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.

Joshua Andrew Smith | Actor & Screenwriter

Although, I was born Georgia, I grew up in the midwest. I spent my early childhood in the Cincinnati area where I was introduced to a judgement free environment. During this stage I learned to treat people with the proper respect and, more than likely, you will get the same respect. In 2005, I moved to the Chicago area. During my time in Chicago, I realized that I wanted to be in the spotlight in someway. My high school classmates always told me that they could envision seeing me on television. Read more>>

Crystal Marie Moore | CEO | Real Estate Broker

I am originally from the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, I moved to Florida at the age of 10 because my parents divorced. I watched my mother worked three jobs to support her family, my mother always told me I am always in control of my futures and my choices towards my future begins today. I learned very early the value of commitment and creating the life you want not the life thats given to you. At the age of 12, Read more>>

Omar Scott | CEO Of Scott Boy Music Group LLC

I’m from Opa-Locka, a city in Miami, Florida. I grew up in a small apartment but with a big family. My mother worked as a maid to take care of me the best she could. I grew up in the struggle in one the toughest places in the country in the 80’s. Growing up in Opa-Locka made me tough and understanding of the fact that nothing in life comes easy. I don’t take nothing for granted because tomorrow isn’t promised. Read more>>

Evelyn Lopez | Mother, Wife and CEO

I am from Central America, from a small town called La Ceiba in the country of Honduras. I grew up in extreme poverty where food, water and electricity were not a daily guarantee. My sister (who is a year older) and I grew up without the presence of our mother and father. I was so young that I do not remember when they were gone, by family accounts it was around the age of 2 years old. Read more>>

Joyce Bartels Daal | Success Coach and Happy Realtor

I was born in Aruba, Dutch Caribbean. My parents were from Suriname, lived in the Netherlands and then moved to Aruba. My background is multi cultural and being in a diverse home and environment, this has certainly shaped who I am today. I speak four languages, I am open and identify with different cultures, I am a curious, continuous learner. Growing up in a diverse environment and home has taught me to naturally be open and curious about other people and to be less judgmental and more curious to learn about others. Read more>>