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.

Natella Khaleel | Kid art studio co-owner

I’m originally from France, I grew up in a small town near the Belgium border. I left when I was 21 and move to the US. After 10 years in New York City I recently moved to Miami (Coconut Grove). Read more>>

Monica Del Valle | Yoga Instructor and Owner of Break Free Movement

I was born and raised in Miami. My family left Cuban along with everything they had in the 50’s and 60’s. I come from a family or hard workers and my parents both showed me how important work ethic is. Knowing my grandparents left their country to give my parents a brighter future is something I don’t take lightly. Having my own business, while also doing what I love and am passionate about is a dream come true. Read more>>

Shelley Siller | Dance Instructor & Musician

I was born in California and grew up in Cape Coral, FL, and it gave me warm blood! I loved getting to grow up in a place where people vacation. There’s a relaxed attitude and way of life in Florida that I’ve brought with me everywhere else I’ve lived, and that mindset has helped carry me through stressful situations. Read more>>

Steve Wright | Keynote Speaker/Universal Design Thought Leader/Planner/Educator

I am from Ohio, so I am grounded, loyal and show up on time. My late mother struggled with severe mental illness for her entire adult life. I became a writer because I wanted to tell the stories of all people — including those that struggled each day of their life. Read more>>

Honey German | Media Personality & Digital Director

I was born in Harlem, New York, during a major snowstorm, which set a precedent for how I would approach life: “We Gon Make It!” Growing up in the “City that Never Sleeps” with periods spent in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where people make things happen daily despite obstacles and poverty, crafted an individual that views life as a series of anticipated inconveniences, met with dual swords in hand. Read more>>

Rebel Love | Karenne K” Feliz: Vocalist

K was born in the DR and raised in France until the age of 8 that’s when her family immigrated to the U.S. in 2005. French and Spanish are her native tongues because her dad is French and mom is Dominican. Her ability to be fluent in three languages is definitely a big influence on how we wanted to shape our performance. Read more>>