Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Chanae Wood

I’m from Miami Gardens, Florida—a vibrant city with the largest Black population in the state. Growing up in a faith-filled household with my parents, who are pastors, and nine siblings shaped so much of who I am today. Our home was always full—full of love, personalities, and purpose. Navigating such a big family taught me how to lead, how to listen, and how to show up for people.  Read More>>

Daniela Caramelera

I was born in Bogotá, Colombia. As an immigrant you leave everything behind, and surrender to the unknown in witch you have to change the form and shape you had been though to be. Starting from cero, brought me the opportunity to become self-aware and realize a deepest state of being. I create and explore based on that wonderful perspective that anything is possible, and we are co-creators of our own reality. Read More>>

Khadijah Muhammad

I was born in Trenton, New Jersey and lived there until I was 12, then my family moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Growing up in New Jersey, I moved around quite a bit and experienced a variety of educational environments—I was homeschooled for a period and also attended charter schools, African-centered schools, and a Muslim school. That experience taught me how to adapt quickly and connect with all kinds of people early on. Read More>>