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

Mac Bostic

My heroes are my parents, Mr. Leicle Bostic and Mrs. Maxine Bostic. They taught me the foundational principles that continue to guide my life: love God, respect everyone, and never forget where you come from. They instilled in me the belief that through prayer, education, and hard work, anything is possible. They taught me to fight for the underdog, to lead with humility, and to walk in faith even when the road ahead is uncertain. Read More>>

Vesper Brandenburg

My parents are my heroes because they instilled the value of hard work in my siblings and I from early childhood. Growing up, the biggest lesson that my parents taught us was about the importance of sacrifice and persevere in all aspects of life. In simpler terms, you get out of life what you give. Moreover, I watched my parents make many personal sacrifices for the benefit of my siblings and I. They both worked up to one hundred hours a week, all seven days, and running multiple small businesses, while immersing us into a fast-paced and forward-thinking reality of discipline and fortitude in the workplace. All in all, their gumshion to serve their community back in my hometown and build a legacy for our family certainly left a lasting influence on me. Read More>>

Barry SHAPIRO

Hero is an overused term. I prefer to mention people who have inspired me or taught me life lessons, or served as a shining example of what I aspire to – ethics, productivity, creativity and leadership. I can speak about those who influenced me when I was young. Mr Dudely Edgean artist and a camp director who pushed me to use my creative talents and go to art school. Mr Joseph Yaccarino, a chef who hired me and not only taught me how to cook but to appreciate the culinary arts, the benefits of hard work, customer service in addition to the joys of the opera and ballet. I can speak of a professor aqt Pratt Institute who challenged me to get off my ass and get to work. Read More>>

Dom Betances

My hero is my grandmother. She came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic as a teenager and immediately began working to help support her family. She spent her life doing whatever it took to provide and build something meaningful. I remember her working late nights with my grandfather at their Brooklyn bodega—greeting every customer with warmth and care. They had regulars who came not just for groceries, but because they genuinely loved my grandparents. Her work ethic, her generosity, and her ability to lead with both strength and heart have shaped the way I move through the world. She taught me that nothing worth having comes easy, and that showing up with purpose matters. Read More>>

Prophet TheMoney

Ebri Yahloe. She’s my sister , my motivator , my kick in the behind if you wanna call it that . From bathtubs to fast bucks we’ve been together through it all together . She has always pushed me to be the best that I can be and if someone doesn’t like that, she always lmk that she has my back no matter what . She put me on to the job that I have now , at a nonprofit organization called WE AMPLIFY VOICES , which serves underserved communities and neighborhood as a place to do art , escape the streets , Or just overall resources if need be , I lead a summer program for them and I coach little league football for the exact team I played for when I was younger. Read More>>