Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Fernando Rodriguez | Creative Technologist

I was born in Chamacuaro, Guanajuato, Mexico, to a family of migrant workers. I share a very similar struggle that a lot of immigrants and migrant workers have in today’s time. Seasonal migrant work in agricultural fields has been a large part of my life, and for the majority of my childhood, it was all I knew. My days in the field are echoed by recurring phrases my parents continued to tell me: “Ponte a estudiar, porque en la labor no está facil” (study hard because working in the fields isn’t easy). Read more>>

Sara Stanford | Entrepreneur | Bridal Stylist | Resume Revamp Guru

I was born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised by both my mother and father. At a very young age they both instilled in me a sense of confidence in self regardless of what others would think of me. At the age of 8 I was diagnosed with a skin condition called Vitiligo, a disorder that prevents a person from producing pigment cells and melanin and causes large white patches on the skin. My parents made it a priority to ensure I was confident and self assured regardless of how I looked and what the outside world thought of me. Read more>>

Jomana Elaridi | Mom of 2 gorgeous boys, Empowerment & Confidence Coach, University Professor

I was born and raised in Australia to Lebanese parents. My very loving family brought me up with traditional and conservative village values from where they lived in Lebanon and this contributed a lot to who I am today. Our deep=rooted faith always kept me grounded while at the same time provided me with safety to move forward. However, with such a strict upbringing, I felt I always had to be the ‘good girl.’ This is where patterns of perfectionism, people-pleasing, poor boundary setting, seeking approval and validation, needing to achieve and over-achieve and so on … came from. Read more>>

Akemi Hausammann | Founder of HAUSAKE

I am Japanese Cuban, born and raised in Miami. Being from two completely different cultures, I would like to think it brought me to having a good balance between being an intro and extrovert. As we know there isn’t a large Asian Community in Miami, so growing up I seemed to always embrace my Cuban heritage. Not complaining about it, I am very much Latina in personality and Asian in appearance. My background has impacted me to the point that I have created a brand, HAUSAKE, that is dedicated to celebrating my Japanese roots and my “East meets West” attitude. Read more>>

Samantha Shakes | Owner & Designer

I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. I spent just about the first half of my life there before my parents moved our family to Florida. Growing up in New York was amazing. There’s so much culture to absorb, whether that’s from the various industries you’re surrounded by, the diverse groups of friends you make, and don’t forget the food. Read more>>

Maria Jose Moreno | Film Director & Producer

I was born in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela and moved to Miami with my parents in 2001. Growing up as an immigrant meant that my family and I faced a lot of struggles during my formative years; something that I come back to often in my work. Despite the adversity we experienced, my parents constantly surrounded my brother and I with love. They encouraged us to pursue our dreams, no matter what they were, and made us feel supported throughout it all. It’s this all-encompassing love that has influenced my work the most. Every single film I make or work on, I approach with love and care because I know of its importance firsthand. Read more>>

Kyrie SALTERS | Licensed Therapist

The most important lesson my business has taught me is that everyday will not be perfect but if you give your all everyday, you will ultimately reach your goal. Read more>>