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.

Jonny Truelove | Designer

My name is Jonnyo Dulay AKA “Jonny Truelove” I live in Los Angeles, my background is Filipino. Growing up, I felt like an outsider and was surrounded by traditional Filipino culture. Despite this, I wanted to pursue a different path than what was expected from me, such as working in the medical field as a respiratory therapist or marrying another nurse. Read more>>

Jugashree Bisoi | Jugashree Bisoi | Artist

Bhubaneswar is a temple city in Odisha, India where I was born and raised. We have greatly valued our lives with the education we have received from parents and elders and their guidance towards building our lives, and I would consider those to be blessings to us. My parents raised me with my wonderful sisters. My interest in drawing began as a child. As a child, I became fascinated with drawing through my mother’s small drawings and small embroidery drawings. Read more>>

Aden Eyob | Author and Consultant

I am a child of the world—at least, that’s how I sum up my journey in life. I was born in Ethiopia, raised in the UK and the USA, and a traveler of many lands. Growing up across three continents allowed me to meet people from all walks of life, experience the diversity of this beautiful world and push my boundaries further in my thinking, interactions, and lifestyle. Read more>>

Yiming Zhang | Keyboardist & Music Producer & Drummer

I am from China. I have loved music since I was a child. I learned to play the piano, guitar, and drums, but at the beginning I didn’t intend to make music my career. I didn’t study music in college, and there was even a long I stayed away from music for a while, but my piano teacher discovered my talent and shining points. Read more>>

Tekira Briscoe | Poet, Author & Blogger

My mother raised my brothers and me unapologetically black and Christian in Bakersfield, CA. Everything my mother did was God-inspired and faith-centered. She prayed constantly, attended church faithfully, and tried her hardest to instill biblical principles into her three children. I can honestly say she did a job well done. Read more>>