In our view, values and principles are the foundation upon which our lives, careers and relationships are built. So, we asked folks we admire to open up to us about the values and principles that matter most to them.

Bad Bonsai | Pop Band

Cultivating community is really important to us as a band. We want everyone who listens to our music and comes to our shows to feel like they’re part of a tribe and a unique shared experience. Especially now, when it’s so hard to stay connected to people like we used to, we want our music and everything that touches it to help create a sense of shared emotion or common experience. It’s just who we are and what we think people need most during this time. Read more>>

Esther Frederick | Fine Art Photographer

Kindness. I truly, wholeheartedly, believe treating people with kindness makes a difference in this world. By treating others how you want to be treated and practicing it in every area of your life, it just makes the world a little brighter. Never underestimate small acts of kindness because it can stay with someone and mean more to them then you may ever know. Even if people try to take advantage of your kind heart, don’t let the actions and attitudes of others change who you are and what you know to be right. Though it still astonishes me, it’s become pretty commonplace to see rude or mean behavior, so I’d like to turn that around and astonish people with kindness instead. Read more>>

Jayda Batchelder

This is a hard question to answer, as so many of my values are intertwined. Our core values have been a driving force for Education Opens Doors, and for me personally, over the past eight years – specifically the values of empathy and equity. Being an empathetic leader who is grounded in integrity is foundational to who I am, and while I may misstep, I strive to lead with love. In addition, equity and equitable access to opportunities and information is at the core of my work and my life. I like to say I’m on my own personal journey of learning and unlearning as it relates to equity and racial equality. I also realize that to truly be an equitable leader and organization is an undertaking that doesn’t have a finish line; we will have to lean into constant learning, innovation and consistently do things differently. Read more>>