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

Gary Edmerson

My late grandmother, Yvonne Edmerson, was always my hero is still is to this day. She my sister and I in addition to her own kids by herself and was never afforded the luxury of being tired. She had to deal with multiple personalities, juggle multiple task and sometimes go without to ensure we got everything we needed. Early on she encouraged me to pick up a camera. She noticed I had been looking at it for months while we were out shopping and never made the purchase. Read more>>

Dannelle Gay

My hero is my Mom. Read more>>

Emma Sitzman

I have more than one hero in my life that I look up to. The people I consider my heroes are mentors I have had. Each of them have taught and showed me a lot of new techniques and good advice to help me navigate my photography career. A lesson I have learned from one of my heroes is that you will never be the best. Read more>>

Scott Barnhardt

While Dolly Parton is one of the most influential humans on the planet, she is also the north star of “how to be an awesome human” in my own personal life. She is my hero, a queer icon and her words and music are a balm to my soul. And what I love even more than her immense body of entertainment and philanthropic work–which is mind boggling vast–it is the way she does her work. With love, laughter and a clear moral compass. Read more>>

Erliz Caren Vanessa Din Maddox

My parents are my true heroes, as they have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today. From a young age, they taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. Their unwavering support and belief in my abilities have inspired me to fearlessly pursue my dreams and overcome any obstacles that come my way. Read more>>

Tori Waner

“I’m leaving to go sing in Italy…” I’ll admit, this was not the most eloquent way to tell my boss I was quitting my full time marketing job to perform across the globe and then “figure it out.” But fortunately, not only was he patient as I fumbled through my resignation speech but also compassionate. Who knew that Randy, the best boss I could have asked for, was a fellow entreprenuer running his own business, Chirp Nature Centers, in my hometown. Read more>>

Freddie Kuguru

My business mentor is my hero because he taught me lessons that significantly transformed my life for the better. Read more>>