There are so many factors that affect how our lives turn out, but one of the most interesting is how our backgrounds give us unique strengths and perspectives that affect who we are as adults. We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about their background and upbringing and how they feel it’s impacted who they are today.

Rita Bhandari | Children’s Book Author

“Where are you from” is definitely a question I’ve been asked a lot in my life. As a Canadian-born biracial child going to a predominately White school, I’ve been asked this question many times. It’s funny because this question along with many other similar questions around origin, ethnicity, race and identity are exactly what influenced me to write this children’s book series on race and racism. Read more>>

Katherine Zhukovsky | Contemporary Artist

I was born in the Soviet Union, and then of course it fell apart about 5 minutes later and we fled to the United States (for better or worse). And so, like many 1.5-generation immigrants, I am always finding myself in these middle spaces between cultures, between languages… Read more>>

Paola Angelina | Travel & Adventure Content Creator

I’m originally from Lima, Peru, raised in Orange County & currently live in Los Angeles. Although I’ve lived in the States for most of my life, I’m still very much in touch with my Peruvian culture. Read more>>

Yinn Ooi | Jewelry Designer & Entrepreneur

I’m from a sunny little island in Malaysia called Penang. I have always loved all things fashion, especially styling and jewelry and studying Interior Design in University further shaped my interest in creating and designing new things. My parents who are business owners themselves, always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and that gave me the courage to start my own business. Read more>>

Ja’shaun Rowden | Musical Artist

I’m from Rohnert Park, a small city in Northern California. I moved around a lot when I was younger but always stayed present in my hometown. My dad was a familiar face around the city back in the 90’s through the early 2000’s so a lot of his impact fell on me young, so from the jump I was already thrown into the deep end of a harsh reality of survival. Read more>>

Danya Chen | Wedding Photographer

I grew up in the Bay Area of California to two Chinese immigrant parents. Growing up, I struggled between my Chinese heritage and American surroundings. At home, life was one way and at school, it was another. They rarely lined up, which made me question my priorities, morals, and identity. Read more>>

Soren Blomquist Eggerling | Filmmaker & Clothing Designer

Most people can’t tell since I don’t have an accent, but I’m from a tiny town in northwest Minnesota called Hallock. When I meet people who say they’re from a small town, I don’t believe them, since they’ll usually say something like 5,000 people live there (Hallock has a population of 900). Read more>>

Işık Kaya Thomas Georg Blank | Visual Artists

Işık was born in Turkey and Thomas in Germany. Although our families come from very different countries, we both share a similar experience of growing up close to American military bases. This did not have an immediate effect on who we are, however, it did significantly contribute to both of us being exposed to displays of the US military power and consumerist culture from a very young age. Read more>>

Nairi Nayirian | Architectural Designer and Event Planner/Designer

I am a first generation Armenian-American born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles really is my hometown and anchor. I love the exposure to different food and culture. My Armenian roots and heritage have always played a big role in my life and upbringing. It has provided me with a sense of community and taught me a lot of cultural values that I continue to carry. Read more>>

Sunni DiLuzio | Artist, Musician, Chef

I am the eldest woman in a family of 8 children originally from New York. I was raised to provide for myself and others and to always hustle and grow, nothing was ever given – it was earned. I knew from a young age that I would have to provide a life for myself and continue to discover and pursue my passions, as anything I wanted I had to work for myself. Read more>>

Darien T | Author, Poet, & Artist

Thank you for having me, Shoutout Magazine. I’m from Baton Rouge, Louisiana & I’m proud to say that. I was mostly raised by my mother & she did the best she could to make sure we had everything we needed. My upbringing wasn’t so great, though. Read more>>

Sophie Arrick-Lewis | Actor, Director, Creator, Coach

Thanks so much for having me! My background and upbringing were major contributors to my story. I was born and raised in Manhattan and consider myself very lucky. Not just because I was raised in NY, but because I was raised in NY by artists. I was exposed to museums, theatre, music, the ballet. My mother was an actor and my father was a director.  Read more>>

Giovanni Giardina | Student, Filmmaker, and Animation Enthusiast

I was born in Sicily, Italy. I am from a small town named Ragusa which to this day I cherish and love and where I made a lot of memories with my cousins and family. That is a part of me that has stuck along my journey and that will continue to have an impact on my future. Read more>>