There are so many factors that affect how our lives turn out, but one of the most interesting is how our backgrounds give us unique strengths and perspectives that affect who we are as adults. We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about their background and upbringing and how they feel it’s impacted who they are today.

Kelly Kim

I’m originally from South Korea and moved to the U.S. when I was 19 to pursue an art degree in New York. Around the time I moved, my parents had just divorced, and as an international student, I wasn’t eligible for student loans. To support me and my younger brother’s education, my mom started a cream puff business back home. Read More>>

Ashton

I’m from Los Angeles and Orange County — born in LA, kindergarten through high school in Orange County; while living in LA throughout most of it. Growing up in Orange County as a black girl was quite an experience! I’d like to say that I couldn’t imagine what it would be like in 2025, but I can. Although I wasn’t exactly an outcast, I definitely felt marginalized it times. This had a huge impact on who I am today — I try my best to make those around me feel included and validated in whatever space we occupy. Read More>>

Yago Mann

My full name is Santiago Granados Mann. But Yago Mann is shorter! Lol. I grew up in Cuernavaca, a small city south of Mexico City, in a very creative home. My father is an architect and artist. Music was always playing — mostly classic rock from The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin to whatever new bands were breaking at the time. Nobody in my family played instruments, but my dad and older brother were true music fans who knew all the history, went to concerts, and shared that passion with me. Read More>>

Colleen Bailey

I’m probably giving you a lot more info than you need lol but here is me: ;I’m from South Orange County, where I grew up in the San Clemente and Aliso Viejo areas. I was adopted, along with my younger sister, into a family of six, and I’ve always felt incredibly lucky to have grown up in such a loving, creative environment. Read More>>