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.

Toral Patel | Artist

I was born in Queens, NY, and my love of all things art stems from my childhood there in the 70’s and 80’s. As a young girl, I found this dynamic, colorful era inspiring and energizing. Art was all around visually, from graffiti on buildings and subways of New York to the panoramic scenes at Flushing Meadows Park. I was always drawn to color and shapes that were not only created by people, but also by nature. Exploring flowers at a park or staring endlessly at the shapes that clouds form were some of my favorite childhood pastimes. Read more>>

Jasmine Burns | Serial Entrepreneur & Tech Professional

I am from a small town in the north western part of Pennsylvania, called Erie. I was born and raised in Erie, PA. I am the oldest of my siblings. I think that my family is the biggest impact on who I am today. I come from a family of very driven, intellectual and God fearing people – especially females. My maternal and paternal grandmothers both are the living matriarch’s of their families and have been for as long as I can remember. I always grew up watching strong women achieving their goals, even though they were just my “grammies” to me. Read more>>

Tonisha Gale-Jenkins | Business owner & content creator

I am from Maryland. I came from a background where I saw both my parents work really hare, but more importantly hustled. Seeing them both makes ends meet made me want a life for myself where I didn’t have to work too hard & with doing things that I love. I enjoy making products for my beauty & beard care brand & being a content creator. Read more>>

Brittnai Gary | Serial Entrepreneur

I am from Miami, Florida. I have to give much praise to my mother. I have always seen her work hard to support me and my siblings. Even with her busy schedule she occasionally made time to take me on trips to the bookstore and to business conferences. She assured me that I could do and be anything, even if I didn’t choose the traditional route of going to college after graduating. I picked up my first hobby in the 9th grade and I’ve become a serial entrepreneur ever since. Read more>>

Rose Rosado | Model

I come from a Puerto Rican family and I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. Growing up in the Bronx wasn’t always easy but it taught me to be strong. I was bullied as a kid, which of course would affect anyone and cause insecurities but it also lead to me finding my passions. I had a long journey with learning to love myself and be confident in who I am. If you know me, I’m a very outgoing person and won’t try to be someone that I’m not. With every person I meet, I’m very genuine and what you see is what you get. I can be weird, very talkative, or too energetic but that’s me. Read more>>