We asked some very thoughtful members of our community to reflect on what they’ve learned from their heroes.

Wendy Nguyen

My dad is my hero. Being second generation Asian-American, I was raised to believe in the American dream – achieving the highest of aspirations through hard work. It wasn’t until I got older that I started to understand why he Since my dad’s passing I’ve been Read more>>

Sophie Lumene

Who is my hero you ask? I know how cliché this may sound but honestly my mother. The reason why I chose my mother is because of her strong sense of determination, no matter what obstacle she faces she still prevails. Growing up as a child you honestly do not pay attention to the amount of strength and courage it takes simply to get out of bed. Read more>>

Kara Haun

My Dad is my Hero. He was a Fire Chief for 36 years and passed away in 2014. He was a great Fire Chief and Leader and a great family man. He dedicated his life to the fire service and serving others, however did not live long enough to be able to enjoy his retirement. This strongly influenced the way I live my life, lead in the fire service as a Battalion Chief, and also how I live every day to the fullest now and have plans to do the same in my retirement. It also has helped me shape a life with my wife that will set us up to empower and help other women become leaders in their respective industries in a future business endeavor. Read more>>

Jesse Cornelius

I don’t know if I have a specific hero, but I find stories of athletes super inspiring. It’s low hanging fruit, but I think of athletes like Tom Brady, who by all accounts was not seen as a star when he first was drafted. He warmed the bench as a backup but kept working and stayed diligent in the pursuit of his craft. He was prepared and rose to the occasion when the opportunity presented itself. He’s now one of the biggest names in sports. Read more>>

Brandi Jones

I grew up with both sets of grandparents & grandparents with multiple great aunts and uncles on top of my parents so If im being honest, there isnt one hero here. My whole foundation is deeply enriched so its a given for me to say that they are a huge part of my hero tree. My great grandparents lived to their late 90’s early 100’s and I have one set of grandparents left in their 80’s. Read more>>

Valerie Genao

My Hero is my daughter Kaylee Rogue! Creating cakes after she was born has more meaning and it makes me work harder for her future ! It’s also fun teaching her baking skills . I hope one day she will follow in my shoes and into the world of decorating cakes ! Read more>>