Whether on the court, field or professionally, this phrase has motivated Betsy Cerulo to shake off the losses and get back up to give it her best. Being a successful business owner for 30 years has brought a myriad of victories and setbacks especially navigating the business playing field as an LGBT woman. Betsy takes on her labels of diversity with great pride and has been relentless in guiding employees and colleagues to never, ever give up, even when the odds are not in your favor. Betsy transformed her failing company out of the 2008 recession to a thriving 8(a) federal government contractor with a culture driven by collaborative compassion.

Betsy chronicles her journey to overcome discriminating barriers from childhood through business. Her courage to be vulnerable in revealing the tears and fears that she overcame, teaches the reader that with fire in your belly, you will tap into your own greatness to live your dreams.

The bell rang for the next class to begin and the 5th graders walked into Music class. Miss Crabapple stood with her back to the class as she wrote her name on the chalkboard. “There will be no talking while in class unless I am asking you to answer a question, “came the directive. Everyone sat up straight. Some kids rolled their eyes only to be discovered by the tall and lanky teacher. “If there are any comments or looks, you will be sent to the principal’s office immediately. Now, open up your music books to page one and we’ll get started. How many of you have played a musical instrument?”

That was the first day of 5th grade with a student who everyone feared. As the school year went on, we see the class learn to play music. We hear a quiet student come alive through the magic of Miss Crabapple’s violin. And we see a new side of our feared Miss Crabapple.

When you put children together with music only magic can happen.