Some of the most powerful stories I know have begun from a place of pain and loss. With over 20 years of experience in the foodservice industry, I’ve known and even played a small role in many of these stories myself. However, occasionally, you hear a story that changes the way you look at the world. A story that inspires hope and even challenges you to make the world a better place. I’m honored to have the privilege of sharing one of these stories with you. Anyone who knows her could tell you that Mrs. Gladys is the human embodiment of joy and perseverance. She is the mother of three, grandmother of six “princesas hermosas” (beautiful princesses) and the proverbial matriarch of her clan. She built a successful business operating a family-owned restaurant in her native Colombia. Unfortunately, with her success came the attentions of opportunistic guerillas who threatened her family with violence and extortion. Most of her family were able to escape to Ecuador, but some were unabl...