There are so many factors that affect how our lives turn out, but one of the most interesting is how our backgrounds give us unique strengths and perspectives that affect who we are as adults. We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about their background and upbringing and how they feel it’s impacted who they are today.

Jessica Moxey | Interior Designer & Amature Photographer

Hello all, I’m Jessica from the beautiful Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Being raised on a “Caribbean” island (The Bahamas is technically not in the Caribbean), really influenced everything in my life. The rich cultural heritage of my country gave me a childhood like no other. The annual parades, crystal clear pink sand beaches, delicious food, and colorful architecture are aspects that I fondly remember and eagerly share with others. Additionally, I have been blessed with a family that supports me in an endeavor I pursue. Read more>>

Melody Williams | Plus size Model

I am Melody Williams, born at Grady Memorial Hospital here In Atlanta,Ga I am 42 years of age and I am a plus size model, humanitarian here in Atlanta. I recently lost my mother in August ’23 and it’s been a rough one but I get a LOT of spunk and attributes to the modeling industry from her being the fashionista she was. I come from Brothers (no sisters) and being the last of the bunch, it was a delight for my mom to Dress me up, get my hair did every weekend, latest shoes, latest fashion, etc…and that followed me all the way to now. She went through health issues during my life but you couldn’t tell cause she stayed FRESH &KEPT A ATTITUDE about it with a LOT of confidence lol….baby I was raised by a DIVA! Read more>>

April Jackson | Microschool Founder & Educator

I am originally from Fairfield, Alabama, a small town just outside of Birmingham, AL. Until the early 2000’s, it was a thriving city from my perspective because it was self-sufficient. We had one the best HBCUs, Miles College, practically in the center of our community. We had our own thriving school system that was winning state championships in girl’s basketball. We had a grocery store, hospital, mall, post office, banks, small businesses, and a thriving industry, United States Steel, where my father worked. Growing up, I never had to leave my town for anything I needed. Everybody knew everybody, and we were almost all Black including our mayor and city council. It was Black excellence. Read more>>

Robin Schwartz | Pastry Chef, Health Coach, Entrepreneur

I’m originally from New York City, but have also lived abroad, as well as in various states in the U.S. Being from New York I grew up with all kinds of people and cultures. It was, and still is, considered a melting pot. So living around, and having friends from, all over the world really gave me an appreciation for all people and their diversity. Even in elementary school we visited the U.N. and had an International Day. So between that and my family, it really gave me a world view and I loved to travel and learn about new people, places and things. I realized that, though we have differences, we also all have many things in common. Read more>>

Shemariah Pradia | Private Chef & Event Planner

I was brought up and raised in the US Virgin Islands. I started my business during the heart of COVID, but I feel like my business was already started because I did things with my family and my friends. They were my first initial clients they always asked me how to make something or for me to cook. I was double bless because both my Grandmother’s it’s cooking and were very important on the island. My mother’s mom, my grandmother ran a barge in saint Thomas way before I was born. But things that she instilled in me was family. How to be Helpful to neighbors given and most importantly how to cook. The only take away that I have is I wish that I learned how to bake the way that she did. My goal is to carry the tradition and teach my children how to cook and learn traditional food so they can teach their children. Read more>>

Adelia Johnson | Social Worker, Business Owner, and Event Host

I am from Atlanta, Georgia, a true Georgia Peach and Grady Baby. I was raised in the heart of Atlanta off Simpson Road until the passing of my grandfather. My entire family resided in less than a 10-mile radius of one another. I was raised with my family being my village. I remember growing up with my two older brothers riding our bikes up and down the street we lived on, I remember walking to my aunt’s house after school and hanging out with my cousins, and I remember visiting my elderly neighbor across the street and having tea parties. My background and upbringing have so many wonderful memories that helped shape me into the woman I am today. It also has some that weren’t so wonderful that helped build my character and shape my worldview. While I remember the fun times, I remember when my oldest brother picked my middle brother and me up from elementary school and he was held at gunpoint. The person said that if my brother moved he would blow me and my brother’s brains out. I remember playing in our front yard and a car came down the street at high speeds, hitting a stop sign, going through the church parking lot next door, and stopping in a tree in our yard. Some teenagers had stolen a car and jumped out. I remember my grandfather getting ill, being hospitalized, and then dying. His passing away marked a shift in our family because it was then that my family and I relocated to Decatur, GA. Read more>>

