

What's Your Story?



No matter our background, path, etc., every company, every leader, every team, and every person has a story that shaped how they got to where they are, what they are currently doing (or not doing), and where they want to go. The best part about our stories is that no matter how they began, we have the power to change how they end - if we choose to do so.
WHAT ARE YOUR BARRIERS?
We all have barriers or blocks that get in the way of our success. Sometimes it is things we absolutely can't control. Sometimes it is in our control; we just have not realized it. As a passionate, traditional martial artist for over a decade, the more I trained, the more I started to visualize my professional and personal barriers as literal blocks or slabs. Whether a slab of wood or concrete, they began to represent the challenges I faced leading teams, building partnerships, and even dealing with the "stuff" in my daily life.
To pass black-belt testing a few years ago, I was required to break through two solid one-inch concrete slabs with one hand. In the months leading up to it, I was really nervous that could not do it, or worse, that I would make existing injuries much worse by doing it. With practice, determination, and the encouragement of Cianelli, Sensei, and my dojo family at Tsuru Ki Martial Arts, when the day came, I did it. I DID IT! But I wasn't alone. Others helped and encouraged me to face my fears and doubts and achieve what seemed impossible. I kept a piece of one of the slabs to remind me that any time I start to question or doubt what I can do, the impossible can be possible.
How can Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions help your company, your team, or you break through the concrete slabs blocking your success? You can start by contacting us.
Wishing You Success,
Barbara Anne
Founder/Owner
Meet Our Team

Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, MSEL, PCC, CPC
Founder/Owner
I am a "solutions navigator" who is passionate about helping companies, teams, and individuals find their "why" and core purpose so they can successfully move forward with authenticity to achieve their goals. A seasoned community & economic development and training & coaching professional, I have well over two decades of relevant experience in the government, non-profit and corporate arenas partnering at all levels to achieve success.
In addition to Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions, I currently serve as Director of Compliance & Engagement for Cooperative Business Assistance Corporation (CBAC) in Camden, NJ.
Before CBAC, I served as a Management Analyst/Community Liaison for the White House Promise Zone Initiative in Camden, NJ. Stationed at the U.S. Department of HUD, I coordinated a 15-federal agency partnership to achieve sustainable success in one of 14 Federal Urban Promise Zones.
Before that, I served as Supervisor of Lender Relations & Economic Development/Women's Business Ownership Representative for the U.S. SBA NJ District Office. I also held other positions at varied levels of leadership, training, and development with the SBA and in the non-profit, for-profit, and municipal government arenas.
I have an M.S. in Executive Leadership from Champlain College, a B.A. in Political Science/Honors from Rowan University, an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Rowan College of South Jersey, and multiple professional certifications and adult continuing education certificates. I am a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Association for Talent Development (ATD), Long Covid Alliance, and several, professional and civic organizations.
I am also a black belt in a very traditional form of martial arts, and a member of the International Okinawa Goju-Ryu Kenshi-kai Karate-Jutsu Kobu-Jutsu Association.

Sarai Romero
Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Training Development Consultant
Growing up and seeing my parents go from factory job to factory job, I knew that was not what I wanted for myself, I also wanted to give back to my community. In my role with Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions as the Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Training Development Consultant, I am leading the overhaul of our inclusion, equity, and diversity training. I started as an intern and I am very happy to be continuing on in this role.
I recently completed my Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Business Administration and General Management at Southern New Hampshire University. I plan on pursuing a career in Human Resources with a focus on creating inclusive environments for non-majority group members.
While I was in school pursuing my degree, I also participated in the Braven Fellowship and have taken various courses that have to do with gender inequality, racial inequality and how to become a company that is more diverse and accepting of the differences that we all have to offer.
My studies ignited a fire in me, and led me to pursue a role in a diversity, equity and inclusion. But in these past few years, we have seen a lot of injustices towards people of color and women. As a result of these events, many companies pledged Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity changes. I want to be part of a company that is committed to the changes that allow for POC, women and the disabled community to have more opportunities for growth, better pay and have a fighting chance for success.
I am a proud wife and mother of our four-year-old son and currently expecting our second child. I love to read, go on hikes, travel and try different types of food.

Ariel Rankin
Administrative & Engagement Consultant
My goal and purpose at this time in my life is to learn as much as I can and help others. I am the Administrative and Engagement Intern. I maintain the social media accounts while also updating/creating the website and other jobs, as assigned.
In June 2022, I graduated from Bayonne High School. During my time there, I served as a class representative on the Student Council for all four years, and I was inducted into the National Honor Society in May 2021. In August 2021, I completed my "Introduction to Statistics" certificate with Stanford University through Coursera - click here to validate my credential. Now that I graduated high school, I plan to pursue a degree in trade and potentially become a plumber.
My hobbies include all things Anime, singing, yoga, walking, playing online games, and hanging out with my friends.


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