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.

Shonda Singleton-Taylor | Consultant & Business Owner

I was born in Lakeland, Florida and raised in the small town of Mulberry, Florida. My background and upbringing has a major impact on who I am today. I was primarily raised by my grandmother and grandfather. Throughout my childhood, I was involved in many different academic-related and extracurricular activities. I participated in activities such as learning to play the flute, piano and organ, cheerleading, drawing and painting, computer classes, flag corps, pageants at the church, singing in the choir, other church activities, as well as selling food items and fundraising activities. Read more>>

Daniel Zuliani | Photographer

I’m originally from Brazil, but my life had a lot of moving around till I turned 18. My dad works in the hospitality business so I had the opportunity to live in 4 different states in Brazil, Cuba, Cayman Islands and South Florida all before my 18th birthday. It sounds like an amazing experience, but for me as a kid it was tough. Leaving friends and family behind every few years and start all over again somewhere else isn’t easy. Read more>>

Diego Pagán | Owner Operator @ OverDhead

I’m from the Beautiful island of Puerto Rico and within the island i’m from the smallest town called Cataño. The culture of the island and the colorful living of the island helped shape my character and values. I mentioned the name of the town where I grew up because is a small town with limited resources and a rough past but that didn’t limit me as a person. I was able to influence my community on a positive manner and I was able to grow as a profesional. Read more>>

Joshua Whitlatch | Athletic Performance, Skill Development & Personal Training

I am born and raised just outside of Indianapolis, IN in a town called Lebanon. This school has a very long a rich tradition in the game of basketball, home of some of the oldest High School State Championships in the country. The knowledge I gained throughout my youth not only in basketball, but sports in general, has had a tremendous impact on where I am at today. I have been able to have and leave a bigger thumbprint in sports far bigger than I ever did as a player. Read more>>