Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places.  Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Rachel Bellotti | Life+soul coach, Meditation Guide, Podcaster and co-founder of THE TRUE NORTH COLLECTIVE podcast

I am originally from a northern suburb of Chicago, IL. At fourteen I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – Stage II and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation at the Chicago Children’s Hospital (now Lurie Children’s Hospital). Being diagnosed and having cancer absolutely changed my life, but surprisingly the struggle with my survivorship and my relationship to being a survivor has maybe been harder and had an even more of a profound impact on my life. Read more>>

Stephanie Knowles | Senior Project Manager & Inspirational Speaker

I am a Dallas native and I have remained in the city of Dallas throughout my adulthood. My background and upbringing has a tremendous impact as to who I am today. I have been fortunate to have family, role models. and mentors that have a strong and solid upbringing. From an early age, I had many people that influenced my work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. I can vividly remember that in my younger days there were many people were in my tribe that never took “no” for an answer. If there is a will, there was a way and defeat was not an option. If one door closes, another one is opening. Read more>>

Michael Clay | Event and Entertainment Producer / Executive Director Texas Music Project

My influences started with family, friends and characters I met growing up in a small town in South Texas. Everyone knew each other and generally were friendly and engaged with the community. I think of neighborhoods as having all the elements of a small town. It’s easy to see which ones take pride in working and living together. Read more>>

Janell Beacham | Creator and owner of Real Athletic Womens Wear and Fitness Enthusiast

I am from Dallas, TX. My background and upbringing impacts who I am today for many reasons. The first is my faith- my parents raised me to have a strong belief system which laid a foundation for me to build on. Secondly, my involvement in team sports truly molded my discipline, tenacity, and finish what i started attitude. The training and mindset I had to have as a high school athlete, all the way to a collegiate athlete stuck with me to this day. My high school and college coaches had a lot to do with my growth and development in that as well. Read more>>

Laquesha Ford-Mcquay | 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝑭𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑

I’m from a very small town called Henderson, Texas. My childhood was filled with valuable and sweet memories! 🎀 𝑀𝓎 𝒰𝓅𝒷𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔𝒾𝓃𝑔 🎀 𝑮𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕦𝕡 my parents imparted core values and principles that they knew would last a lifetime! A few of those standards and characteristics include Dedication, Love, Hard Work, Consistency & Dedication. My Mom taught me how to be a genuine mannerable woman with grace. She was always very approachable! My Dad taught me how to be authentic and transparent. I never knew what he was going to say and I knew it may hurt my feelings, but I knew it would be the truth! Read more>>

André Natera | Head Chef

I am from El Paso, Texas, a city that is predominantly Hispanic. This has played a large part in who I am today. Growing up, my father wanted to instill a strong work ethic in me. When I was six years old, he bought a popsicle cart and put me to work selling popsicles at the border and at flea markets. My father wanted me to learn the value of money and hard work. He kept the money and I got to eat the popsicles. My family business was carpentry and furniture making. At an early age, when school would get out for summer I would work in my families carpentry shop making tables, chairs, benches and the like. Read more>>

Lisa H Harrington | Vistage Chair & Strategy Coach

I’m an army brat. The process of moving around the world definitely shaped the person I am today. I’m flexible and adaptable and I can see the nuances of a situation rather quickly which helps when I’m working with my CEO clients. They often have to move quickly and I help them see the options. My dad was an amazing leader and my mother could sell ice to Eskimos and I think that combination in my DNA has served me well. Read more>>