So many of the folks we work with have multidimensional stories. They often aren’t just working on a single project, business or mission – instead they are often involved in so many things all at once and so we often wonder about what they themselves hope their legacy will be about. We’ve shared some of their responses with you below.

Shantella Ray | Dancer/Choreographer & Artist

I want my legacy to be that I stayed true to myself and succeeded without kissing anybody else’s ass, faking friendships, and acting like other artists are my competition. I just want to be me and do me and not conform to anybody else’s views or ways to make it or be known in this industry. Read more>>

DMG Byrnes | Author, Poet, Artist

I’d like to have done something worth remembering such as helping to change the world for the better in some way. I’d like to leave behind a body of various works that may point out darkness, may question and criticize, may be difficult in some way, but also inspire keeping the seed of hope alive. I’d hope that those that knew me well, remembered me for my flaws as much as my strengths; those that didn’t know me personally and perhaps knew me through my work, I’d hope they felt seen and remember that feeling. Read more>>

Keenen Baker | Costume designer, Film maker and Audio Visual Tech

I want my legacy to display my love for imagination. I feel most people moved towards the ways of society and allowed their “inner child” to decease. When we were kids, I feel most of our creativity and imaginations started to bloom and develop. Those of us who didn’t allow this to die, go on to create as artists, painters, musicians, cosplayers etc. We’re able to take some of the most elaborate designs, art pieces, concepts etc. and change the world. Some of us are even fortunate to make a career around it such as myself. I want people to remember me for being a visionary, a loving person and a contribution to all things creative. I want people to remember my fight for the arts to be taken serious as a profession. I want them to remember me for uplifting people who might’ve been afraid or insecure in delivering their artistic voice to the world. Read more>>

Michelle Ellis | Founder & President

The legacy that I would like to leave behind is the same personally and professionally. I want people to know that the reason I started The YOU Awards International nonprofit organization was out of love and appreciation for people. I recognized how hard it is for young people to work towards their goals and actually achieve them. Sometimes they need a little support and other times they just need to know that people see them and appreciate them. This is the reason our organization seeks out and spotlights outstanding young people in the community. We are all about encouraging our young future leaders. I do the same with my own two daughters. I want my daughters to know that it’s good to be a good human being. That hard work pays off and that people are always watching and wanting them to succeed. There are still a lot of kind people in the world. Read more>>