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.

Kya P | Model & Influencer & Artist

I come from a family of powerful, driven, and creative women. I was raised in an environment where talent and glamour flourished. From my dancing and singing mother to my seamstress grandmother, and even my cosmetologist grandmother, creativity was the heartbeat of my upbringing. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when I lost my father in a car accident. Read more>>

Yihan Yang | Film Director & Photographer

Growing up in Beijing, China, I came to the U.S. at 18. My family had no ties to the arts. My mother is a psychotherapist specializing in Family Constellation and Psychoanalysis, who offered me a fresh perspective on observing the world. I believe psychology profoundly inspires my filmmaking career. Themes of mental struggle, isolation, and human connection, both to oneself and the outer world, captivate me. This intrigue sparked my deep dive into individual stories. Read more>>

Kareem Williams | Speaker & Author

My family is originally from the beautiful island of Barbados, however I was born in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a Caribbean household came with many influences and values that are unique. Caribbean parents are usually very strict. They want things done a certain way. They expect the best from you at all times and if you mess up in any way, they will know without even being in the same room. Though this is not the best environment for a child’s emotional development, it did make me produce growth in many areas. Read more>>

Lansing Goodwin | Rapper/Singer/Songwriter

I’m from Raleigh, North Carolina. At a young age I moved down to Georgia, and living there provided multiple aspects and perspectives on life and helped me shape my mind to where I am right now. Read more>>

Farjana khalil | Entrepeneur, and Creative

My name is Farjana Khalil, and I’m from Atlanta, Ga my parents and background ethnicity is Bangladesh I am bengali south asian american 1st generation. I live on my own as a digital nomad as of now in between the cities of atlanta, ga and new york city / dmv and occasionally la / west coast for events or gigs and business opportunities. Read more>>

Seema Viswanath | Dancer | Choreographer | Educator | Director

I am from southern part of India from a very rich heritage city called ‘Mysore’ in Karnataka. India is a land of diversity. Every state has its own flavor. Similarly Mysore is famous for its arts & culture. I have grown up listening to classical music, watching dance, plays every single day. My dad was a national recognized theater artist. He was well known for his backstage work where he could use useless things to convert into gorgeous sets on stage. Read more>>

Erik Forman | Owner of Mac Boyz

I grew up in the projects of Spanish Harlem in NYC which really set the foundation of my strength, risk taking, and openness to the world. I grew up understanding that the parameters of my neighborhood was limited to really seeing the world, so I made it very intentional to travel. In my travels my mind frame opened up not only to the external world, but to the cultures around me. Read more>>

Mengjie Mo | Artist

I come from Yunnan Kunming, known as one of the largest gathering places for ethnic minorities in China. Within this area, 25 distinct minority groups coexist, with some still adhering to matrilineal traditions. Living among this diverse tapestry of cultures, I had the opportunity to witness and appreciate their unique differences. This experience served as the initial spark that ignited my critical examination of patriarchal society. Read more>>