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.

Manel Vernerette | PA & Investor

I grew up in a Haitian household of parents who immigrated to the United states for a better life. That unique experience gave me the desire for improvement, drive for success and empathy and compassion. Read more>>

Samuel Batista | Photographer

I am from Panama City , Panama and my background inspire my work to show case the beauty of nature and people and our world since Panama is very diverse country filled with beauty and rich history Read more>>

Kelly L. Campbell | Trauma-Informed Leadership Coach and Author of HEAL to LEAD

With a tumultuous upbringing, I had to grow up very quickly. As a means of self-protection, I became a keen observer of what was said and went unsaid in our household. I started a digital marketing agency at the age of 22 and sold it 14 years later. Fast forward, I realize now that my early entrepreneurial pursuits were a trauma response—in that, I was recreating an environment in which I mattered and was valued and needed by employees and clients. After selling the firm, I consulted for the likes of Facebook (Meta), NASA, nonprofits, and other marketing and ad agencies. All of that led me to coach organizational leaders through a trauma-informed lens. Read more>>