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

Titus Foxx

My grandparents (the living and the deceased) because as I’ve gotten older and matured I realized the best thing that could of happened was all of them taking a part in making me who I am today. I lost my maternal grandparents as a teenager but have had the blessing of still having my paternal grandparents with me. Read more>>

Matias Ponce

My late father Domingo G. Ponce is my hero. He was an immigrant from Querétaro, México who moved to U.S. in late of 1969. You can only imagine what the political climate and society was at that time. He spoke no word of English but had a dream of coming to the U.S. Read more>>

Shala Jackson

As I scrolled through the panel questions, I was looking for something that would grab me, something that would provoke an emotion. And when I saw the word HERO immediately I thought of my Mom. Then, my eyes began to tear up. Read more>>

Ruth Douthitt

When I was ten years old, my mother brought home a book by an artist named Joni. I didn’t think much about it, but on the cover was a young woman drawing something with a pen in her mouth. My mom knew I was an artist and loved to draw horses, so it made sense that she would bring home this book for me. Read more>>

Tehlor Takahata

My best friend Emma is one of my biggest influences today– a mentor and great friend. My high school friend Shaienne introduced us a handful of years ago when I wasn’t exactly sure of who I was or where I was going and today. Read more>>