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.

Andre Legaspi | Photographer

I’m latchkey kid from Queens, NY. I think running around New York City as a teenager with a little extra freedom shaped how I go about everything in life, including photography. I don’t back down from challenges and constantly find myself in the middle of chaotic situations trying to find an angle. Read more>>

Xixuan Collins | Writer & Retired Professor

I was born in Sichuan Province, China, grew up in Kangding on the East Tibet Plateau, and have called Iowa home since 1997. I write stories about China, particularly Chinese women, and recent Chinese immigrant experiences in the U.S. Read more>>

Jaclyn Pacheco | Potter & Designer

I was born and raised in Rhode Island and have always felt a deep connection to making things by hand. I believe the concept was cultivated at a very young age, when watching my grandmother repair clothing and her encouraging me to sew buttons onto scraps of denim while she mended. I was so inspired by sorting through her big tin of buttons to choose my favorites and make different compositions on my fabric scraps. Read more>>

Sladjana Ahmetovic | Entrepeneur / Art Guide

Thank you so much for the question and the interest. Originally, I am from Bosnia & Hercegovina. My family and I migrated here in the 90’s as refugees. This plays a big role in who I am, as it structured my work ethic and drive for life. I am a dreamer, who isn’t afraid to risk a little. My upbringing has allowed my perspective to be rooted in taking risks to not waste the opportunity to be in pursuit of my happiness. Read more>>