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.

Toki Awonuga | Concept Artist

I was born and raised in France, to a French mom, Bernadette Dubois, and Nigerian dad, Emmanuel Awonuga. Naturally, French and Nigerian cultures are a huge part of who I am. Read more>>

Dee Beasnael | Actor/Voice Over Artist

Tchad, central Africa. A place that holds the breezy desert sands of the Sahara in its northern landscape, and the green lush foliage and agricultural landscape in the southern lands. Home to approximately 250 different tribes, or ethnic groups and roughly 140 different dialects. Read more>>

Stephanie Wu | Deaf Asian Woman Graphic Designer

I am ethically Taiwanese American but also refer to myself as American-Born Chinese Deaf (ABCD). I am a first-generation child of Taiwanese immigrants born and raised in Los Angeles. I am also profoundly Deaf and the only Deaf member of my family. In addition, I have a little sister. Read more>>

Lino Perez | Financial Advisor

I am from Los Angeles, and grew up in a neighborhood called Koreatown. I come from a Mexican family, and my parents spent their whole lives working excessively. My parents were great savers and they were able to put me through college, but there was definitely a lack of financial literacy.  Read more>>

T.C. & Michelle Carter | shotbyTHECARTERS

Michelle is from Mississippi and T.C. was born in Naples, FL. and raised in Athens, GA. We both have backgrounds in the arts. We each grew up doing theater, dance and playing a variety of instruments. Eventually, when we separately moved to LA, we ventured into our acting and music careers. This all led to us starting our own business behind the camera. Read more>>

Kendal Major | Head of Influencer Relations and Partnerships at Ocehua

I’m from a diverse suburb south of Seattle, Washington. Growing up surrounded by people from different backgrounds was something that really shaped who I am today. I carried with me my observations and experiences and took that into educating myself more when I went to college. Read more>>

Qiqi Deng | Film/Video Editor

Originally from Jingzhou, Hubei province, China, my journey into filmmaking began in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Arizona before eventually leading me to the diverse landscape of Los Angeles. Read more>>

Samad Savage | Entertainer

I’m from a home of budgeting, togetherness and exposure to luxury without access to it. Read more>>

Shanny Slay | Creative Director, Model, Visual Artist & Entrepreneur

I grew up in Pomona, Ca. I was fortunate to come from a two parent household and grew up with a lot of wisdom and guidance. I was known as a dancer because I danced all the time even though I was terribly shy. It took a lot to get to the place where I am today because I had to learn myself as an individual and woman. Read more>>

Charlin Neal | Vocal Director & Producer, Worship Leader

I grew up in Bakersfield, California which is in Central California. Bakersfield is directly in between the two major cities, Fresno and Los Angeles. My parents are devout Christians, so much of my days and nights were spent at St. John MBC.  Read more>>

Aria Sijia Li | Artist & Creative Director

Many people have a “soul country”— a country they aren’t from, but connect deeply with. Growing up, I thought I didn’t have one. While my mom loved all things French, and my dad felt deeply drawn to India, I always pondered what my soul country might be. Read more>>

Josh Ross | Disk Jockey & Serial Entrepreneur

I hail from Greensburg, Louisiana, a town known for its resilience and community spirit. My upbringing revolved around the church, where I was immersed in the world of music from a young age through participation in the youth choir. My fondness for funk and soul music blossomed alongside cherished moments shared with my father, who shared a deep appreciation for the genre. Read more>>