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.

Enrique Aldana | Director of Development for Arizona Public Media and recently Artist/Author

Originally from Guadalajara, MX, moved to the U.S. at the age of five after my mother remarried a linguistics professor from upstate NY. Moving to the U.S. had its challenges as I did not speak the English language. Enrolled in kindergarten and not being able to communicate with my teachers and they not able to communicate with me was difficult. I was bullied for many years for being “different”. My safe haven was public media, watching shows like Mister Rogers and Sesame Street helped me learn the language and about the culture. My mother being a strong role model for me, made great sacrifices to give me a better life. Those sacrifices were the impetus for me to be strong, resilient, and responsible. I didn’t want my mother’s sacrifices to go unnoticed or unappreciated. I tapped into the opportunities that surrounded me; an education, a career, marriage and children, health, and a good life. It also has allowed me to become an entrepreneur/artist and most recently self published a children’s book, titled “Sophie and Marissa’s Tree of Life. Read more>>

Sam Nagy | Operations Manager – Tucson

I was born in the great City of Tucson, AZ. I attended Amphitheater schools and was accepted into the REACH program, in grade school. My first project was to invent a process to help the community. I created a machine, out of paper towels rolls, a tissue box and a small plastic basket. People could place garbage into the opening and the trash would turn into food and hygiene supplies for people experiencing homelessness. I seemed to always care about others, at a young age. I grew up sharing my lunches with people and clothing with fellow, less fortunate classmates. in 2014, fast forward to my adult life, I founded a sock outreach, handing out brand new socks and hygiene supplies to people on the streets. Read more>>

 Jeni and Mike O’Callaghan | Retired folks who run a boutique cattle operation.

Jeni was born in ARIZONA. Her family has owned Tres Brisas since 1963. She was raised in the outdoors by active parents that were athletes involved almost every water sport. Her mother and grandmother were artists. Jeni’s love for nature and her genes caused her to express herself in art as well. Mike was born in New York, and moved to ARIZONA on his tenth birthday with his family. Mike has been running since 1965, including marathons–including the first Tucson Marathon (1969), Boston and New York. He has also run a rim to rim of the Grand Canyon, and has coached countless high school runners. Read more>>

Anna Wilson | LMSW, CEO

I was born in California and was raised in Arizona with my family. My parents are originally from Mexico, and they taught me how to work hard and never give up. Our life, unfortunately, like many others, involved generational trauma. My childhood experiences led me to pursue a career in Social Work because I wanted to be a safe adult for children in need of support. As I continued in my profession and personal experiences, God placed a strong desire in my heart to help other and bring them hope. This led me to open my non-profit Casa Rays of Hope to assist those unsheltered. I have personally experienced adversity and the pain that comes from it. At one point, I felt lost and through God, I experienced true love and healing, and I wanted others to also experience this transformation. I wanted to give back to those most in need who might feel marginalized and unloved. Through Casa Rays of Hope, I provided basic needs, food, and ministry to promote healing, empowerment, and transformation. Read more>>