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.

Luciano Paredes | Photographer

I am from Chula Vista, California born & raised here. I am the middle child of three brothers one older and one younger. This is a family full of love, caring for others, passionate about what we love to, supportive to those around us and looking to always elevate in life. Being the middle child was a blessing because I could follow my brother’s example of being an athlete all while making my own lane after seeing the blueprint to his success. Once I found out my parents were having another kid, I knew I needed to set the standard for my soon to be little brother so he could have another blueprint to understand Read more>>

ROSADELA DURRUTHY | Lupus patient & mental health advocate, Speaker and Empowerment Coach,

I am born and raised in San Diego, California from the Paradise Hills community. My parents are both immigrants to America and I strongly believe that the work ethic they displayed to not only come to a foreign country but succeed as home and business owners has given me the perseverance to push through a chronic illness and domestic violence marriage, and rise above statistics. I grew up watching my uncle Pedro battle the ugly side of lupus and wanting to be his nurse and caretaker helps me have empathy for others experiencing battles within themselves. Read more>>

Caroline Poe | Blogger, Creator, & Account Manager

I was born and raised in San Diego! I have so much love and pride for America’s Finest City. I was what we called “creatively homeschooled”. Since we were fortunate enough to be so creative with our time, my parents took myself and my two older brothers on “huge field trips” all around the world. The first place I visited overseas (besides Mexico), was Israel at just 9-years-old. My love for travel started very young. What exposure! I still remember so much about that trip and treasure all the amazing trips I went on with my family. Being exposed to a wide variety of cultures and places really shaped my curiosity and excitement for the world! Read more>>