There are so many factors that affect how our lives turn out, but one of the most interesting is how our backgrounds give us unique strengths and perspectives that affect who we are as adults. We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about their background and upbringing and how they feel it’s impacted who they are today.

Alicia Cote | Functional Medicine Nutritionist, MSHNFM

I am a first-generation Mexican- American born and raised by a single mother in South Texas. From a young age, both my grandparents and mother embodied hard work and dedication and expressed to me how important it was to make something of myself.  Read more>>

Cindy Cowan | Wellness Advocate | Certified Animal Aromatherapist

I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. My husband, Eric, daughter, Kaylynn, and I are temporarily living in Lubbock, but our true home is in Fort Worth where we visit our son, Cody, our daughter in-law, Amanda, and our grandsons, Brayden and Bridger as often as possible. Read more>>

Tiffany Vollmer | Actress, Producer, President Women In Film Dallas, Bulma on Dragon Ball franchise, Author and Department Chair at MediaTech

I was born in Mineola, New York in 1973, My father worked for the government as a DEA agent. We moved from NY to San Diego California shortly after I was born and that is where I started in the entertainment world. I began as a runway model at the age of 5 for the big southern California Bridal shows and was featured along with Runway supermodels on a program called PM Magazine. At the time, all I knew is that if I wore those fancy dresses and let people take my picture, I could save up money to buy Barbie Dolls! Read more>>

Elliott Threatt | Co- founder Whisk & Bow

My background as a professional stand up comedian for 30 years taught me how important connection is with real people on a personal level. Early in life I learned I could get a smile with great dog joke. Now I get the same outcome a great smile with with Cinnamon roll and declivous cup of coffee Read more>>