Michele Wahlder: Top 20 finalist
Occupation: Life and Career Coach, Life Possibilities, LLC, Dallas, Texas

Why She's A Finalist: In her work, Michele helps others realize their gifts and talents so they can achieve their goals and add more meaning to their lives. In her life, she works to achieve the same thing. Having lost her mother to cancer and survived cancer herself, she actively supports the Susan G. Komen Foundation. But by no means does this define her. In fact, she finds the most pleasure in supporting the Buckner Children's Home Birthday Program, a great cause that provides birthday presents to the children each month. As a child, her mother elevated her birthday to holiday status, making her feel like the most special person in the world for one day each year. She hopes to give the children a bit of that same feeling.
(CLICK HERE to see Michele on D Magazine's website.)