We asked some very thoughtful members of our community to reflect on what they’ve learned from their heroes.
Kristina Bleiler
Ilse Crawford is a British interior & furniture designer with a remarkable way of thinking about the heart behind design. Even though she practices a different craft than I do, I consider her my design hero. Watching her documentary, reading her book, and studying her work continually informs my creative approach and reminds me why I believe in what I do. Read more>>
Janet Diaz
My heroes are my parents. Read more>>
Prabhjot Singh
My hero is not one person, it’s my family. my mom and dad and my siblings. Each one of them taught me, different lessons. my father came here as an immigrant. He worked Ass off to save up and bring us here, that taught me that just because you’re going through your own struggle doesn’t mean you’re gonna forget about your family. Read more>>
Courtney Thomas
My Grandmomma will always be my hero. At the stage of her life when she should have been focused on traveling, thinking about winding down her career, and embracing her golden years, she decided to be a full-time mom again. While I was in her care back and forth from birth through college, when I was 13 I moved in fulltime with my Grandmomma. Read more>>
Angell Jazmin
My hero is and always will be my Mom <3 I was raised by an immigrant single mother that broke generational curses, fought her way up a corporate ladder without a college degree and much, much more, while giving me the best life she could. She taught me that although it might feel like the world is against me, specifically as a WoC, nothing is impossible. Read more>>
Ash Nichole
Kerby-Jean Raymond is my hero. My admiration for Kerby-Jean Raymond comes from his inclusion of the black experience within his art. No matter whose hand he’s shaken and no matter what runway his collection has graced, he never negates our culture. I have had the honor to speak with him and I believe this aspect of him as a designer, speaks on who he is as person. He is very humbled. Read more>>
Ashley Moore
My biggest hero will always be my father. He demonstrates perseverance and reverence making history in Crystal Springs, Mississippi as the first AA police officer. Throughout my upbringing, he’s taught me the value of being a lifelong learner and working hard. My dad’s always been so grounded I’m faith and he’s always taught me to be grateful, kind, and pray often. Those lessons has gotten me through my darkest days, but also taught me patience. Read more>>
Jartavius Edmond
Honestly, I never truly had an hero until I got older, and became conscious of life. The more I go through life, and deal with experiences, I realize my hero is my mother. Read more>>
Saint Raphael
My Grandma is my hero! She raised me when I was still a baby. She is my hero because she is very wise and always has great advice no matter what the question is. She is 93 years old and has experienced so much in life and she is still going strong. She has influenced me to chase my dreams, be the best person I can be, have a strong faith with GOD, and to have strong mindset. She is the definition of living the good life. Read more>>
Lisa Colodny
My parents, of course. They were the hardest working, most caring and generous people I knew. I was blessed to have them as such a big part of my life for as long as I did. When I think back to the lessons of life they taught me, most were centered around supporting the people you cared about, being happy with what you had, and enjoying the simplicity of the journey we are all taking. Read more>>
Ashley Bradshaw
My mother is my hero. She has shown me since a child what it looks like to never give up. She stands tall in her beliefs and finishes everything she starts whether things go as planned or not. She doesn’t quit! She never lets the small things majorly impact her drive to succeed. Read more>>
William Hill II
I’m a huge fan of Jay-Z, have been since the beginning. Following his story has been very beneficial to my own success, starting from the bottom having to do whatever you can by any means necessary. Finding a vehicle in music to get to a better life. I can speak to this because that’s exactly what I did, used music to make my life exponentially better. Read more>>