Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Claudia Deutsch | Art Gallery Owner

As a native of Basel, Switzerland, I have been fortunate to grow up in a city with a rich cultural heritage. Home to the world-renowned Art Basel fair, the city has long been a hub for artists and creatives from around the globe. My mother’s involvement in the art business since I was 10 years old has had a significant impact on my upbringing and shaped my perspective on the world. Through her work, I have been exposed to a wide range of artistic styles and movements, and have learned to appreciate the value of creativity and self-expression. Read more>>

Hazel Ortega | Philanthropist, M Ed.Psy, Serial Entrepreneur, Inspirational Speaker

I grew up in Echo Park. Gangviolence and driveby shootings was a daily occurrence, I lost friends and familymembers to the gangs. My parents were already divorced when I was born, and my father became a drugaddict – something that controlled his life until he passed. Before that he was in and out of prison. My mother was also in the judicial system. I never finished highschool, and it wasn’t until I was 30 years old that I finally received my diploma. Read more>>

Cynthia Smith | Doctor of Education

I was born in Jacksonville Florida, I grew up on the Eastside. I believe my background shaped who I am today. Looking back on my past, I did not know that the world had so many offerings. I had no idea how to be what I saw on Tv. I became motivated through being educated. My mother and grandmother always told me to get an education, because that is something that no one can take away from you. Although I was an average student in school, I realized quick once I got to college how I had to learn to study and communicate effectively with ALL people.  Read more>>