We’ve highlighted responses from some of the brightest and most talented artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs in the community below.

Flavio Oliveira

Undoubtedly, my greatest heroes are my father and my mother. My Father for as long as I can remember, I’ve witnessed his unwavering dedication to professional growth, hard work, and sacrifice. He invested countless hours to provide for our family, ensuring my sister and I could attend the best schools and receive the finest education. Throughout it all, he never neglected his role as a father and remained a constant presence in our lives. I must also acknowledge my mother, whose indispensable support was integral to this journey – she is undoubtedly my other heroine. Read more>>

Jasmine Dent

My mother Simone is my hero. She is the epitome of a Beautiful Black Woman Boss. I’ve watched my mom start from the bottom and hit the ground running to not only be successful but to do it while raising 3 children. I’ve learned to never be complacent and to have pride in what I do from her. Before meeting my fiancée Kelvin I was a single mother who wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with life. I attended Robert Morris University to achieve my Bachelors in Organizational Leadership when my son was a baby, but I just did not feel like it was what I wanted to do. My mom flat out told me to do what I loved and make a career out of it. Read more>>

Robin J. Watkins

When I hear the term “Hero” three people come to mind. My Mommy Ann (departed grandmother), Mrs. Heather Tucker (Teacher from high school), and STEVEN CLAY PERKINS. My Mommy Ann’s unconditional, non-judgmental love and compassion towards me, shaped the very essence of my being. Knowing and understand Love at its rawest, authentic state is a form of mastery, a “cheat code” rather, that grants me the ability to advance in the game of life Honorably. Mrs. Heather Tucker literally SAVED MY LIFE. Her natural selflessness propelled me and others to unimaginable heights. Her ability to see me for who I truly am and her willingness to go above and beyond to ensure my success, was indeed noble. Mrs. Tucker defended my character in rooms I wasn’t aware of and opened doors for me that saved me from perpetual calamity. I call her my “lifesaver” because her Christlike character exampled everything I was to be. I am forever grateful for her. Read more>>

Corinne Vaughn

“If you don’t do nothing else in life, build your own fire.” This is one of many life lessons my late father raised my siblings and I to uphold. My hero has always been and even after his death, still is my father, Michael Dywayne Vaughn, Sr. My dad was a southern gentleman born and raised in Louisiana in the ‘60s. He held the door for the person behind him, visited the sick, fed the hungry, and helped his community. My dad was a dreamer. He was also a life long, gifted electrician, gathering wood for our wood heater in the winter, building a water well pump in our front yard so we could have clean, fresh water, and and when money was low, he’d fish to ensure there was food on the table. And he never, ever complained. In hindsight, I recognize how hard he worked to protect, provide, and preserve our family. He was a man of integrity, faith, perseverance and responsibility, and because of that, I have strong roots of the same character traits that lead me in life, friendship, and business. My dad, my hero. Read more>>

Ryan Johnson

Ann Coen is up there on my list of hero’s. She has taught me photography, business, insane work ethic and also most importantly life lessons. She has taught me when shit hits the fan that i can deal with it and get through it no matter what happens. She’s a real one for sure. Read more>>

Tim Ward

My maternal grandfather has been my hero my entire life. While I did have an excellent father growing up, my grandfather was always my main influence on what it means to be a man and a good human. I was the first born grandchild, so I was always a bit more spoiled than the rest of the grandkids, but I was, also, one to help them out whenever needed and worked with my grandfather in his business of installing lightning protection on buildings. Working and spending leisure time with my grandfather allowed me to see how to treat people, whether in business or life in general, because it is the right thing to do. He, also, taught me the meaning and value of hard and honest work. Everything I do in life always has a background thought of if grandpa would be proud of what I’m doing. I’m proud to say that I’m sure that most of my actions and choices have made, and continue to make, him proud. Read more>>