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.

Emma Springer | Founder & Executive Director of Extra To Love

I grew up just north of Houston in a home filled with love and faith. Family and my Christian faith have always been the most important things in my life. When I was faced with a prenatal diagnosis that left us with an uncertain future, it was these two things that made it possible to move forward each day. Read more>>

Andy Ellis | Songwriter, Music Producer, Artist

My background and upbringing impacted me a lot in the sense that all my life I’ve felt like I’m a “man from nowhere”. My parents both grew up, met, and married in Massachusetts, but by the time I was born they had lived in the UK for over a decade. Read more>>

Octavias Gatson | License Cosmetologist

Hello, I am Mrs.Octavias Gatson! I am alumni of Ogle School of Hair, Skin, and Nails in Fort Worth,TX. I was born in Atlanta, GA at Grady Memorial Hospital but spent a majority part of life growing up in Shreveport, LA. I believe the future of the hair industry has a lot to offer, and I am so honored to be a part of it.  Read more>>

Anya Ahuja | Teen Radio Host, International Anchor, Podcaster

Although I am a Dallas girl through and through as I was born just down the street from my home here in Dallas, my Indian heritage is a huge and cherished part of my identity and living in Dallas has only amplified my connection to it. From early on, it has been instilled in me to respect and identify with my Indian roots. Read more>>