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.

Lashanna Stephens

I’m from Houston, MS, a small town that played a big role in shaping who I am today. My parents divorced when I was five, and as kids do, I created my own story about why it happened. At that age, I didn’t have the full picture, so I filled in the gaps with my own interpretations—some of which made me question my worth and whether I was somehow to blame. Read More>>

Doreiby (dory) Riker

I was born in Cali, Colombia, and moved to Queens, NY, when I was almost eight years old. Growing up between a 3rd world country and the concrete jungle shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. It instilled in me resilience, strength, and the determination to keep pushing forward no matter what. Today, as a professional, a momprenur and a wife, that strength drives me every day. I don’t quit, and I don’t stop working toward my dreams and goal because perseverance is part of who I am. Read More>>

Saad Ayub

I was born and raised in Bangladesh and spent a part of my life in Canada. I grew up in a home filled with warmth, love, and incredible homemade food. Meals were more than just food—they were moments of connection, tradition, and care. That deep appreciation for food and community stayed with me.

I went to college with the intention of getting a bachelor’s degree in general science. My original goal was to teach Math and Science at the high school level. Upon graduation, I realized that my passion lied elsewhere. I went back to college to study computer science and had to work very hard to keep my GPA high enough to graduate. I did not let the challenges in getting my degree keep me from growing an appreciation for technology.  Read More>>

Joseph Bradley

I grew up in North East Texas, and graduated from Gilmer High School. Growing up the son of a single mother for much of my early childhood, I saw how hard she worked to make sure that my brother and I never went without. With the help of my grandparents and support of our church, we lived a relatively normal childhood. I think this gave me a sense of the need for community to care for one another.

This early example continued throughout my life and informed my personal desire to work with others to help those in need. The people that visit our food bank come from all different walks of life and, for many different reasons, are in need of food assistance. What we offer these families is a helping hand in the form of food! Read More>>