So often mission and purpose driven folks have fascinating stories about where they draw their inspiration from. Often it’s a historical figure and so we’ve highlighted some of those conversations around historical figures and what some of the best and brightest have learned from them.

Faren Collins

A historical figure I’ve admired since childhood is Paul Leroy Robeson. Some might wonder how a young girl could comprehend the depth of his achievements and significance. My early exposure to old movies and musical theatre, fostered by my father, a former NFL player with a love for musical theatre, played a pivotal role. Read more>>

Brenda Tolian

During my B.A., my professor introduced me to the work of Angela Carter in the form of her collected work, The Bloody Chamber. Carter’s ability to use the gothic, visceral, grotesque, erotic, beautiful, and elements of wonderment to command the framing of female desire, agency, and sexuality, and subversion of the societal expectations of the feminine is unparalleled. Read more>>

Doneisha Posey

Shirley Chisholm is a remarkable historical figure whom I deeply admire. Her unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and advocating for change has struck me and I look to her as I think about my career. Shirley’s historic run as the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress and her subsequent groundbreaking campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972 were revolutionary milestones in American politics. Read more>>

Justin Usami

Marcus Aurelius is my current favorite historical figure. Reading “Meditations” and understanding his story really puts things into perspective. I look up to his leadership and consistent stoic stature that he takes under the pressures and tragedies of life. In his 19 years as Emperor of Rome, Marcus lead an empire through several wars followed by a plague that killed millions of people as well as his adoptive brother Lucius. Read more>>

Adam Lee

I have always looked up to Robert Mondavi. He took a fledgling Calfornia – American, even – wine industry on his back and brought it a long way towards the prominence it has today. Read more>>

Brandon Dawson-Jarvis

The historical figure I look up to, my hero, the one person I wish I could break bread with and the way I came up with the name Grove Campus is in homage to Mr. Huey Percy Newton. It shocks me how many people do not know who this individual was but everyone is well aware of the impact and legacy he left on the world. Read more>>