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

Vaughn Davis

Ah, the question of heroes. It’s always been a fascinating one for me. Growing up in Guyana before making the leap to New York, my heroes were the everyday people around me — my family, my neighbors, those who exhibited extraordinary strength in ordinary circumstances. But if I were to pick one, it would undoubtedly be my mother. Her resilience, generosity, and unyielding love have been the backbone of my character. Read more>>

Savannah Sweeting

My hero is and always will be my father. My father’s love language was food and he had this ability to bring people from all walks of life together with his cooking. One of my fondest memories from growing up is how my father used to invite people in the community to have Thanksgiving with our family. Then after the meal, we would make plates to deliver to older people who were alone, the homeless, and first responders working during the holiday. Read more>>

Renee Morrison

My mom. I have learned EVERYTHING there is to know that she can teach me. I adore her for the woman that she has molded me to become. She has influenced my journey to never give up, no matter how hard it gets or what comes my way. Read more>>

Erica Thostesen

There is one person who immediately comes to mind when I read this question, an astounding woman by the name of Martha Madigan. Martha was my photography professor and mentor at Tyler School of Art. She had the softest soul and optimistic personality. She’d make me think and feel like I could do anything with just a few words. She was the epitome of goodness in the world and her photography, her artwork, reflected every part of her soul, and still does. She was a pioneer woman in the photography world in the midst of a time where photography was not considered an art form, and managed to be a driving force in fine art photography against society’s expectations. Read more>>

Yolanda Strader

My mother, Verona Paschal, is my hero because she set an example of what it takes to be a dedicated mother and business professional who never quits. My mother came to this country from Jamaica in the late 1970s and obtained her real estate license shortly thereafter. She eventually became a real estate broker with her own brokerage firm. She juggled motherhood alongside managing a successful business, and I follow her model to this day with my family. My mom sometimes missed my plays and other school activities when I was a kid because of her commitments to her business. But I always knew that she was nevertheless committed to her family and working incredibly hard to provide for us. As a result, I feel that I have permission with my kids to sometimes lean into work because they will ultimately know that I am doing it all for them. Read more>>