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.

Diana Padilla

I’m from East Los Angeles, and my parents are originally from Guanajuato, Mexico. They’ve been a powerful example of perseverance and hard work, which motivated me to earn my degree from Cal State LA and launch my own business in financial services. I’ve since become a Regional Vice President, focused on helping families gain financial literacy and build generational wealth. Read More>>

Cheyne Ellett

I’m from Southern California. I was born in Torrance and currently live and work in Pomona, though my creative roots stretch across the region. Growing up, I was immersed in the world of skateboarding, punk shows, zines, and long afternoons exploring everything from beaches to desert trails. That mix of movement, independence, and subculture became a kind of informal education. It taught me how to create with what I had, how to express myself without needing permission, and how to stay connected to community through art. Read More>>

Hannah Griffiths

I’m originally from England and moved to Southern California when I was five. I come from a family of six, with three brothers, and music has always been a part of our lives. My dad plays piano by ear, and both my immediate and extended family are incredibly musical, so creativity was something I was naturally surrounded by. My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders—they supported my passions from the very beginning and encouraged me to pursue music in a way that felt true to me. Read More>>

Ana Buckley

I’m Mexican-American and I learned English through reading. For most of my life, I’ve known all the big words and pronounced them incorrectly. My gateway, the book that started the lifelong love of reading, was The Lord of the Rings. I found it in my aunt’s library and every time we came for a visit, I’d pick up where I left off. Books became an escape, comfort, excitement, adventure, knowledge, everything and anything a kid in an unfamiliar world could want.  Read More>>

Carmen Naputi Davis

My name is Carmen Naputi Davis, and I’m the Chef and Owner of Island Smoke N Grill, a woman-owned BBQ business rooted in culture and community. Originally from the island of Guam in the Pacific, I bring the heart of Chamorro cuisine to Los Angeles and its diaspora. With a background in pastry and a deep love for island hospitality, I created Island Smoke N Grill to share the rich flavors and traditions of my homeland with Southern California — the place I now proudly call home. Read More>>