We asked some very thoughtful members of our community to reflect on what they’ve learned from their heroes.

La-shawnda Thompson

Certainly! Here’s a revised response: My heroes are my father Christopher grandmother Betty Bush, my Aunt Renee. Each of them played a unique and significant role in shaping my love for food, family, and tradition, and their influence can be felt throughout Mama Shawnda’s Cookbook: Southern Recipes Gourmet with a Taste of Soul. My grandmother, Betty Bush, was the heart of our family. She wasn’t just a phenomenal woman of faith but also someone who taught me the importance of resilience and creating joy even in the toughest times. Her kitchen was always warm and welcoming, and while this cookbook isn’t filled with her recipes, it carries her spirit. I’ve put my twist on traditional recipes to honor her legacy while bringing something fresh to the table. She taught me that food is more than nourishment It’s a way to bring people together, celebrate life, and create lasting memories. Read more>>

Hannah Rozelle

My mom is my hero. Growing up in the Philippines, we were constantly encouraged to study and finish school. Life was simple but it had its challenges. My parents worked hard to ensure that we were accepted to prestigious schools and graduated with degrees. I was fortunate to have a supportive family who let us pursue what we wanted to do in life. My dad always encouraged my mom’s career goals. He became a self-employed businessman, while my mom became a banker, which is her passion. It has always been an inspiration to me to see her succeed at a job she enjoyed. Having three kids while working a full-time job as a mother was not easy. She has taught me that hard work and dedication can lead to success. Read more>>

Bridget Boland

My number one hero is Audrey Hepburn. Many know Audrey as an iconic movie star whose images still frequently grace the media even over thirty years after her death. But what most people DON’T know about Audrey is that in her later years she was a humanitarian who served with UNICEF, speaking out and bringing the world’s attention to the plight of children in peril all over the globe. Twenty years ago, I saw some photos of Audrey taken in Somalia. Audrey was dressed in a simple polo shirt, cotton pants and Keds tennis shoes, a grim haunted expression overshadowing her beautiful features. Seated on her lap were some of the many emaciated Somalian orphans who were starving to death from the famine. Those moving and disturbing images continue to haunt me. Read more>>

Janelle (yazi) Crocker

My hero is, quite simply, my remaining vision. After suddenly losing sight in my right eye due to a rare condition, I realized how much I had taken my vision for granted. That loss transformed how I see the world. Now, every sunrise, sunset, and storm feels like a miracle. I’m often teased by friends and family for the way I seem to ‘ingest’ every scene as if it’s both the first and the last time I’ll see it. But for me, that’s the beauty of vision—it’s fragile and fleeting, and each moment holds an irreplaceable magic. Read more>>

Gina Johnson-geiger

My hero is my mom, Julie, who inspired me in all aspects of life. She was strong, creative, independent, and community-minded. She raised my sister and I as a single mom on a low income, watching every penny. Despite her full-time job as an accountant, she gave so much of her time to her community, filling any free time with volunteering in our neighborhood improvement association. She organized community art events, always striving to support local artists. An extremely eco-conscious person, she taught me to care for the earth—about composting, recycling, and reducing waste. These values guide how I run my studio. Read more>>

Geff Zamor

Spike Lee is my hero, not just for his incredible storytelling but for his unapologetic approach to his craft. He doesn’t shy away from tough topics, and the way he challenges conventions is something I admire deeply. His films, from *Do the Right Thing* to *BlacKkKlansman*, have this rawness and energy that feel as much like a call to action as they are entertainment. What stands out to me is how Lee never compromises his vision. He’s always stayed true to himself, whether dealing with studio pushback or navigating Hollywood’s narrow expectations. That kind of conviction has influenced how I approach my own work—I want to tell the stories that matter to me, without worrying about what’s “safe” or “marketable.” It’s about making a statement with every project, just as Spike does in every film. Read more>>