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.

Andrea Garcia | Writer & Art Lover

My name is Andrea Garcia and I am from Cali, Colombia. I used to live in Bogota, Colombia before moving to Miami. Due to an unexpected and very painful situation in my life, I decided to start a new one in the USA. Even though I love my country, the pain caused by a tragic event encouraged me to pursue a different path far from my home. In 2014, I was supposed to get married to the love of my life, but God had a different plan. Hours before our wedding my love past away. His soul traveled to Heaven to be with God. Read more>>

Duaini Walden | Mother – Nurse – Entrepreneur

I am originally from Hyattsville, Maryland, I was born there bounced around there and NY. I have resided in West Palm Beach for over 20 years so I consider myself from here. I identify as Caribbean American. My upbringing mirrored one of that many Caribbean American children whose parents were immigrants. My upbringing contributed to how I show up and identify as in the world both welcomed and not. Tenacity and resilience is second nature to me. I went through a lot & had to tough it out on my own a lot. Read more>>

Jody Brown | Hairstylist & Photographer

My story starts off like most. I didn’t have the easiest childhood. By the grace of God and the love from my aunts, I graduated high school and was on my own after that. When I was younger my mom my was an alcoholic and on drugs. My dad had another family and moved to Indiana. I had two little sisters I had to help take care of when my mom was too messed up to do it. Read more>>

Adam Riches | Toy designer, illustrator, & comic book artist

I’m what I guess you’d call a VERY native Floridian! My grandfather was actually born and raised inside the literal oldest house in Miami, The Wagner Homestead, which is currently located in Lummus Park. Throughout the course of my life, I’ve either lived in, or spent significant time in, nearly every major city of Florida, with only a couple of brief stints living out of state, but Florida will always be home. Read more>>

Jovanna Santamaria | Owner of the first Volleyball Devolpmental Academy in Miami

I am born and raised in Miami, Florida. As a young kid I always said I wanted to work for myself. My mother Martha Santamaria taught me the importance of what it is to Hussle for your own. I was 7 years old standing in front of my house selling lemonade, pastries and more. My roots are from my father David Santamaria who is a former volleyball player from Colombia who competed internationally who then eventually became a player and head coach for Memphis State University. Read more>>

Valeria Feliciano | Model & Filmmaker

I’m originally from Puerto Rico, so life is very different here in Florida in comparison to the island. Especially, being raised by a hard-working single mother of two. Years ago, My mother made the difficult decision of leaving everything she knew behind. To give my brother and I the chance at a better life and education. As you can imagine It was not an easy transition. As we struggled to learn English and adjust to life here in the U.S. It’s definitely been a long journey. But I’m thankful for the opportunities and lessons I’ve learned. Read more>>