Dale’Trice Young | Serial Entrepreneur

I am from Mccomb , Ms . My upbringing was great amongst having a huge family , being I am the third child of four children and I had both of my parents . As far as my background , I didn’t have much growing up . In fact , I grew up very poor so I always knew that I wanted to create a life for myself where struggle wasn’t my reality. Read more>>

Prat Verma | Singer-Songwriter & Producer

I was born in the small town of Jabalpur, India. At the age of 4, I moved to Forsyth County, Georgia. Located around 45 minutes away from Atlanta, I was always drawn to the city. Living in a predominantly white area, I was often questioned by my peers after my annual India trips. “Why do you keep going to India?” “Oh you’re not from here. Makes sense.” Even whenever I started pursuing music late in high-school, the Indian community pushed down my dreams by questioning why I wasn’t spending my time doing “better things” or working towards a more lucrative and less risky industry. Read more>>

Brandon Wilson | Businessman and Entrepreneur

I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I grew up in the inner-city and attended Atlanta Public Schools – C.W. Hill Elementary School, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, and Southside High School which is now Maynard Jackson Jr. High School. Growing up in Atlanta taught me a lot; survival, adapting to change, and being able to hustle up money whenever needed. From a young age, I’ve always had the “hustler” mentality. Whether it was washing cars with my childhood friend, Rah-Sun or knocking on doors during the spring/summer months to cut grass for neighbors before I reached the legal working age. During my upbringing, I have watched Atlanta grow from a small city hosting the 1996 Olympics to the great melting pot it has become today. There’s a rich pride that resides in me because I’m an Atlanta native and it will be something I’ll always hold dear to my heart. I’ll always be proud I’m from Atlanta. Read more>>

Jane Snecinski | President and Principal Consultant; Percussionist

I am originally from Wethersfield, CT just outside of Hartford, CT. I was brought up by hardworking parents who taught us that it didn’t matter what we did in life, just do it well. My dad was retired Military (101st Airborne) but also played the violin and could sit down at the piano and play by ear. My sister, brother and I all learned to play musical instruments, and I played the piano and then started taking drum lessons. Iin high school I went to Hartt School of Music in Hartford once a week and decided to apply to go to a music school. I applied to and was accepted by the University of Miami, Coral Gables (the “U”). I earned a bachelor and masters of music performance/therapy and as I learned as a child, wasn’t the best musician in the school but worked hard at it and loved being a musician. I performed with the Miami Philharmonic and multiple “stars” who were performing in the Miami area. I started my music therapy profession at United Cerebral Palsy of Miami and worked with disabled infants, children and adults. Using music as a medium, I could teach them skills they didn’t want to learn/practice through traditional therapies. I also worked with physicians in clinics and loved it but knew if I went to a hospital to apply for a job and they asked what I could do and I said “sing and dance”, I wouldn’t get the job. I returned to the U and earned an MBA in healthcare administration. I served in hospital administration for over 12 years and became a healthcare consultant. I currently operate my own small consulting firm and sometimes, I do end up singing and dancing! Read more>>

Shelena Omokaro | Fashion Designer, Soap Maker

I am from Cleveland, Oh. My background and upbringing impacts who I am because my upbringing was rooted in faith, relationship with God, unconditional love and great family values. Hence, I love my family and friends. They are my support system. They keep me grounded and rooted in who God created me to be. Additionally, my family and friends keep me encouraged despite life’s challenges. Read more>>