Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of most of the wildly successful folks in our community have exhibit an extreme degree of resilience and we’ve come to believe that if our goal is to help our community achieve great outcomes we have to help build resources and knowledge around how one can become more resilient.
Elisabeth Sloan
Starting Musical Theater at age 4, it was installed in me solely for the sake of keeping up with the other adult actors in cast with me. I understood that there would be no hand-holding to learn my lines, blocking, choreography, music numbers and character development, and if I slack off, there would be no other obvious culprit as clear as day than myself as I stood on stage. It was a philosophy of, “work hard to be good, or look terrible by not trying.” Read more>>
Erica Kenechi Adugwo
I became a Mindset coach because I want to help women step into their power, take responsibility for their lives, and not even flinch if someone makes them feel less than. If you’re going to build a brand, live a life that you can be proud of, and make big moves, live bigger, be bigger, and be better, then we must dump the apologies in the garbage. And before I could even think about doing any of this, I had to be all in for myself first. Read more>>
Jelly
I’m usually a pretty content, positive person so that’s helped with having lifelong degenerative, very painful and debilitating autoimmune conditions. But it hasn’t been easy at all, life has been very restricted due to my body and there have been times where I have been housebound. I’ve been on weekly chemotherapy and biological drugs since a child which I am leaving behind now thanks to holistic medicine, I’m not 100% there yet and it’s been a process of many years but feel I’m on path. Read more>>
Jen Kruse
I am an artist living with Schizoaffective Disorder. I have not only gotten, but also maintained my resilience in art from my disorder. My disorder comes with all kinds of struggles, and I have learned to turn them into my superpowers of sorts. I do a wide variety of art, everything from sewing and designing to painting, creating with resin, and my classic marker drawings. My resilience to do all of these comes from working through my disorder and learning how to not only live with it, but thrive with it. Read more>>
Mark Kaufman
Though fortunate to have had parents who believed in me, I needed to overcome an unrealistic expectation that I was smart/special enough to be anything I wanted to be. Over the years, mostly through trial and error, I learned that there were any number of things I could do reasonably well without being an expert in any one field. Having a graduate degree in social work taught me about problem-solving and coming up with solutions to make the best of any circumstance. Read more>>
Daniel Newcomb
My resilience takes form of necessity. I create art out of necessity, not out of choice. I don’t typically cry during sad films or seek solace to alleviate my despair.My emotions rarely surface, but I still need to release that burden like everyone else in the world. At a young age, I discovered that I could capture my darkness, my light, and my nostalgic longing through a lens and focus them onto paper. Read more>>
Amelia Rico
You know, resilience is a necessity built off the back of rejection, which I’ve had that in spades, but I just don’t take “no” for an answer when it comes to my dreams. I am a Gemini Sun and Moon and a Taurus Rising so I’m a sometimes volatile mix of stubborn mule and naïve optimist with an unhealthy disregard for authority bordering on ignorance. Read more>>
KeShawn Sensei
I belive resilience and work ethic work hand and hand. I have put in so many hours in my craft that I have built this invisible shield around my being that will always keep me going, no matter what. This shield doesn’t keep me from getting hit, it just keeps me going. Read more>>
Laleh Rezaie
If I can pause any of my personal qualities, it would be my resilience. I believe that I thrive best in adapting to challenges. I was managing and working at a barber shop in Fort Worth, when I felt the necessity to put in my two weeks notice with the district manager, who promptly fired me. I had no plan, no prospects, no idea what I was going to do. Read more>>
Valerie Giglio Electro Swing artist and producer
Well, in 2014 I suffered a catastrophic brain stem stroke and was paralyzed completely on my left side, I lost my singing voice and musical ability and was confined to a wheelchair. I was a healthy 42 year old professional singer, I had released a couple of albums, am a voting member of the The Recording Academy (the Grammys) as well as an attorney by day with my own law practice. I turned my neck the wrong way one morning, and unknowingly broke both vertebral arteries leading to my brain, which then led to a stroke within days. Read more>>
Kely Pinheiro
I derive my resilience from a combination of factors. Firstly, having a strong support system plays a crucial role in facing challenges. Positive relationships, a healthy self-image, and a positive attitude also contribute significantly to my resilience. Additionally, I believe in setting realistic goals, embracing change, and viewing setbacks as temporary obstacles, which further enhance my ability to bounce back from adversity. Read more>>
Tasha Jo Peterson
My resilience has been cultivated through a combination of personal determination, a willingness to embrace change, and a strong sense of independence. Growing up in a family where comfort and familiarity were valued, I found myself drawn to exploring new ideas and venturing beyond the boundaries of the familiar. This innate desire to push beyond the comfort zone has been instrumental in shaping my resilience and outlook on life. Read more>>
Mariya Pyter
On my journey as a filmmaker, I have encountered numerous challenges, with rejection being a common hurdle. I believe it’s a natural aspect of the industry, and the crucial factor lies in recognizing that one’s worth is not defined by these rejections; rather, it is the loss of the other party. Although it may initially feel like a setback, I view rejection not as a pitfall but as a redirection towards a path that is meant to unfold. Read more>>
