Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Elizabeth Rowland

I am from Dallas, Texas and grew up in a Christian home. I would say the values instilled in me had an incredibly significant impact on who I am today because they taught me a true love for God. In combination with this, I grew up with two parents who encouraged me in my creative endeavors and taught me that the talents I had were given to me by God in order to share the truth of who He is with others Read More>>

Shatavia Reese

I’m a proud Dallas native, born and raised in the East Dallas Projects. Growing up in the projects prepares you for life in ways you don’t fully realize until later. It shaped my worldview, my beliefs, and how I carry myself in the world today.

In that environment, everyone is family. It truly takes a village, and from that village, I learned values from every person who played a role in raising me. One of the first things I was taught was to have a backbone—to stand up for myself and never let anyone walk over me. But just as importantly, I was reminded to always remain a woman and to move with grace. Read More>>

Ivan Pickles

Ivan James Pickles, a visionary hailing from the heart of Dallas, Texas, is deeply rooted in faith. From his earliest days, Ivan’s life has been intertwined with the rhythms of the church, nurtured by his proud parents, Travis and Arveletta Pickles. His journey into the realm of music ignited with remarkable fervor and passion, as he began directing the choir at the tender age of 8, inspired by the graceful movements of the choir director during Sunday services. At home, Ivan’s love for music flourished as he orchestrated imaginary concerts with his stuffed animal choir, using his mother’s coffee table as a piano. Read More>>

Jacqueline Mathews

I moved from Arcadia Park in Dallas, Texas to Red Oak, Texas right before starting kindergarten, back when Red Oak was mostly open fields and quiet country like living. There wasn’t a whole lot around at that time including internet. So we mostly played outside, made up games or went places to explore nature. I consistently doodled in my past time including on the walls which luckily my parents didn’t seem to mind as long as I kept my decoration in my room only. Read More>>

Martin Slyngstad

I am from San Jose, California, growing up with autism it was not easy. Teachers, and peers didn’t understand it as much so I dealt with bullies everyday. Fast forward to today, I used that bullying as fuel to get to where I am now. I am a published author, Disability Advocate of the year in San Jose, Business Owner, Public Speaker, and Special Olympics Athlete. was it easy? No, but I never gave up and trusted God. Read More>>