My family is from Appalachia, the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.  Her strong will, clear focus and gorgeous white hair has inspired me to live my best life.  I’m still waiting to get her beautiful white hair and her courage inspires me every day.

One of the biggest inspirations in my life is my mother, Monica Heredia. As an immigrant to the US, she instilled the values of working hard, perseverance and dedication, enjoying the big and small things in life, and pursuing educational and professional goals.

I wouldn’t be the person I am without the women in my life.

My Mother, Monica Castner, was a nurse, and taught me about unconditional empathy and gave me the drive to always search for understanding.  Growing up with my five sisters; Bonnie, Christine, Barbra, Karen, and Maria, all taught me about diplomacy and consensus building.  My wife, Heather, teaches me every day about patience, respect, and humility.  And my daughter, Grete, reminds and teaches me every day about curiosity, humor, optimism and raw enthusiasm.

She is obviously the best mum in the world, and I am not biased! 😉

She was a secretary at University in France but she was a lot more than that. She spearheaded a lot of student programs and supported them through their studies and career paths. Today, she volunteers at Le Secours Populaire to support immigrants and underprivileged people back in my hometown in Besancon. She devoted her life helping others and guided me through everything. I truly admire her for all the things she does and went through in life. <3