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

Dahol Otoide

Kobe Bryant is my hero because of how relentless he was — not just in the game, but in everything he touched. I’ve always felt like I had to learn things the hard way — writing, filmmaking, storytelling, marketing — because no one handed me the blueprint. But Kobe’s ‘Mamba Mentality’ showed me that excellence isn’t about having the most resources, it’s about having the most focus. Read more>>

Alison Ratner Mayer

This is an emotional question. My hero is my dad, Dave Ratner. My dad is an entrepreneur. He started a small chain of pet supply stores, his own brand of petfood, he’s a public speaker, involved in the community, and is a bit of a local celebrity. When I was younger, he appeared on the local rock radio station once a week with the 2 goofy hosts. They would take calls from people about their pets and lovingly made fun of them. Everywhere we went, someone knew my dad and my dad knew them. He is the friendliest and most down-to-earth person and I believe that I embody that as well. I see a lot of him in the way that I run my business and the way I conduct myself in the community, and that makes me so proud. Read more>>

Dedric Byrd

My Mother is my hero for a number of reasons. She showed me how to work hard and approach each obstacle with a “I can do it” mentality. She has showed me the importance to work, save, and find a balance. Even though I wear several different hates I do my best to take time to rest, or as she says “stop and smell the roses”. A quick story to share is how my mother was able to work 3 jobs, attend school part-time and take care of 4 children. Watching her daily commitment to her family and improving her situation made me focus once I got to the opportunity to work and build my businesses. Read more>>