There are so many factors that affect how our lives turn out, but one of the most interesting is how our backgrounds give us unique strengths and perspectives that affect who we are as adults. We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about their background and upbringing and how they feel it’s impacted who they are today.

Karla

I grew up in Venezuela, in an inland city, in a pretty humble neighborhood right outside of town.

Currently, I’m the Director of Espabílate Consulting Group, a consulting firm that helps businesses become more professional and improve their corporate governance. Since 2014, we’ve been helping owners and Boards make sure their companies stick around, make money, and keep growing. Read More>>

Nataly Coll

I’m from Bogotá, Colombia, but I also lived for eight years in Buenos Aires, Argentina and both places have shaped who I am today in powerful ways. Growing up in Colombia gave me a deep appreciation for tradition, color, and cultural richness. Read More>>

Belen Duran

I’m originally from “Camargo, Cuna de Artistas” a beautiful town in Chihuahua, Mexico, that deeply shaped who I am. I was raised in a humble, hardworking family, and watching my parents struggle and work really hard every day became my greatest motivation. At 19, I came to the United States filled with big dreams: to go to college, build a better life, and one day bring my mom and brother here too, something I’m incredibly proud to say I’ve achieved. Read More>>

Loren Browne

I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, but my journey—and the passion that drives me—was shaped by the generations before me. My father is originally from Trinidad and Tobago, and my grandmother’s story is one of resilience and determination. Descended from African slaves and indentured servants from South India, she came to the U.S. in the 1950s as a Caribbean dancer on Broadway. Read More>>

Nataly Horan

I’m Colombian born, raised in Miami, FL, by a Colombian mother, and gringo step-father. My Spanish is “conversational” at best. And I know way more Brittney Spears songs than Shakira. But, I recognize how close I came to being raising in South America, and how fortunate I am that a series of choices lead to my US Citizenship. Read More>>