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.

Christina Martinez | Marriage and Family Therapist, EMDR, TF-CBT

I am from a city in Los Angeles County called Pico Rivera. I always say “it’s near Whittier” because people can relate to that more often. My family has been considered as Mexican American, if we had to check a box; but I was never satisfied with that answer. Read more>>

Annie Kahane | Dance Theater Artist

Geographically, I come from a few places. My family lived in upstate New York when I was little, but then we moved to a small town in Northern California, where we lived on a dirt road that was not on the map. There were lots of horses and orchards and chickens around. Read more>>

Hannah Winnie | UX Designer for live music experiences

I grew up in South Pasadena, a suburb near Los Angeles. Growing up so close to culturally rich LA, surrounded by museums and live music, deeply influenced my love for art, music, and new experiences. Both of my parents working in the medical field instilled in me a sense of curiosity and problem-solving.  Read more>>

ZIHAO LI | Graphic Designer

I’m from Guangzhou, China. I think my thinking is largely influenced by the environment I grew up in. I think art is rebellious because it is an area that is not valued or even looked upon in our country. All tend to study majors such as mathematics and physics. Read more>>

Alex Al-Sabah | Entrepreneur

I am from California, both northern and southern California. My earlier parts of my life were in northern california. My upbringing was challenging as we didn’t have a lot of stability. My mother did the best she could as a single parent raising three kids. Read more>>

Brian Casey | Music Producer

I’m from West Cork in the south of Ireland, and I returned to live here about an hour from the house I grew up in, having briefly lived elsewhere . It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth, and despite being relatively remote, the area has always attracted creative thinkers and artists who want to do things a bit differently. Read more>> 

Roger Allan Cleaves | Visual Artist

I grew up in Memphis, TN- a city rich in civil rights history and all the social constructs of the southern region of America. I also had access to the countryside of neighboring states because my grandparents were farmers. I think that gave me a love for both nature and all the things that city kids get into. Read more>> 

Jen Nguyen Johnson | Founder

I’m one of those native Angelenos who never found a reason to leave. I grew up in El Segundo, CA, a suburb just south of LAX. It’s often affectionately referred to as “Mayberry by the Sea” due to its wholesome and picturesque charm. Growing up there meant everybody knew your business, which, at the time made me eager to leave. Read more>>

Maurice Hairston | Maurice Reese Hairston- Councilman, Radical, Musician

I originate from Glenarden, Maryland, and my upbringing has significantly shaped my character. From early on, I learned the importance of loyalty, organization, and fostering a strong community spirit. However, I also observed the challenges of separation, violence, and broken families. Read more>>

Jill Enfield | Photographer, Professor, Author

I am first generation American on my dads side and second on my mom’s. I was born in Miami Beach, Florida where my dad and his family owned the first camera store on Miami Beach. My fathers family had owned five department stores in Germany, and they had become famous for electronics and cameras during the early part of the 1900’s. Read more>>