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.

Dr. Terrance Scott | Education Consultant

I’m from the West Side of Detroit. My grandparents raised my mom and her siblings in a home off Plymouth and Hubbell Street, and my mom and aunt later bought houses within a block away. My sister, cousins and I attended the same elementary school as our parents and even had some of the same teachers. That notion, combined with growing up in church, taught me a lot of community and the value of having a village. I am the man I am today because of the village that helped my single mom raise my sister and I. Read more>>

Idalia Tinoco | Restaurant Owner

I’m from a small town in Mexico, and my journey to where I am today is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the values I grew up with. In my hometown, family and community were at the heart of everything we did, and we believed that food was one of the purest ways to show love and care. That’s where my passion for cooking was born; I learned that with every dish, I could share a part of myself and my culture. Read more>>

Stephanie Mcmillan | Holistic Hairdresser

My upbringing in the hills of Tennessee and right outside of Detroit has significantly influenced the person I am today, especially in my roles as a businesswoman and a hairstylist. Both my grandmother and mother were involved in the beauty industry, and I also had an uncle who shared the passion and owned a barber shop and passed it down to his daughter. Witnessing their dedication and skill in this field inspired me from a young age. Read more>>

Amari Walker

I was born and partially raised in Detroit,Michigan. I mostly grew up in a suburban city called Southfield outside of Detroit. The biggest benefit was growing up among various backgrounds. That shaped how I communicate with all walks of life. It forces you to be open minded and not take everything for granted. Read more>>