Fulfillament Stories

Fulfillment through work. Challenges to COME ALIVE.

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CHRISTAL FROST ANDERSON, WTCM

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christalChristal  grew up in Benzie County and began her career locally at Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Traverse, after completing a year of service with Americorps National Service. She started in radio in 2007, and feels as though she has finally found her broadcasting home with WTCM NewsTalk 580. Christal is involved with many community groups, co-founding the CherryT Ball Drop in 2009. She is a member of the Board of Governors for the National Cherry Festival  and a board member for Parallel 45 Theatre in Traverse City. Christal’s heart lies in working with children and she remains an active volunteer for Children’s Advocacy Center. Aside from her career and charitable work, Christal is married with two children, ages 15 and 11.

“When I was growing up, I was told my story, my thoughts, even my point of view didn’t matter. It has been hard to shake that foundation; honestly, it’s something I struggle with every day. So, this microphone is kind of my therapy- and, I hope to use it to offer others a chance to realize how they use their voice–whether it’s what they’re saying, what they’re doing, teaching, building– their voice matters, too. “

Here is Christal’s story from the January 2018 event…

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PETE KIRKWOOD, THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO

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petePete Kirkwood is The Workshop Brewing Co founder which stands for the motto: Nature, Community, Craft. Pete says he is not an investment banker, roofer, developer, disaster response specialist, farmer, dot-com guy, copywriter, barista, or lawyer (although he has been all of these things). He’s not even a brewer (although he has started two breweries). He’s a philosopher. His agenda is social change and his medium, for now, is beer.

“My constant objectives are: to preserve and restore Northern Michigan’s spectacular natural environment, to embody and reinforce Traverse City’s warm and vital community, and to practice and honor meaningful work. I define success as sustainably manifesting each of these objectives. My calling is to induce other leaders to do the same.”

Here is Pete’s story from the January 2018 event…

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Good Idea Grant January 2018!

amber6GOOD IDEA GRANT WINNER JANUARY 2018: Amber Coulter!
She has come to all 10 events and has never really had the opportunity to make her ideas happen- until now!
Here are the requirements we are looking for in every pitch:

1. You must be present at the Fulfillament event. 2. Your idea must bring out your unique value 3. Your idea must be personally fulfilling (makes you COME ALIVE!) 4. Your idea must have a positive impact on the community 5. Your idea must within reach (something that you can make happen within 6 months) 6. The $500 grant will make a big difference in getting your idea off the ground 7. The money will be paid TOWARDS something as opposed to you, and must be used before the next event (4 months)

amber5About Amber: “Art journaling is a self care practice for me. Some people take a bath, I art journal. Awakening the inner artist in myself has always pestered me! I had kids and needed an outlet for my stress and anxiety, so I started. But I had so much fear that “I’m not good enough”. I just had to sit down and START making and let go of the outcome and just enjoy the process of making. I am committed to making art journaling an every day life practice for myself. I want to TEACH the same art that brought me freedom. I didn’t expect this when I started!”
What is your good idea?
I want to teach art journaling to people longing to find their inner artist and help them to get thoughts and feelings out of their heads and into art. This teaching will be one-on-one and in group settings. Binding books, going into emotions/thoughts/writing, and then concentrating on a focal point to express in art on paper.
amber3How would your idea make you come alive?
Nothing would excite me more than to help people reconnect with their inner Creative that I too, lost for a very long time!
How will your idea impact our community?
Helping people understand that they all have the ability to creatively express themselves.
What stage is your idea in right now?
I have a Facebook page and an instagram account where I post all of my art and have taught a couple of classes.
How would you use the $500?
On advertising, some supplies, and to get a website up and running.
Which challenge given at Fulfillament that you are taking on?
I am going to do the difficult work of making a difference (Fred), and dip my toes in the water (Megan)!

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Fernando Meza, OneUpWeb CEO

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fernando-mzaFERNANDO MEZA is a first generation Mexican-American born in East Los Angeles, an advertising whiz who cut his teeth in Manhattan, Meza purchased the innovative digital marketing agency OneUpWeb in 2014 and moved it to a revitalized warehouse in the Grand Traverse Commons. Meza says he feels more proud of his Latino heritage here than he would in LA or New York.

I’m privileged to live in a community that has graciously provided me a platform to participate in a community that’s inclusive of diverse voices. I’m humbled to be surrounded by so many talented and passionate humans. It’s my duty to leverage my privilege to make our community better for all. 

Here is Fernando’s story from the September 2017 event….

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Anne Hoyt, Leelanau Cheese founder

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ann smilingANNE HOYT is the cheesemaker and co-owner of Leelanau Cheese.  Anne was born in the north of France and moved to the Roquefort region to work in agriculture as a chicken and turkey farmer, vegetable grower and also worked with goats and goat cheese. After that Anne was a Shepard in Switzerland. After years of training and hands-on experience finally led her and her husband back to Michigan.  

I do what I do for the love of making good food . What I do gives us (my husband and I ) the chance to make a living in one of the most beautiful place on earth. Slowing down a little and  having more time  to get getting involved  in the community would make me really happy

Here is Anne’s story from the September 2017 event….

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Diana Ladio, fiddler, violinist, teacher

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dianaDIANA LADIO is a studied Americana fiddler, 5-string violinist, and classical violist. After receiving degrees in music performance and music education from the University of Michigan, she co-founded the instrumental fusion trio and educational ensemble, The Moxie Strings, which she also manages and promotes. In 2015 she joined the ranks of Irish super-group, The Elders, and now tours internationally with both bands performing shows, teaching clinics, and presenting at music education conferences. She specializes in introducing young musicians to the joy and importance of exploring different genres of music and finding their personal musical paths. Diana is a 5-time marathoner and an avid mind and body wellness enthusiast.

“Through a process of self-awareness, honesty, and courage, each of us has the power to discover a path of personal purpose and live an enjoyable life that celebrates our truest selves.”

Here is Diana’s story from the September 2017 event…

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Norm Wheeler, teacher, poet, trumpet player

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normNORM WHEELER is the co-creator and host of Beach Bards Bonfire (by heart storytelling around a bonfire), a retired Astronomy and English teacher at the Leelanau School after 32 years, and a trumpet/flugelhorn player for Jazz North, The Wild Sullys, Goodboy!, and Luunappi around the area for 20 years. While hitchhiking around Europe in the 1970s, he met Mimi (founder of Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate) in Copenhagen, and they brought their family (Jacob & Julia) to Leelanau County in 1984.

My college English professor could recite poetry from in Old English, challenging me to not just read but to memorize, to perform, to keep the Oral Tradition of out loud poetry alive, and then he died of too many boilermakers and cigarettes a week after I graduated from Olivet. I have been reciting poems ever since.

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Jackie Kaschel, Peace Ranch

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jackieJACKIE KASCHEL, Founder and ED of PEACE Ranch, serving horses and humans suffering the effects of abuse, neglect, conflict grief and pain. The ranch serves a broad population with EAGALA Model equine assisted activities and specializes with at risk youth, trauma based issues for children and Veterans and difficult to treat issues like addiction and autism.   Jackie has led the way pioneering experiential equine assisted mental health and educational services in Northern Michigan. She is uniquely suited to this endeavor with her combined personal life story, solid multi-disciplinary experience in counseling and excellent horsemanship skills. Jackie oversees program design, implementation, assessment and provides overall organizational direction.

Here is Jackie’s story from the September 2017 event…