Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places. Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Deity Mone’k | Filmmaker & Social Activist

I am from Carol City, Florida, also known as the Fabulous 305! Being from such an eclectic city that is so diverse, creative, and filled with culture, I have been blessed to meet and work alongside many amazingly talented people, creators, and social activists. My various interactions propelled me forward and encouraged me not only to create but also to dig deeper and search beyond what meets the eye. My upbringing made me the person I am today, being raised around my grandparents and my older relatives taught me that everyone has a unique story. My love of storytelling, appreciation for music, and passion for the beautiful things around me are a direct result of the people and places I was surrounded by growing up. As a result of my upbringing, being a social activist and giving back to my community was a natural extension of my surroundings. I founded Seek Changes; a social organization committed to seeking the changes I want to see and be a part of in society. I have organized events and galvanized fellow Seek Changers in contributing to back-to-school drives, Christmas toy drives, hygiene and food distribution for the homeless, clothing drives, and a host of other activities to improve our local community. Who I am is a result of where I originated from and the amazing people that impacted my life journey. Read more>>

Judy Gaggero | Artist

I grew up in a small town in the middle of Kansas, with big blue skies and open spaces. As cmany artists, I was drawn to art at an early age. My first memory at three years was a Crayola scribble drawing for my parents for Valentines Day. It was orange, not red, as I didn’t know my colors. When I did learn them, my favorites were magenta and cerulean blue, which found their way into many coloring books, spilling outside the lines, and pushing the boundaries. As I grew I drew on my Etch a Sketch. Never satisfied, I would swipe it off, and draw something new, trying to make it better. In High School I had an art teacher whom I loved. She taught us the basics and then gave us the freedom to be original. She actually drove me to the University of Nebraska where I won a best of show award! I was over the moon, and it gave me the confidence to move ahead. In College I absorbed art like a sponge. I learned gesture and live model drawing, painting, sculpture, interior design, art history, etc. Along with school, I redesigned a restaurant and did commission paintings to earn extra money. Throughout, I was fortunate to have a structured middle class upbringing, but also have the freedom of a small town to explore nature and my imagination. My father always told me that I could be anything that I wanted to be, and art was my priority. Creating in some way has always been a part of me. Read more>>

Karen Sabag | Founder and Creative Director

Born into a family deeply rooted in the world of couture, I discovered my passion for creativity early on, designing pieces at home under the guidance of my couturier mother, Lydia Sabag. My formal education at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York refined my skills, paving the way for my journey as a designer. In 2006, I took over from my mother and founded Karen Sabag New York, serving as the Creative Director. With locations in Brooklyn and Manhasset, the brand is renowned for its ability to capture the essence of the female form, creating elegant, modern, and timeless pieces that are inclusive for all. Read more>>

Benedict Dominique | Fitness Coach & Part Owner at Pro Performance

I am born and raised in the South Florida Area. My parents emigrated from Haiti in the early 80’s. Both my mom and dad were and still are two very hardworking and diligent individuals. I owe a lot to them. They taught me skills and life lessons that I use everyday. Without their example I definitely would have not approached life with the growth mindset that I have now. Read more>>

Mercedes Parages Revertera | Artist, painter , textile designer

I am Spanish and I have been influenced in my painting by our culture with great artists such as Velzaquez, Goya, Zurbaran , Ribera ,Picasso… also the influence and light of the Mediterranean is very important for me. Read more>>