Moss, our first Pathfinder Sherpa, brings over 34 years of experience as a high-performance coach to Olympians, elite coaches, entrepreneurs, and social impact leaders. His extraordinary career is defined by a commitment to helping ambitious individuals unlock their full potential and achieve alignment in their lives. Andrew’s life took a transformative turn during a 42,000-mile sailing adventure, which profoundly reshaped his understanding of personal growth, balance, and purpose. This journey, combined with decades of coaching expertise, became the foundation for his "Living in Flow" philosophy—a coaching framework designed to guide individuals out of the struggle of work-life imbalance and into a life of seamless alignment across all areas. Living in Flow: Coaching for Alignment and Purpose Andrew now shares his insights through his Living in Flow  coaching programs, which provide accessible, practical, and transformative tools for personal and professional growth. His coaching is available in three formats: Living in Flow Newsletter: A weekly LinkedIn newsletter offering bite-sized steps toward achieving alignment and flow. Ideal for self-directed learners, this resource is a gateway to clarity and progress. Living in Flow Private Group: A supportive, peer-to-peer community combined with weekly group coaching sessions. This space fosters connection and mutual growth for those on the journey toward living in flow. 1-on-1 Private Coaching: Personalized coaching for individuals ready to take decisive action toward a simpler, more aligned life. Fostering Connection and Collaboration Andrew’s sailing adventure also reinforced the power of community and collaboration in achieving extraordinary goals. Inspired by this realization, he founded several online communities to bring people together around shared purposes: Circle of Impact : A platform for social impact leaders and entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, expertise, and a purpose-driven network. Global Coach Community : A home for early-stage coaches seeking sustainable, authentic practices with ongoing support and connection. Andrew’s passion for building resilient, connected communities reflects his belief in the importance of human connection in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Join the Movement Whether you’re an aspiring coach, a social impact leader, or someone seeking balance and fulfillment, Andrew Moss is here to guide you on your path. To learn more about Andrew’s work, explore his offerings, or connect with him directly, visit: Living in Flow Private Group Circle of Impact Global Coach Community Be kind to yourself, Andrew Moss Pathfinder Sherpa