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.

Sedona Spencer | Producer, DJ & Vocalist

I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and music has always been at the forefront of my life. I grew up fascinated by the art of sound, instruments, singing, and lyrical writing. Most of my family comes from a musical background, and from an early age, I was introduced to the fascinating world that music creates and was completely infatuated with it. Ever since I was a little girl, I could not stop singing. It would drive my mom crazy sometimes, but it was an undeniable way for me to express myself. Singing and writing poetry as an outlet really helped me survive the struggles of my past, and music could always heal me in ways other things couldn’t. I started going to concerts at a young age with my mom and then, festivals when I was finally old enough to attend them on my own. I knew I wanted to be involved with music in one way or another, but I didn’t decide to seriously pursue a career in the music industry until I was 22. In 2018, I began my journey by attending the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences located in Gilbert, AZ. At CRAS, I studied multiple facets of audio engineering and ultimately fell in love with studio engineering and recording. In my spare time during school, I started to produce electronic music and learn the art of DJing to such a degree that I went out and bought my first controller and midi drum machine. After graduating in early 2019, I moved to Nashville, TN and worked at one of the top recording studios in the country. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit in 2020, that I really started to dive into my own artistry by writing original lyrics, recording my own vocals, increasing my knowledge of music production, elevating my sound design, and solidifying my brand as an electronic music producer, vocalist, and DJ. After 2 years of audio engineering in Nashville, TN, I decided to move back to Phoenix, AZ in early 2021, and chase the dream of becoming a full time artist/musician. Since then, I have been publishing original music, collaborating with other artists, recording my own vocal features, releasing DJ mixes, and playing numerous shows in the valley. It has been an incredible journey, and I have the upmost gratitude to be able to be where I am today. Read more>>

HeatherAsh Amara | Writer , Catalyst, and Guide

I was raised in Southeast Asia. And in 1973 my parents took my sister and me to India. We went as tourists to touch the luminous beauty of the Taj Mahal and to be touched by the immense contrasts of poverty, chaos, devotion, and peace that pervade India. I was seven years old. Read more>>

Selima Dawson | Visual Artist, Metalsmith, Jewelry Designer

I’m from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania but I was born in Harlem, NY. I was only there until age 2 or 3 but I always mention New York City because it a big part of my story. My father, Morris Dawson was born during the Harlem Renaissance and was known as a folk artist and photographer among other creative disciplines. My mother was also a creative, a writer and seamstress. I was encouraged in my creativity from a young age and I began to call myself an artist at 3 years of age. I remember that because artist is the oldest word I’ve used to describe myself. I understood that art was made to be shared and promoted and that one could make a living from it. That’s not to say I knew how, but I have been inspired by my father’s tenacity and persistence in his work. I have returned to art over and over as an outlet and away to provide for myself. I’m getting closer to making it my primary focus. Read more>>

Maria Vianey Valdez-Cardenas | United Hearts of Arizona Founder/Executive Director

Born and raised in Cd Obregon Sonora Mexico with 9 siblings in the household. My parents played a great part in my community development. My father a business owner and a truck driver transporting fruits and vegetables from one city to another in Sonora Mexico was a very kind and passionate men. I clearly remember when I was little that He came home after days of driving in the highway saying, jump in the truck and get groceries bags, filled them and take them to all our neighbors. He was so caring about others even though he had a big family to support financially and morally. My mother uses those vegetables or fruits to prepare food and made containers for us to take and distribute in our community for people in need. I firmly believe that injected me of good vibes and good energy to be passionate and caring for others.  Read more>>