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.

Nadia Elise

I’m from a town in Texas called Spring Branch. I grew up in a beautiful neighborhood right across the elementary and middle school I went to. My favorite show was Hannah Montana and I loved belting my heart out in the car to sad Adele songs. (I still do honestly.) My parents quickly saw how much I loved to sing and started encouraging me to audition for solos for my school’s choir and theatre programs. Safe to say I loved singing with a microphone in my hand. When I started high school, I found myself longing to fit in and blend.  Read More>> 

Ashley Spriggs

I’m proudly from Fort Worth, Texas — raised by my incredible grandparents, whom I lovingly call Mom and Dad. They truly shaped who I am. My dad’s favourite saying was, “It’s just right to do right,” and let me tell you, that quote has been my internal compass ever since. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, compassion, faith, and humility — and a serious belief in showing up for others. Read More>> 

Erin Bryan

I was born and raised in California and moved to Texas at 22. Now in my 40’s, I can clearly see how both places shaped who I am. Growing up in a middle-class home, some considered my upbringing privileged, but it was really just a stable foundation built on love and hard work. California life felt fast-paced and open-minded, but Texas has become home in a deeply rooted way. Read More>>