The course of our life has the potential to fundamentally alter the course of other people's lives. Liz Williams changed mine. While I can never thank her adequately for the gift of opening my life to the world, I still have to try. And it starts with the simple yet significant act of giving thanks.

Like each process through which I find great fulfillment, social entrepreneurship is my way of following in my grandfather's footsteps of empowerment and healing.

Writing about the small, vest-clad stuffed animal Coach Wooden called the Self-Esteem Ape brought back many wonderful memories, but little did I know how many new ones it would create as well.

You see, Coach Wooden taught me that being a true leader is not about accolades or awards, but rather is manifested through our eagerness to help others -- and boost their self-esteem when they are feeling low.

What could be more meaningful to run towards -- to run for -- than joining together in victory? Give your best when you compete, but remember that together we all win. That's courage.

I am leading my non-profit organization Give Running full-time. Like the first day of school, it is intimidating but more so exhilarating.

My journey in social entrepreneurship began not with a business plan, but rather when nothing went according to plan. I turned adversity into opportunity by creating Give Running, which teaches youth, through running, the skills that serve as a foundation for success in all aspects of life.