"I have a bumper sticker on my bathroom mirror that reads, “Be a New Orleanian, wherever you are”. I live by that creed, happily sharing the love & unique culture of my hometown at any opportunity. MOJO Coffee is a way for me to share that love. For years, I used to dole out shots and cups of my New Orleans cold brewed “happy juice” at North Shore volunteer events just for fun. Many people encouraged me to bottle and sell it, saying it was the best coffee/elixir they had ever tasted. After researching the beverage industry (and the ready-to-drink coffee market in particular), I realized there was a huge opportunity. I saw a need, and thanks to the enthusiasm and encouragement of so many friends and family members – and my belief in my cold brewed hooch – I decided to go for it, to try to fill that need. I launched MOJO in 2011, selling cups and mason jars of MOJO at local farmers’ markets and have never looked back.

It’s all inspired by my roots. My dad was an entrepreneur, a gifted chef and restaurateur who taught me the importance of eating and drinking well. He built and ran several restaurants in New Orleans. Like his father, he was a master entertainer, able to charm customers while they dined. My mother was an equally inspirational role model. She worked in Washington, D.C. at the forefront of the environmental movement. She traveled the globe doing what she could to make the world a better place. Both of them have influenced me greatly in terms of dedication, hard work and following your dreams and convictions.

From my perspective, being a female in a male dominated industry is an advantage, a “hook”. It allows me to stand out from the crowd, to channel my inner Wonder Woman: to be fierce, fearless, and confident. We all have these super powers within us, we just have to recognize and tap into them. I want to do all that I can to make the world a better, happier, more positive place. To find the good in every situation. I want to inspire others to go after their dreams. To take risks, be bold. To choose to view fear & obstacles as opportunities to learn. One of my mantras is that “life is not a dress rehearsal”. Don’t sit on the sidelines waiting for something to happen. Make it happen!"

Annie is the Chief Blending Officer and MOJO Mama of MOJO Coffee

"I am proud to be a firefighter, not a woman firefighter, but a firefighter. As individuals, we all have our strengths and challenges, and I am blessed to have always been treated as an equal in the Fire Department. But I recognize that being a woman in this field should be celebrated, and it’s great for our children to see a woman in any role she has selected for herself.

Accomplishing things, even simple things, is a great satisfaction to me. I am not someone who does “idle” well. My mom raised my sister and I single-handedly....always working hard at everything she did and still does. She is one to always step up and lend a hand when there is a need. I find my worth by being the best mom I can be. There is nothing that gives me greater joy than my son and family. Just before my son was born, I showed up for drill night and was totally and completely surprised by a baby shower! I was touched beyond words by their kindness and thoughtfulness. This was out of their wheelhouse and they hit it out of the park. Having my son “grow up” at the fire station with so many great friends and role models is pretty special.

I strive to be a good role model and to help others; I define my value in the things I do and what I can contribute. The things I value are happiness, kindness, and compassion. My passion in life is helping people and making things better."

Kristine Ellis is a call firefighter in Hamilton, Massachusetts.