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

Renata Stoica

My hero is my mom — not just because she raised me, but because she showed me what resilience truly means. She was married at 18, divorced by 22, and had three young daughters to raise with no education, no career, and no safety net. She could’ve given up. Instead, she chose to rebuild. She moved back to her small hometown in Brazil and started over — alone, with nothing but her will to give us a better life. Read more>>

Margo Gabriel

My hero is my Mom, Claire Marceline Gabriel. She was my biggest supporter and motivator. She had this saying that I hold dear, “Remember the power you possess.” She would say this to me whenever I doubted myself. She was the stronghold in our family. My mother’s confidence was something I will never forget. My parents emigrated from the island of Haiti in the late 70s during a time of political unrest in Haiti. They endured countless challenges to build a solid foundation for my siblings and me to pursue our dreams in the United States. Their sacrifice so many decades ago has afforded me the life I have today. I am very proud of my Haitian heritage because of my parents. My mother was a seamstress and my father a math professor in Haiti. Read more>>

Yolanda Jackson

My parents are my hero’s! Their work ethic and drive to make sure they provide for their family is such an inspiration! They have beat the odds many of times coming from certain neighborhoods and literally building a foundation together! So successful! Many business , while also having a rare case of black love ! You honestly do not see real genuine love these days ! They are truly a union ! They have influenced my journey by showing & teaching me and my sister to always chase after our dreams and what’s important to us ! They shaped us to have that same hustler mentality & always stand with our head held high , have confidence in whatever we choose to do , stay focused, have a plan && most importantly THINK !!! Read more>>

L. Patrice Bell

My grandmother (Evelyn Freeman) and mother (V. Gay McGahee) are my heroes. I often hear people who dread the idea of becoming anything like their mother, but I aspire to be as witty and composed as mine is and hers was. I’ll focus on my grandmother, but I want to note that she has dementia and is almost nonverbal now — a stark contrast to the loquacious woman I grew up with. She is still living, but I miss her often. Read more>>

Sandra Soueid

My hero is my dad, Michael Majid Soueid. He taught me how to ride a bike, how to parallel park, and how to run a business. He was my Baba, my home, my first phone call whenever I was in trouble. He taught me how to unconditionally love, and he taught me sacrifice. Read more>>

Angie George

My hero is my dad. He passed recently which further made it more true than ever. Growing up, he worked a lot. He worked hard to provide for his family. At first, I wondered why he was always working and as I got older, I watched him and his work ethic. He never called in sick. He never complained, He only took off for any event of mine or my sister’s or a vacation once a year. He ran car dealerships. Was the first one in and the last to leave 6 days a week. He enjoyed it. When he was young, he worked for his dad and did a few other jobs while going to school. Until 1985, when my grandfather retired, my dad would work all day and then go to my grandparents’ restaurant and help out until closing. All while taking care of his family. Read more>>

Angelica McDonnell

My hero is my younger brother, Vincent! Growing up with a brother with Down Syndrome who has had health complications his whole life, you really learn what is important in life. He has shown me what patience and perseverance look like. Anytime I have had a bad day or felt like giving up, I think of him. He never gave up and always told our family, “I am being strong for you”. Read more>>