Passion and hard work are synonymous. When we think about what we're passionate about, we think about what lengths we are willing to go to for that thing that fuels our passion. And that thing could be anything from a person, to a job, to a sport and/or an art form. When we find that "thing," we latch on, strive to do our best and pursue it to the ends of the earth.

On this episode of "Vitamin D," Dawn talks with Violet Palmer, the NBA’s first female referee and current NBA Referee Operations Manager, about how her passion for basketball led her to become a female pioneer in a male-dominated sport. Violet talks the importance of putting in "the work," and how "hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't want to work hard."

For more information about Violet Palmer or to learn more about the art of officiating, follow her at @nbafirstlady on Twitter and @nba_lashes Instagram.

Follow Dawn Dai:

Instagram: @DawnDaiSpeaks

Twitter: @DawnDaiSpeaks

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