A big part of making decisions is determining what our actions and choices have been inspired by. So we asked decision makers from the community to tell us about what they are inspired by.

Cisco Rivera,Cody Borden ,Jolienne Cordero | Cisco Rivera – Host/ Cody Borden – Host/ Julienne Cordero – Production

Cisco – Pop culture, it’s evolving, always changing, and it has a pulse. I wanna put my finger on that pulse, I want to be that guy that is always in the know. Julienne – My inspiration comes from my connection with the pop culture community, to be able to create something wonderful and give our viewers a safe place to be themselves while also sharing in some laughs and good memories. Cody – I was inspired by other youtubers and seeing how they try new things, connect with their communities, and have fun while doing it. Read more>>

Calli Ridenour | Client Relationship Manager / Director of Growth

The vision of where I see myself down the road serves as a powerful driving force in my life. Knowing what I am capable of achieving fuels my determination and motivates me to push beyond my current boundaries. It’s not just about dreaming; it’s about recognizing the potential within myself and using that awareness to propel me forward. The future isn’t just a destination; it’s a source of inspiration that shapes my present actions and decisions. How I see my future self is what inspires me. Read more>>

Soleil and Solimar Matias-Rivera | Twin models

Natural beauty. We truly believe that everything and everyone is beautiful in their own way. The diversity around us and within us inspires us to want to create a world that is more inclusive. Read more>>

Kat (Papa”) (they/he) AKA: PapaStrawbeary | Queer Character Illustrator & Small Business Owner”

When I was very young, I was super into anime on Toonami, video games, and yes, even comics books. I think genuinely growing up looking at other artists’ creations made me want to follow suit and create, as well. I think besides media, artists at conventions really helped me see it as a potential life’s work. Artist alleys have always been my second home. I remember being around 8 and trying to sell my drawings for 25 cents in con halls. As I got older, I fell out of the anime crowd, and delved into more western cartoons, fandoms, and the like. I think that’s when I started to take my ideas more seriously, too. Haha, from there I started trying to write my own stories, and make more and more art. Read more>>

Benjamin Belleuvre | cartoonist and firefighter

I am a professionnal lieutenant, working for a french fire department which is located in the south west of France, half an hour form the Atlantic ocean, and I like to draw since I’m little. I am inspired by the time spending at the fire station, talking with my brothers, going on fire calls, doing our job. If you spend just an hour listening to a fire house conversation, you will find ideas for a new sketch! We are used to see crazy stuff on calls, some sad and some funny, but I like to draw the funny ones! Usually most of my drawings are shared by firefighters but other people can like it too. Like the kids. They like the way I draw the firefighters and the fire engines. Lots of kids ask their parents to buy my Art book. Read more>>

Ylenia Aguilar | Consultant, Central Arizona Water Conservation Board Member, Vitalyst Health Foundation Board Trustee, and former Osborn School District Board Member

I am inspired daily by underserved communities persisting despite immense barriers restricting their potential. Throughout my career, I have been driven to challenge unjust systems denying human dignity and equitable access to opportunity. My inspiration stems from struggling families fighting just for clean water, children failed by broken systems, refugees fleeing terror in search of safety. It is rooted in the oppressed I have walked alongside battling for social justice. I strive to address environmental injustice, unequal healthcare, and educational access by creating solutions informed by the marginalized and amplifying their voices in decisions dictating their fates. Read more>>