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.

Alexandra Bruno | Educator & Small Shop Owner

My parents are both immigrants who came to Miami in the 80s. My mom is from Guatemala and my dad is from Dominican Republic. I was born and raised in Allapattah(AP). Growing up in AP, my mom, dad, and uncles all worked at the gas station at the end of the block. My neighbors on both sides were my aunts and uncles every one knew each other and took care of each other. Read more>>

Amanda Vianez | Paramedic & Influencer

I am from Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil filled with a very warm culture of people! I believe this humble upbringing has molded me into the fun loving girl I am today living in beautiful South Florida! The people of Villa Velha are always willing to help their neighbors and this has stuck with me throughout my life and into my nursing career. Read more>>

Fatt Mike | Music Artist

I am from Maryland, born in Homestead Miami. My upbringing impacted how I am today a lot because of the things I went through as a child. It wasn’t rough or bad but there was plenty of ups and downs far as school, at home and growing up without a male figure throughout my life. Those things helped me become who I am now. Read more>>

Anj Kohli Catalano | Real Estate Developer and Realtor

I am from London, and my parents are immigrants originally from India. My grandparents moved to London in the 1960’s as did many Indians. They were University professors who spoke 7 languages but could only get jobs in the post office when they got to the UK. They worked there for many years till they retired and built much of their community of friends there with people from India. Read more>>

Brian Nance | Dj/Producer Remixer Known as WhoisBriantech and Also Media Label Owner of SubPrintzNYC Media LLC

I’m From The Bronx, NY and I believe my Background being from The Bronx and Hearing for example on the radio A lot of middle to Late 80s and 90s Hip Hop, like Whodini, Slick Rick, Tribe Called Quest, Ice Cube, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E Fresh, Queen Latifah to Early R&B like Lisa Lisa Cult Jam Luther Vandeross to Jazz Music By Japanese Groups like Hiroshima, Bob James, Grover Washington Jr to Al Jerraeu to Black Rock and Roll By In Living Color to Latin Music to Early Disco Garage music by Larry Levan and Freestyle House By Tony Humphries to Heavy Dancehall Riddims Dj wise Bobby Konders and Dj Red Alert and Funk Master Flex with more Hip Hop and so many Other Djs of various Genres in House and Techno and being in a boro of NYC with having the heaviest Latin community out of all 5 Boros at the time Read more>>

Kenny Daniels | Personal Trainer & Business Owner

I was born and raised in Chicago, IL. The youngest child of three from a single parent household, where I was inspired by my mom’s ability to not only work two jobs, but also maintain her own personal business as a tailor. Growing up, I’ve always felt like I needed options – prepared back up plans in case I needed to fall back upon. Because of that, I became a huge multi-tasker. Sitting down without anything to do was never an option. But throughout all, it has aided in my awareness of prioritizing my life. I’ve been able to utilize every skill set learned throughout my journey to add to my character as a black man as well as a business owner. Read more>>

Kasia Johnson | Fashion stylist, wardrobe consultant and photo shoot producer

I am originally from Poland but since very young age I knew I want to live abroad. Poland never seem to be big enough to me. My upbringing was focused on education and travelling. My parents valued these 2 very much and they taught me to trust people and be open minded. I was fortunate enough to get to visit almost all countries in Europe and many other in the world. My parents always encouraged me to learn as much as I possibly can about other countries and cultures. It impacted me in a way that I stay curious and I don’t judge easily. My parents made me to train swimming when i was a child because it was good for my back. I had a love hate relationship with my swimming drill. Read more>>