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.

Fayad Garcia

I was born in El Centro, California and attended elementary school there too, but I lived and was raised in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. I crossed the border every day to attend a private school. I moved to Los Angeles at 13. Living in a border city definitely shaped and impacted who I am today. Being bilingual and bicultural is a HUGE part of my identity. Having an American education whilst embracing my Mexican roots opened my eyes and my life to many possibilities; like travel, education, work, and the uniqueness that I posses because of it. Seeing first hand the duality and balance of  life from two different countries gives you a wider lens to look through. Read More>>

Marlon Aguilar Galdamez

I’m from a classic western small-ish city known as Reno! The one in Nevada and named after the show. Reno is a bit of an odd duck because it’s a city everyone seems aware of but not in a good way. But also not in a really bad way that would draw itself into a political spotlight. A very neutral city that at best is a punchline to most who are aware of it. All it takes is one walk through downtown Reno to realize the city is a failed attempt of being an extension or reimagining of Las Vegas. When Reno came to terms that it would never be Las Vegas, it tried to be other things like Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and Washington DC but nothing ever stuck. To this day, it’s still trying to figure out who it wants to be. Reno has fame but not identity. A face with no body. Read More>>

Deborah Bonsu

I’m from New Jersey, born and raised, but ethnicity-wise, I’m from the beautiful country of Ghana, West Africa. One thing about my culture is that we take great pride in hard work, mainly because a lot of Ghanaians come from a background where they grew in poverty, famine and scarcity. Most of them had little to nothing and had to work extra hard in order to survive, make a living and/or provide for their families. It also took a lot of strength, determination, sacrifice, stamina and the grace of God in order for them to get to where they are at now, hence why we believe being a hard-working individual is one of the key factors in having a better life.  Read More>>

Anna Nesterova

I was born in Central Asia and immigrated to Canada with my family at the age of 21. Growing up in a family of two doctors, I naturally absorbed a passion for medicine and helping others. Being raised by my mother after my father passed away—instilled in me resilience and determination. Watching her work tirelessly while raising two children on her own, I saw firsthand what perseverance and strength truly meant. Read More>>

Angela Davis

Growing up in Baltimore City’s Westport projects, I witnessed my stepfather’s brutal abuse of my mother. The trauma I experienced was compounded when I became a victim of child abuse myself. By 15, I felt mentally and emotionally ravaged.

The scars of my upbringing led me down a similar path of abuse and self-destruction. However, a profound spiritual awakening transformed my life. I discovered my purpose: to help others who’ve suffered physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse. Read More>>

Brian Christopher

I was born in New Jersey, basically raised in Atlanta. I was 1 of 2 boys that my mom had to raise by herself into young men. My father passed when i was about 7 so all we had was our mom. Watching her daily struggles and sacrifices she made for my brother & I really motivated me to get things on my own without asking my mom. It motivated and put a fire in me that burns til this day to go hard for the things that i want & to not take “No” for an answer. Read More>>

Marissa Cervantes

I was born in Los Angeles but grew up in Mexico. When I was 13, I moved back to L.A., and it was a tough transition. I had to work double to obtain my education and my goals. It wasn’t easy, but it made me resilient. Those experiences shaped who I am today and gave me a deep appreciation for education and helping others navigate their own challenges. Read More>>

Smitty Smith

I am from Rowland Heights California. A town 15 minutes east of downtown LA in the San Gabriel Valley. I was always in and out the system from 8-17 years old. I spent most my childhood in foster homes, group homes and juvenile detention centers. I feel my upbringing showed me early on the harsh realities of life and how there is no love in these streets. We are truly all we got. My life has motivated me to become somebody and make something of myself. It has allowed me to take risks and work with individuals most would be too intimidated to approach. Though due to the traumas I don’t remember much of growing up, what I do remember is the loneliness and lack of love I received. So now as a father today I feel it has made me a better dad cuz I would never let my sons feel how I felt as a kid. Read More>>

Michelle Franco

My name is Michelle Franco and I am from Chino Hills, CA. I am the daughter of an immigrant mother from Baja Mexico, and a Mexican-Native-American father. Being raised in an affluent city like Chino Hills, I always had a double consciousness view of being part of the middle class but not quite fitting in because of my familial culture. Although I rarely expressed racism, I felt like an outsider in my own community.

When I was 7 I began to play basketball for the local city program. It was through the team that I first got to experience other ethnicities and formed friendships. We would practice in neighboring cities like Pomona and Chino and my sense of self started to grow. It was at the Pomona Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and local Pomona schools that many of my core memories were created. Read More>>