Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Saadia White | The Amazine Amazon & Unconventional Speaker

I am from the streets of Brooklyn, NY, my journey bears the scars of a turbulent past. Yet, from the shadows of adversity emerged a beacon of resilience. My troubled and traumatic childhood forged the foundation upon which I had to recreate my identity as a storyteller, a leader, and a voice for the community. Read more>>

Brittnee Powell | Pastry Chef & Cake Artist

I was born in Alabama and grew up in Columbus, Ga. I spent majority of my child hood watching my paternal grandmother cook in the kitchen. There was always this upspoken rule; “if you’re not helping me in the kitchen, then stay out of it.” So being as young as I was I did just that. Read more>>

Charon Austin | Restaurant Owner and Small Business Consultant

Yup, I’m a country girl hailing from Macon County, Alabama outside of Tuskegee, Alabama. Growing up in the country was an experience that I will cherish in my heart forever. From raising a garden every summer to feeding hogs and chickens every day, I reflect on my childhood growth as being truly amazing. Read more>>

Sa’id Salaam | Author/publisher

I’m from New York city in general, the Bronx in particular and High Bridge to be specific. It was the whole world combined in one place. A lot of my fictional characters are based on real people. The Bronx made me fearless. Read more>>

Dr. Janet Bentley-Ewers | Playwright, Dancer, & Doctor

I am originally from Brooklyn, NY so was raised with the hustle and bustle of the city around me. Using public transportation to get from point A to point B was my main mode of getting to school and around. It taught me to be independent as well as navigate my own path from young. Read more>>

Dr. Stephanie Ricks | REALTOR®, CEO/Campus Director, Assistant Professor

I am from Tuscumbia, AL, and later settled in Nashville, TN, after finishing college. I currently reside in McDonough, GA. Growing up, my family made attending church, Bible study, and choir practice regular parts of our routine. Read more>>