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.

Sandra De Silva De La Torre | Cinematographer

I am Mexican, but was born in Paris. I think that mixture help me understand the diversity of our world. Wile I was growing up I had poor health. Ended up going out and in the hospital many, many times. I suffer a lot of fiscal pain because of it, but I also faced myself with a lot of bulling at school because of it. I was in the verge of death many many times, more than I can count off, all that psychological and physiological pain help me be extremely empathic. Another big thing for me is: as a Female cinematographer I got told many times “women cannot touch a camera so they cannot be cinematographers” Read more>>

Veronica Montgomery | Business & Life Coach

Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, where there were limited programs to support adults with disabilities, has greatly influenced who I am today. Despite facing challenges due to my cerebral palsy, my upbringing instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination. The lack of resources and support in my community pushed me to advocate for myself and others with disabilities. It taught me the importance of empathy, perseverance, and the value of creating opportunities where they are lacking. Read more>>

Diana Delgado | Legal Document Assistant

I was born in Los Angeles but raised in San Bernardino. I grew up in a typical Mexican household in San Bernardino, with parents emphasizing the importance of job security, instilled a strong sense of responsibility and caution when it came to making decisions about my career and financial future. The idea of entrepreneurship and owning a business seemed risky and unfamiliar. However, being a single mother shifted my perspective. The need to provide for myself and family led me to consider entrepreneurship as a viable option despite the risks. While my upbringing may have initially instilled a preference for job security, my experiences as a single mother and the support of my family have empowered me to take risks and pursue my entrepreneurial goals. Read more>>

Clare Metague Metague | Artist and Airbnb Superhost

I’m a native San Franciscan, born and raised in the Mission District. While my parents were together I did live briefly in Chicago and Manhattan. My earliest memories are from my time on Thompson Street (then Greenwich Village) where I attended Kindergarten nearby at PS41. At 23, I moved into my current home on Potrero Hill (residential neighborhood South of Market) in San Francisco. Read more>>

Terrance (Terry) Smith | Photographer & Yoga Instructor

Originally, I am from South East San Diego, in the Emerald Hills neighborhood, a place that is very near and dear to my heart. This is a place that was historically red lined and in its place, a thriving African-American community that persist despite a lack of political representation to support them. This spirit of resistance is something that defines me as I make my way in and around San Diego in support of liberation through the strength of the community around me. Black San Diego, as defined a 6% of the city, is a community that can be very distant from each other, with no defined cultural hub or landscape that represents our collective direction, a fact that impacts the way that I interact with this city on a daily basis. Read more>>

Kajal Zaveri | Artist, Art Teacher, Mom

I am an artist based in New York, and I work on oil paintings largely inspired by nature and my aesthetics, largely inspired by life journey so far. From the celebrations and traditions of India to the surf and coastline of California, to the energy and vibrancy of New York, my conception of a hometown and thus my artistic influences, has undertaken a range of shifts and surprises over the years. Though I am currently based and working out of New York, I am originally from India, the land of bright colors, energetic vibes, sights, sounds, multiculturalism, and strong traditions. I was always surrounded by wonderful folk and traditional art, vibrant colors and so many festivals that incorporated art and colors. For example, every year in Spring, we would celebrate Holi – ‘The Festival of Colors’. We would celebrate the festival by smearing each other with colored powder and dye, all in good humor. So, colors have been part of my life growing up. I was lucky to grow up in a very loving and supportive family and my parents encouraged all my artistic pursuits. I continued painting as a hobby, honing my skills by practicing whenever I could. I never went to formal art school, but a local art class was enough to ignite my love for painting. After graduation, I moved to the USA for my MBA. With my new degree, I started working in the financial sector and even though I was good at my work, I soon realized that I was not really enjoying looking at numbers and spreadsheets. I was, however, mesmerized by the diversity and beauty of California which I had started to discover through my travels within the state. I felt a deep connection to my real self and started painting again, with a great sense of joy. Soon after, I quit my day job and focused my energies on my first love – painting and pursuing art as a full-time career. Beside my daily inspiration from nature, I have had the with the good fortune to travel to some beautiful places in the world. encounters have left lasting impressions. I have now moved to New York and love the energy and the vibe here that is making me get inspired anew and shaping my perspective and point of view as I journal that through my art onto the canvas. Read more>>