Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Andrø Pop | Record Producer & Songwriter

I am originally from Brazil, more specifically Sao Paulo, which is a huge metropolitan city; merge NY and LA in one, and voila! Brazil is undoubtedly one of the most musical countries in the world. The way the diverse European cultures were blended with the Native South American and African traditions, culminated in a music that is extremely rich, sophisticated and unique. Read more>>

John Tierney | Artist and retired academic

I was brought up in the north west of England in a family where money was always tight.The neighbourhood was one where few children stayed on at school beyond the age of 15, that being the minimum leaving age. I was fortunate in being invited to stay on at school for an extra year, which allowed me to gain some qualifications. Read more>>

Jamilah Butler | Mala the Crochet Designer

I am from Pittsburgh Pa. I lived here for most of my life besides the two years I lived in Virginia. I would say My background would consist of me, my mother, and my sister growing up in one household. I feel like my background impacted the person I am today by always giving me a reason to keep going and to keep pushing for my goals. Read more>>