Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places. Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Debra Toscano | Singer/Entertainer/Songwriter

I am from Long Island, NY and I grew up in a musical household. My father is a musician and was my first music teacher. I studied music from the age of 5 years old with my first instrument being the accordion (which was my father’s first instrument), then at age 10 he taught me piano. But when I figured out that I could sing, that was it for me. I fell in love with singing and being a singer was all I focused on. I made it my life’s mission! I started singing professionally at the age of 12 and have been performing professionally ever since. Read more>>

Edwin Torres | Community Organizer & Art Enthusiast

I am from The Bronx, NY. I believe that my background and upbringing had a tremendous impact on who I am today. Growing up in The Bronx, my parents would always be concerned with my safety, and also wanted to make sure I was spending time in a stable and safe environment. My parents would sign me up for extra curricular activities, such as ballet, tap dancing, and acting. Acting I stuck with the most, and met a lot of people there that I still keep in touch with today. When I was not at school, or doing these activities, I would be at home, watching television, or playing video games. Read more>>

Christian Frazier | Mental Health

Growing up in the projects of Newark, New Jersey, has given me an advantage over other people because I’ve grown to be book smart and street-savvy. Sometimes you have to use your intelligence on both ends when it comes down to job hunting or marketing campaigns – one end being what’s expected from a boardroom perspective with polished words while also knowing how to get things done through tough times using only basic essentials such as hustle mentality & resilience which are otherwise known as “street sense.” I refused to give up no matter how bad things got back then or today. Read more>>

Ashley Evangelista | Graphic Designer & Entrepreneur

I was born in Gwinnett County, Georgia. I was born to a Dominican father and a Dominican mother. My upbringing has had a huge impact on who I am and how I carry myself. From abuse, battling addictions in my past & the ongoing loss of myself. Having to manage all aspects of life on my own from a young age has taught me to cope with many things that people would find impossible. . My therapist has been a huge influence on my life over the years, helping me to discover myself and fulfill my passion for creativity. i’ve always been fond of art that’s what’s gotten me through most of my life, my parents did not support and cultivate my interests much growing up which took a toll on me .. but I’m glad that I now have the ability to tap back into my inner child and support myself more than ever. Read more>>

Jonae Guest | Aspiring Sports Photographer

I was born in Alexandria, VA and currently live in Dumfries Va. I grew up an only child and I played soccer, track and field and basketball. Parents are divorced so I lived with my mom growing up who is my biggest supporter. It was tough growing up an only child with divorced parents, but my mom gave me the best life she could. There isn’t anything I regret. My mom bought a house in elementary school and when I got to middle school, I shot up about 6 inches and basketball was the sport that stuck with me. I love and know basketball as well as the professionals. I can talk sports for hours, but when I graduated, I still wanted basketball to be a part of my life but wasn’t sure how that was going to be possible. Read more>>

Shonica Gooden | Broadway/TV/Film Performer & Founding Director of The Black Artists Dance Collective

I was raised more specifically on the Decatur end of Glenwood. I grew up with young parents so my Grandmother Shirley Gooden and Papa Frank Gooden played a major part in my upbringing. My Grandmother was president of the missionaries at her church, so I spent a lot of time in church and at prayer meetings. Spirituality and the power of faith and prayer have always been a part of me. My Papa was well respected in the community and played father, Uncle, and Papa to many people that weren’t even blood related to us. They both truly believed in community and taking care of your neighbors, even if it often meant sometimes them giving their last. Read more>>

Lavish Visuals | Celebrity Photographer

Im from Hollis Queens, I lived in a middle class neighborhood growing up, but the neighborhood itself wasn’t the best. I just knew that I wanted more in life then to just grow up there and be stuck there. You see stuff in the neighborhood that you will see in everybody else hood. Just got too make sure you don’t become a product of your environment. I could of grew up to be another kid on the block but life had different plans for me. Read more>>

Natassia Wright | United Nations Peace Ambassador -NGO, HR & Leadership Consultant – Cofounder of Mind Food International

I was born and raised from humble beginning in a community called Allman Town in Central Kingston, Jamaica. I was raised in poverty. At the age of 10 years old my house was burnt down leaving about ten of my relatives displaced. It was devastating but we picked up the pieces and moved on. Eight months after that incident, I was told worse news by my great grandmother that my Dad, who was a police officer was killed in the line of duty. My Father was my everything and because of his sudden death I plunged into depression. Read more>>

Curtia Roberts | Chef & Baker

I’m from St. Thomas USVI. I want to say my background and upbringing impacted who i am today because I’m one of the many virgin islanders that brought our culture to America. How did I bring my culture to America? I brought my culture thru my business Come Back Eats and Treats, LLC. At CBET we offer a variety of homemade cake, tarts, butter bread, dumb bread and much more. in the near future we hope to expand and be able to offer more of our local homemade traditional foods. Read more>>