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

Rosalee Kidd-mighty

My hero is my aunt Velma; my foster mother and champion. She was a disciplinarian, industrious,
helpful, creative, resilient, and Godly woman.

Velma had no husband or biological children and decided to assist her sister, my mother, with raising
two of her children – me and my eldest sister.

My father declared to aunt Velma, “Rosalee is going to turn out to something good and you won’t regret
it.” and with the passage of time these words proved to be not only prophetic but she was instrumental
in their fulfillment. Read more>>

Chanaramis Asuega

My hero is my grandpa. Just thinking or speaking about him makes me emotional because of how much he means to me. I love that man dearly, and I’m constantly inspired by his work ethic and the sacrifices he made to provide for our family. He isn’t your average grandpa—he’s cool, resourceful, and has the biggest heart. I’ve definitely adopted those traits from him. Read more>>

Maya Marzuki Peters
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It’s pretty cliche, but I’d have to say my mom. Growing up, our relationship wasn’t always easy, she’s pretty stubborn and I’m pretty stubborn, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate just how much of a fighter she is.
She grew up in Indonesia, raised by my great-grandmother, who was a Chinese seamstress and was losing her vision with age. It was a difficult time in the post massacre era, both politically and financially. My mom would often tell me stories of her childhood to remind me of the importance of inner strength and how she had to be resourceful to survive. She would buy kitchenware from one town and sell them door-to-door in the other, played cards with adults on the street to make extra cash earning herself a reputation as a not to be messed with gambler, and worked her way into Trisakti University on a scholarship. Read more>>