Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Cameron M. Williams | Author & Speaker

I’m a proud North Carolina native, being born in Greenville North Carolina & being raised in Grifton/Kinston NC. I grew up without my biological father present in my childhood, which showed in childhood confidence issues but my other family members always ensured me that I was loved. Read more>>

Destri Leger | Owner & Consultant

I am originally from Lafayette, Louisiana but have spent the last nine years in Sylva, North Carolina. My hometown upbringing had a tremendous impact on me in that I grew up in the heart of Cajun country with a vibrant culture of unique food, music, and language. However, I also grew up witnessing tremendous income inequality and racial segregation in areas of business, housing, and education access. This was in the 90s and 2000s but these conditions still thrive today including the current attempt to defund and ultimately close Paul Breaux Middle School, a Lafayette school steeped in Black history and culture which I was fortunate enough to have spent three years at (geaux tigers!) Read more>>

Shanta Johnson | therapist

I was born and raised in eastern NC. My grandparents were a second set of parents for me throughout my life. I watched my mother and her siblings became caregivers as my grandparents aged. As an adult, I am part of this caregiving circle for my grandparents at a distance. Read more>>

Beth Hansen

I was born and raised in Greensboro, NC. Deciding to live in the place I grew upwasn’t a conscious choice – I just never left and Greensboro never gave me a reason to leave. Read more>>