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

David Ford

My hero is Monkey D. Luffy, the main character from One Piece. Not because he’s the strongest, or the smartest—but because he lives with radical freedom and unwavering loyalty. His dream isn’t to rule the seas—he wants to be the freest man alive, and he’ll fight anyone or anything that threatens that dream or the people he loves. That mindset hit me at a time when I felt stuck—boxed in by responsibilities, expectations, and fear of failure in my journey. Read more>>

Carrie Ryan

I have said for years that I wanted Shirley MacLaine’s life…that she’s done everything I would love to do. She acted, sang, danced, wrote books, traveled the world exploring power spots and magical places, met with spiritual leaders all over the world, had a metaphysical website for a long time, opened up people’s eyes to past life exploration, etc. She has been both an entertainer and spiritual teacher. She has lived life on her terms and doesn’t care what others think about her. She’s strong and feisty. Read more>>

Sandey Greene

I was born in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Norman and Leola White and currently reside in Birmingham, Alabama. I am the widow of Staff Sergeant Quentin Lee Greene, who served honorably in the United States Army. I am a devoted mother of four, a proud “Glam Mom” to nine grandchildren, and a Woman of Faith. My faith has been my foundation and a source of strength, guiding me through life’s challenges and empowering me to serve others with love and compassion. Read more>>

Esmeralda Gutierrez

At that age, a child should be playing, spending time with friends, and focusing on school. But not my dad. Instead, he was out selling food, polishing shoes, and asking people if they had any errands he could run just to make a little extra money.

It may be cliché to say my dad is my hero, but I am incredibly lucky to admire someone so close to me.

At 14, he got his first “official” job. After finishing middle school, he dropped out and moved to the United States. He needed to earn more to support his parents and younger siblings. By 16, he was working in a new country, Read more>>

Chelsea Smith

My biggest business owner hero is Lagusta Yearwood, hands down. She owns and operates Lagusta’s Luscious (which make the most delicious vegan chocolate you’ll ever have) and Soft Power Sweets in New Paltz, NY. The way she runs her businesses is inspiring to me – here is a woman who is unabashedly herself with a personal moral code that she upholds in her business decisions. She is incredibly open about the way the business is run via social media posts and newsletters and just tells it how it is. I am constantly learning lessons from her Instagram stories, no matter how small they may be. We are in very different industries but at the end of the day we both have customers to make happy and staff to take care of, and she is proof that you can do both things while living your ideals. Read more>>

Shytina Drummond

My mother is my hero for countless reasons, but at the heart of it all is her incredible ability to instill values that shaped the woman I am today. From a young age, she demonstrated an unwavering work ethic, showing me the importance of dedication and perseverance in everything we pursue. At age 14, at the start of the summer, my. mother bought me a bike and told me to go find a job, which I did. My first job was at a local grocery store. I rode my bike approximately 3 miles to get to work. She made sure that I only spent a small portion of the money I made and I was able to pay for some of my new school clothes for the upcoming school year. Read more>>

Moriah Quinn

Ansel Adams is a valued hero and the reason I decided to become a conservation photographer. I have a passion for marine biology and wanted to help protect the oceans and all nature on the planet. Growing up, my family had some Ansel Adams prints of Yosemite in the house, which exposed me to his work. Seeing the stunning photos he took and the influence they had in creating some of the first national parks made me realize the power of change that photography has. Knowing that photography can inspire people, governments and be a tool for conservation efforts, I felt that this was the right path for me to make the largest impact in protecting our planet. I studied Visual Journalism in college and now focus my work around bringing awareness and inspiring change to all that view my photos. Read more>>

Jayde Mauldin

My mom is my hero. She didn’t have any real guidance growing up or anyone really helping her maneuver through life yet she’s always figured everything out while maintaining such a pure and kind heart. She gave me the best life and allowed me not only to dream but to follow those dreams and know that she will always be there by my side. Because of her, I know what resilience is. Because of her, I’m not afraid to face anything. Because of her, I dream. I strive to be successful not just for myself and my future generations but for her. She deserves the best that life has to offer and I’m determined to give it all to her. Read more>>

Zoe Holloway

Like many people, I would tell you my hero is my mother. There are many reasons why mothers are heroes. They bring us into the world and give us their bodies, minds, and spirit to support and raise us. My mother taught me to be kind, creative, and brave. Always the social butterfly, my mother’s laugh echoed through hallways. She never lacked ideas or ingenuity at her job, for my dad’s business, or my brother and I’s school projects. I called her Mima, short for “mi madre,” and she juggled everything with a huge heart. Read more>>