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.

Danny Gonzalez | Musician, Teacher, Recording Artist

I was born and raised in San Diego, and have lived here my whole life. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I had moved, or chose to move now in regards to my career and lifestyle. I am fortunate enough to have had parents that were able and willing to invest in my talents at a young age, from a new saxophone, to lessons that went along with it. With these blessings I was able to build on (and still seek to build on) a talent that was already an enjoyable investment of my time and energy, and was able to attain to a certain level of skill in making music. After graduating from Vista high school I realized that I still needed to work harder and practice more, because, as it turns out, I wasn’t the only one with this talent. Read more>>

Gabriela Reutter | Professional Show Jumper & Content Creator

I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile, in a family that provided unwavering love and support. My parents were always present, attending every school play, cheerleading tournament, modern dance presentation, science fair, and show jumping competition. My mom nurtured my creativity from an early age through arts and crafts, imaginative games, and vibrant school projects, while my dad instilled in me a sense of responsibility, organization, and practicality. I like to think my creative, sensitive side comes from my mom, while my structured, planner mindset comes from my dad. Read more>>

Cesarina Mezzoni | Executive Chef and Partner

I was born and raised in Rome, Italy, but my story is deeply intertwined with my mother’s roots in the East African islands of Seychelles. As an immigrant to Italy, she found her footing in a foreign culture through food—learning Italian by watching cooking shows and recreating recipes as a way to embrace her new home. Her kitchen was where meals symbolized love, resilience, and belonging, and it’s where I came to understand the power of food in shaping identity and creating connection. I spent countless hours at her side, soaking in those lessons. Read more>>

Heather Sliwinski | CEO/Founder

I’m from Warminster Pennsylvania. I have a very strong Military background, both grandfather’s served in the Army, my Uncle was a Vietnam Veteran (Marine Corps) and my father served in the Navy. My youngest son is also a Marine Corps Veteran. My father’s work ethic taught me to be competitive and that I can do whatever I want if it’s important to me. Read more>>

Kate Swain | Real Estate Team Leader, Licensed Realtor (FL & GA), TV Host – American Dream TV

I’m originally from Jacksonville, FL, and currently live here now, but my journey has taken me through 23 moves, 10 schools, and 6 cities—including Gainesville, Winter Springs, Naples, Marietta, Woodstock, and Amelia Island. Growing up, my family and I shared a love for exploring homes. Whether it was visiting model homes or attending open houses just for fun, these experiences sparked my passion for real estate early on. Read more>>

Vicente Soto | Music Producer & Composer

I’m from an area of Texas called “The Valley”, the southern most tip of Texas. Specifically, I’m from a town called Palmhurst. Any one from there or has visited will tell you music is a huge part of the regional culture so having grown up with passionate, lively and hardworking people, it rubs off on you. For a huge majority you can not be from “The Valley” and in one way or another not have a solid work ethic, in your own lane of interest.

Mine happened to be music in all its forms, and applications. Read more>>

Jennifer Ankele | Medium-Pet Medium-Animal Intuitive-Indigenous Intuitive

I am a Native Californian born and raised in Los Angeles County. I am a registered member of a California Federally Recognized Tribe called Chemehuevi. I feel that my background of being part Native American has influenced my relationship with animals and how I connect to all of nature. I believe that animals, humans, the plants, the rivers and oceans, all of nature and the Universe has a Divine Spirit. My earliest memories of seeing and connecting to Spirits were at the age of 2 or 3. At that age, I did not know they were Spirits. I just thought they were people or animals in my home. However, by the age of 11, I knew I was seeing Spirit and was hosting seance slumber parties and using Tarot cards to give readings to my friends on the school lunch benches. My ability to see and communicate to Spirit never ceased and I continued to utilize this skill into adulthood but only with close family and friends. Read more>>

A. Marie Dingwall | Workflow Consultant

While I was born in America, I am the child of Caribbean immigrants. Therefore, I grew up between cultures. That experience has helped me to understand and be empathetic with others who feel like they aren’t one group but also not quite another or who don’t feel they belong where they are. Yes, I can connect with immigrants or children of immigrants, but also those that are neurodivergent and never feel comfortable with neurotypicals or the Deaf that never quite fit in with their hearing family. I want everyone to feel that, on some level, they are heard and understood. Read more>>

Ericka Rocha | Business Owner&Mother

We are Coachella Valley natives- born and raised desert rats. Growing up with my sister, in Desert Hot Springs, CA (once rated one of the most dangerous cities in US Empire) has really molded who we are and the business model we’ve created today. We grew up in a violent household, like many here our father became victim to the drug epidemic which led to his incarceration and future deportation. Our mother raised us mainly alone, relying on family and community aid while working a corporate cornerstone pharmacy 9-5, that left her exploited and depleted. From a young age we understood the duality of this world. That LOVE does in fact have a price… The Valley is home to many diverse communities. A vacation destination and ideal retirement place is also where farm workers and low-income minorities face daily hardships. Read more>>

Kyle David Park | Music Instructor, Writing Mentor & Multi-Instrumentalist

I was born and raised in Nu’uanu, a valley neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, which is uniquely situated just minutes from both lush rainforest waterfalls and the vibrant downtown metropolis. From an early age, I was immersed in music, influenced by my parents—my mother, a classically trained pianist and vocalist, and my late father, a jazz and popular music improviser. Following in their footsteps, I began piano lessons at age seven and later expanded my musical interests, entering into a hard rock and heavy metal era during my adolescence, which compelled me to pick up the drums. In high school, I also added guitar and cello to my repertoire. Read more>>