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

Nikki Painter

An artist-hero for me is Judy Pfaff. The first time I saw her work, it was on the cover of an art book in the National Gallery of Art, and it changed the trajectory of my path as an artist. I had never seen “maximalist” work before, and everything in me said, “WOW. This is how art should feel.” Her work gave me permission to pursue a more-is-more aesthetic. Read more>>

Stacey Dempsey-Patrick

At just 21 years old, Natalie passed away in the line of duty as a volunteer firefighter with the Mizpah Fire Department in New Jersey. She was also a supervisor at the Humane Society and had a deep love for animals. Her dream was to become a K9 police officer—a path she was passionately working toward. She had a servant’s heart, always putting others before herself. She died helping others, and that makes her not just my hero, but a hero to many. Read more>>

THOMAS MESLOH

My Hero is my father. He was a man that also owned his own business and is who taught me everything I know about being ethical, fair, and smart. I never took over his company because he made me want to try and do something myself just as he did and he gave me the knowledge I needed to do it. He always gave me advice when i needed it, but never hand fed me how to go about something. I learned how to always treat people with respect, to never think of people as a number or paycheck, and never be unfair with money. Even when going to business school I didn’t actually learn anything because i was already naturally doing them because of how he raised and taught me. His company still runs even through his passing and I want mine to be the same and give my son the same opportunity he gave me. Read more>>

Bailey Bara

My hero is Adam Driver, more specifically his portrayal of Kylo Ren. Growing up, I was in a dysfunctional household with two narcissistic parents and what’s worse is that my paternal grandfather began molesting me at the age of 6. My paternal grandfather was a photographer, so he would often use me as his model for practice. After I stumbled upon his Playboy magazines he assured me that it was normal and a unique way of photography that would showcase the most beautiful women. He then proceeded to teach me how to be like them, at first with nice clothes but as time went on, my clothes began to slowly disappear. Read more>>