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

Sasha Smith

My mother is my hero because she exemplifies what it means to be a loving, nurturing, caring, supportive, selfless, creative, ambitious, tenacious, and intelligent woman of God. Growing up, my mother lived in poverty – she was raised by a single mother along with 10 other siblings in a small dilapidated home. Although my mother did not have decent shoes to walk to school in and decent clothes like the other kids, she did not let that stop her from getting an education. Read more>>

Katrell The Phenomenal

Would have to say, all of the strong women that have invested into the better version of me; that am still becoming and became – are my heros. One of the biggest being my mother, Katrina V. Platt. She is my hero because she is an example of sheer determination, perseverance, & excellence. Her resilience is & has been inspiring. So many lessons could share and tell about. Read more>>

Charity Spencer

One of my heroes is a woman most have never heard of. Her name is Darlene Diebler Rose. She was a missionary in Papua New Guinea with her husband when World War 2 broke out and they both became prisoners of war for the duration of the war. Her journey of faith & courage as she lost her husband, was imprisoned in horrific conditions, sick with multiple viruses, and imprisoned on death row & waiting to be beheaded for something she didn’t do has spoken to my heart time and time again. Every time I hear her story, God speaks to me in some way, shape, or form. Read more>>

Annika-Mie Racadio

My hero is my Lola Ana. She’s my hero because she taught me how to be strong, resilient and how to love deeply. She was one of the kindest, loving, funny, strongest people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. She helped raise me and my sister while my parents worked and because of her my love of food began. She was a single mom of 6 kids and put them through college, was a business woman and despite the cards she was dealt in this life. Read more>>

Caitlin McGuire-Flatt

My hero is my Mom. My Mom is the first person who introduced me to the idea that periods are not shameful, scary, or embarrassing. She is the one who taught me to love my body and showed me that bleeding is a sign of strength, not weakness. Read more>>

Cameron Venti

Definitely Peter McKinnon who is a fellow content creator. He is such a great story teller and can appeal to peoples emotions and I think he made me realize that I am not that person. I can’t write a compelling YouTube vlog or educational and engaging video and im totally fine with that. Read more>>

Morgan Breon

This is a tricky question. I strongly believe in the principle of “honor.” With this perspective, everyone plays the role of “hero” at some point in my journey. That includes the maintenance staff that let me into a locked classroom when I left my book. Read more>>

Megan King

Honestly, my hero, or should I say heroes, would be my parents. MY parents are very integral in my passion for business. My parents own a very successful automotive service shop here in my home town. They took over our family business, that my grandpa started in 1985 and have transformed into a thriving business. Since they bought the business from my grandparents about 10 years ago, they have expanded operations by double. Read more>>

Cairon Crews

My great-grandmother, (the late Mrs. J. Gamble) is my hero. She taught me so much coming up as a little girl; how to read, how to say my prayers, how to braid hair, how to cook. I used to watch everything she would do like a hawk. She was a short and tiny woman, but her personality, her demeanor, spirit and strength (mentally, physically and spiritually) would make anyone feel like she stood ten feet tall-all while still showing everyone grace, love and compassion. Read more>>

Ellen Stark

My hero is my grandmother, Betty. In every aspect of life, my grandma showed the greatest devotion. She was beyond devoted to loving and helping others in every way possible. Whether it be friends, family, or strangers. She poured out her love to so many that she became “Grandma Betty” to more than just family. Read more>>

Tia Alaman

My heroes would definitely have to be my family. They have taught me how important it is to never give up on yourself and even when trials arise persevere and push through! It’s only a moment in time and you’ll get through it on TOP! My parents specifically have always supported my dreams and made ways for me to pursue those dreams even sometimes to their demise. There were times where I would want to pursue certain jobs and make various different career moves. Read more>>