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.

Shamieka Ruffin | School Nurse & Content creator

I was born and raised in Southern California. I have 2 sisters, I’m the middle child. Grew up in a working class family. My upbringing made me appreciate the little things. Now being a wife and a mom I appreciate all the sacrifices my mother made. My upbringing gave me faith and taught me to know that God’s plan is the best plan. Read more>>

Sehlabaka Rampeta | Specialty Coffee shop and Pizzeria owner

I am from a small town called Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, in Southern Africa. I grew up in a small neighbourhood called Ha Hoohlo based in the heart of the city. I am the last born among three siblings; an older brother and sister. We were raised by a single father after our mother passed when we were all still very young. Read more>>

Laurelann Porter | Shamanic Artist

What a great question, especially since Arizona is my home state and I will always feel like a part of me is there, even when I live elsewhere. I’ve been reflecting quite a bit on what it means to be from Arizona, what it means to be the daughter of my parents who have both passed, and how can I retain their influence while still being my own person. Read more>>

Ria Flanagan | Counselor, business owner, author, mother, wife, artist, consultant, coach

I grew up in Vancouver, Canada, until I was 21 years old. I moved to San Diego, California, where I went to college, and moved to Los Angeles, where I lived for over 10 years, pursuing acting and writing and completing my Master in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I later moved to Arizona and worked as a counselor at The Claudia Black Center for Young Adults and The Meadows in Wickenburg, AZ. Read more>>