Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Camille Belle, Ph.D. | Therapist, Counseling Psychology

Two things that impacted who I am the most are where I grew up and how I grew up. While each overlapping piece of my experience came with its own set of challenges to navigate, I appreciate the journey for leading me to where I am today. Read more>>

Denise Flippen | Faithcare Coach and Author

I, Denise Flippen am a native of Buffalo, NY. I am also the product of an undesired teenage pregnancy. Both, my mother and father were plagued by the religious fear of abortion. This thrusted into the world; however, resentment and rejection raised me. Desperate for a sense of belonging, I found myself engaging in all sorts of unhealthy relationships. Read more>>

Keonta Coleman | Videographer & Photographer

I’m from Chesapeake, Virginia where it all started. I was raised by my mom Debra Coleman and 3 older sisters. I started my life aloft as an track and field athlete earning All American honors on the Juco level. Then I found film,TV, videography, and photography. My family is my inspiration. So whatever I do I carry them on my sleeve as I blossom in the field as a creative. Read more>>

Jacqui Chew | Convenor, Creative Problem-solver & Narrative Architect

I was born and raised in the island country of Singapore and moved to the United States to attend college. I grew up in a traditional Chinese household steeped in the largely patriarchal Confucian value system. Read more>>

Keirra Tucker | Entrepreneur

I’m from Florida a city thats called “Broward County” … My mom was kind of a strict parent towards me and my sisters growing up, she was such a drill sargent and never showed us love or emotion so that ultimately made me into the person that I am today it created such an impact to on my life because I would always get told that i “can’t do this or i’m not able to do that” Read more>>

Latesha Higgs | Mental Health Speaker/Advocate, Executive Director of The DIVA Effect, Inc., Mentor, Educator

I strongly believe that my life’s calling is to carry out Psalms 82:3 (Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. NIV). My deep desire to serve the underserved stem from childhood experiences, being a single teen mom and losing my brother to suicide. Read more>>