Mia Toschi
Mia Toschi wanted to write a book about the loss of a home after her family lost their beloved home which had been in their family for more than 100 years. As an adult, it was a painful experience and as a former educator and education reporter, she realized how traumatic losing a home must be for a child.
Master Storyteller and Communications Wiz. As a television news reporter in New York City, she earned four Emmy Awards, an Association of Educational Publishers Award, and a Grace Allen Award. She is also the author of Surviving Sandy, a 300-page book detailing Hurricane Sandy, and a contributor to the Huffington Post.
Mia recently penned the book, “The Mighty Purple Cottage” about a child who loses a home, and formed a foundation called “The Mighty Purple Foundation,” to provide financial assistance to children who have lost a home to flood, fire, or natural disaster. A portion of the proceeds of the book are donated to the foundation.
Mia also contributes to the Huffington Post and other media outlets and can be frequently “heard” as a voiceover artist.
Michelle Boardman-Cogswell
Michelle lives with her husband and sons in LaPorte, Indiana, where she served many years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children and as a Salvation Army Board member where she was pivotal in launching the Backpack Food for Kids program. A University Fellow, she earned her Master’s in Rhetoric at Indiana University and is currently pursuing her second Master’s degree in IT Management with hopes to continue helping non-profits leverage technology effectively.
Susan davis
Susan grew up in Lake Forest, Illinois, and graduated with an Elementary Education degree from Butler University. A lover of art, Susan earned an M.A. in Art History from Indiana University and spends much of her free time visiting art exhibitions and museums. She also enjoys listening to live music, reading, and traveling. Susan and her husband, Charlie, reside in Highland Park with their Sheltie puppy, Ollie.
Hannah Finley
Hannah is a multi-talented businesswoman, artist, athlete and honor roll college student. She has a strong belief that grit makes you “mighty”, and she has a passion for helping people in overcoming adversity. She was born in La Porte, Indiana, and has since moved eight times. In addition to overcoming so many moves throughout her childhood, she has also survived and conquered Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which she was diagnosed with at the age of eighteen.
Hannah currently runs a business with her father located in Hammondsport, New York, and is pursuing a degree in psychology. She is a Board Member of The Purple Foundation.
