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.

Citlali Flores

I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and at the age of three, my family brought me to the United States in search of a better future. I’ve been raised in Dallas,Texas ever since, and my identity is deeply rooted in both my Mexican heritage and the experiences of growing up as an immigrant in the U.S.

As the oldest of three siblings, I naturally stepped into the role of a leader and role model from a young age. I learned to navigate two cultures, translate for my parents, and carry responsibilities that shaped my sense of independence and resilience. Read More>>

Atefeh Raouf

I’m originally from Iran, and I’m Persian! Back in Iran, I studied Software Engineering. Alongside my studies, I was deeply involved in the arts, I explored painting, music, calligraphy, interior design and event design.
After moving to the U.S., I continued my education in Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas. During my studies, I discovered a fast and effective way to support myself financially while studying full-time: starting a local business.
I never expected my business to grow so quickly! After graduating, I decided to keep it going as a weekend side job. Read More>>

Purva Jain

I was born and raised in India, and my early years there gave me a deep appreciation for the role that home and family play in shaping who we are. Later, I lived in New York, where I was exposed to a wide range of design influences and a fast-paced, diverse way of living. The contrast between those two experiences — the strong sense of family and tradition I grew up with, and the dynamic, design-forward energy of New York — has shaped my approach to architecture and design today. Read More>>

Carlos

I am a 29-year-old Hispanic man from San Jose, California, the second of four children born to immigrant parents from Durango, Mexico. Growing up, my father was a constant figure in our lives—his presence was felt even when he wasn’t home. He worked tirelessly, often out of town, returning only on Sundays. Those brief moments together were precious, but they also highlighted the sacrifices he made for our family. Read More>>

Lauren E. Allen

I have been thinking a lot about family legacy in my work recently and really resonated with this question. The core of all of my work is centered around mental health and neurodivergence. As a victim of being diagnosed in the 90s (I say this with humor, not angst) I’ve found that my experiences resonate with others. I was very fortunate to be raised by two loving parents who had the financial resources and time to seek me psychiatric care and tools to be successful in school and life. As society continues to have conversations around mental health, neurodivergence and equity I continue to push myself to share my experiences with vulnerability. Read More>>

Lord Landon Michael

I am born in Dallas and New York raised me, creatively. I say that because Dallas offered me a foundation to build my creativity, while New York unlocked an unwavering fire for my art of storytelling. One of my favorite stories to share is one my mom would tell others of me as a creative child. She says, during playtime, ‘I wasn’t ever the kid that would aimlessly bang toys together. I had well developed storylines, plots, and directions.’ Read More>>

Keni White

I am from Kansas City, Missouri and I began my background in content before it was titled “content creation”. Initially, I grew up as a dancer and did that well into my twenties. Dance was (still is) my most favorite creative outlet. However, outside of dance, there was this passion for translating that same creation through technology. Since I was young enough to discover what a computer was I have been obsessed with creating something from nothing. When I got old enough to discover Microsoft Suite, I began my creative ventures through Powerpoint. I remember how much my brain would light up at the endless possibilities. From editing fonts, creating transitions, changing backgrounds, and manipulating graphics. This was just the beginning but it was all so fascinating. Read More>>