We asked some very thoughtful members of our community to reflect on what they’ve learned from their heroes.
Jennifer Zmuda
I think rather than one specific person, I would have to say my heroes are the future generations that are coming up right now. When I look at them, I see people who are fearless, so eager and willing to just jump into things that they are passionate about. It’s the new “American Dream” in my opinion. Instead of working so hard to fit into a mold and hoping to be considered for opportunities, I see these entrepreneurs forging their own paths, holding strong to their core values, pursuing work that interests and inspires them, and standing firm in knowing their own worth. Read more>>
Mariah Eiman
My Mom is and always has been my hero. Growing up, she instilled in me the value of education, hard work, and determination. Though she was not able to finish her college degree when she was younger, she encouraged me to go to college, and after years of working and going to school, I graduated last year. My Mom spent much of her career in the medical field and in the military, and after over 20 years of service, she retired in September of 2020. Read more>>
TaKeira Simon
My hero is my grandma. While growing up, I always thought she was the most perfect human to walk the face of this earth. It’s almost as if she lived at church; she was always on multiple ministries at a time. She was always easy to talk to and have the most convicting black marble eyeballs. She constantly did for her 4 kids and 8 grandkids, raising us when our moms were at work. She and my grandpa had been married for 62 years before my grandpa’s untimely passing in 2021. My grandpa is also my hero, but I will save him for another time. I must admit, he wasn’t always the most pleasant person, but she always remained graceful. Read more>>
RYANN USSERY
Honestly, I don’t think my hero is just any one person. I think the statement “it takes a village” is one most accurate. My hero is my community. That extends from God to family to friends to other creatives I’ve met in passing. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to be resilient and to always adapt to any situation thrown to you. Life is always changing. We are always changing. Looking at everyday as a chance to “begin, again.” Read more>>
Silianise (Cece) Moise
My mom is my hero. She is a dignified Haitian woman with strength beyond measure. Until this day, I stand mesmerized by her beauty, intelligence, strength, tenacity, and resilience. She did it all; indeed, like many mothers, she busted her butt and raised ten incredible children on her own while my dad was working hard in California. My parents have sacrificed so much for their children, but it is easier for me to celebrate my mom’s hard work and sacrifice because she was my mirror growing up. She is my definition of strength. She is my definition of grace. She is my definition of what it’s like to be street-smart (I did not inherit that, lol), and she ruled with such an iron fist. Read more>>
Tony Michaelides
David Bowie as an artist and for everything he did as a true visionary throughout his career. Read more>>
vanderson Gomes
My hero is a small woman, very strong and with a big heart, this woman is my Mom, I lost my father in a car accident when i was 10 years old, my mom showed us how to be strong and never give up on our dreams, supported us on pretty much everything, showed us that with education, respect and determination we could achieve everything in life. Read more>>
Dr. Krystal Cross
God is my Hero because he is the reason I am here. God gives me leadership and guidance with my life and business. The lessons I’ve learned from God are to not give up and that you can be unequally yoked with your business partner so be very careful when deciding to start a business with someone. God has influenced my journey by being a present help in the time of trouble. God has also brought me to my journey as a restaurant steward/owner. I like to call myself the steward of God’s business because prior to opening a restaurant I was happy with my 17 year career in education. Read more>>