I grew up as a country boy.

More than ever, it's very apparent that we are strapped for natural resources. We configure and reconfigure to try and find a way to maintain natural assets, when, ultimately, we are overlooking the most abundant, dynamic, and powerful resource we have available to us - our youth.

Men are intimidated by smart women. They make us want to kick up our game more.

So many people are working in industries that don't inspire them, to pay the bills and survive. In an ideal world, everyone would get paid to work within their passion and expand in their talents. If you have a skill, a passion, and a love for creating change, the best way to support us is to co-create with us.

Growing up in rural Louisiana, the ecosystem around our home wove harmoniously into our family and into our daily life. Every life lesson that trickled its way into my being came from a mutually respectful relationship between the environment and my family.

My great-grandchildren will not be able to enjoy the Gulf Coast of Louisiana the way I have.

I don't need to make money destroying my environment. Why don't I just love it and figure out a way to be more sustainable?