Shennae Steele
Following a close encounter with mortality, I confronted numerous challenges. The key to my resilience lay in the unwavering support of my family and a tight-knit circle of friends. Their encouragement propelled me to reimmerse myself in my craft of crafting products, gradually rekindling my passion for sharing knowledge with others. Read more>>
Christina Barras
I moved to Los Angeles to become a professional dancer. I trained in dance since I was 8 years old and it was the only thing that I was consciously passionate about for most of my life. I moved here and took classes, went to auditions, sacrificed all the security and stability I could have had from a normal job to pursue this passion and through tons of rejection I also lived out dreams greater than I had ever imagined. I performed at award shows, danced in music videos for Snoop Dogg, Tyga, Paula Abdul and more. Read more>>
Tiffany Milburn
Being able to fall, get back up, and continue forward in life despite the level of struggle, trauma and pain that life deals a person I think, is an inherent trait accessible in any of us in the same way it naturally exists in nature. The way a fire can completely devastate an area and yet there are certain species of flowers that can only bloom from the ashes. The same way the diamond ring that sits on my finger is created and the conditions that must have occurred for that to happen. Read more>>
Dr. Monica Krishnan
I think we all have resilience. There is a word that comes to my mind as we talk about resilience, and that word is SHAKTI. Shakti often described as the divine feminine energy in Hinduism, serves as a profound reminder of the inner strength we all carry. I believe my personal resilience comes from wanting to help others, to be of service. Read more>>
Chäntelle Adanna Agbro
My resilience is from my ancestors. It was graced upon me before I was conceived. From the moment we were born into royalty from the motherland’s soil, my destiny and life assignment were intentionally bestowed upon me. Africa, the place full of all things rich, sacred, and holy has indirectly encrypted resilience in all of its offspring. It’s the reason I wake up daily and keep going even when it isn’t necessarily in me. Read more>>
Teahne Tapscott
My resilience is something that I have sat back and looked at and evaluated a lot, and what I can say its something we all battle every second. They say that the more we go through the stronger we become which in some ways is true but I’ve kinda shifted that idea and told myself that each day I wake up is a new day to “BE” however that goes. Read more>>
Vida Valdes
Resilience is a complex trait that can be influenced by various factors for each person. Your personality traits, such as my tenacity, optimism, adaptability, and to keep standing back up after I have fallen down. Believe me I have fallen down many of times in my life. Strong connections with my intimate family, my faith is my force and without my faith I wouldn’t have made it this far. Read more>>
Ali Lemma
My mom, for sure. Since I was a young teenager, hardship is a state I have been all too familiar with. I was born in the States, but moved to Ethiopia with my 3 siblings at the age of 10. At 14, I lost father due to illness and my mom was left to raise her 4 kids on her own. We moved back to the States shortly after and I saw my mom raise her kids as perfect as any single or duel parent household around me. Read more>>
Undefined Undefined
Decanted Wine Truck and Mobile Bar was a covid inspired business. I had virtually lost my other business is less that 24 hrs. A business that took years to become successful. I could have let it been the end of my entrepreneurial career but I knew I loved wine and I loved being an Event Planner in the past. Read more>>
Charlisa Harris
“Where did you get your resilience from?” It’s a question I’ve been asked countless times throughout my life, and each time I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of the winding road that brought me here. My story isn’t one of unending hardship or perpetual suffering, but rather a testament to the incredible strength that can emerge from the darkest of places. Read more>>
Waya
My resilience is a testament to the strength found in embracing my identity as a black trans man. In the challenging landscape of the modeling and acting industry, my determination grows from the adversity I’ve faced. It’s fueled by authenticity, self-affirmation, and the hope of inspiring positive change for future generations.. Read more>>
Madison Batman
I like the idea of calling it “my” resilience. Like it’s something I have acquired and maybe even something I can lose. To me, resilience represents the ability to accept change, let go of control, ask for help, and honor my strengths in the face of stress and adversity. But there’s periods of time where I feel less than resilient; I’m angry that I can’t control a situation to be more favorable for me, I dream of pressing pause on the world while I lay in bed because it means I won’t have to make any decisions, and I forget to express gratitude for the things I do have, instead, I long for the things I wish I could have. Read more>>
Nychol Woods
Since I was 14 years old, my family and church taught me the importance of self-sacrifice and giving back. Being able to uplift others who are less fortunate forces you to evaluate your own circumstances and acknowledge just how blessed you are, in spite of any obstacles you might face. Read more>>
Jessica Devlin
My resilience stems from a need. I grew up as the eldest child in a family of 4 in what initially appeared early in my life as a typical middle-class family. Behind the scenes I lived with a very abusive mother, a father who was a notorious womanizer, and ultimately parents who caught themselves in the grasp of drug addictions, ultimately losing it all. Read more>>
David Moreno
I honestly just grew up admiring people who were resilient and never gave up so I just have that in my foundation. Don’t get me wrong though, I’ve thought about giving up plenty of times, but I feel like it’s almost a necessity to keep going for me. People believe in me, so I have to keep going and keep believing in myself otherwise I’d lose my purpose. Read more>>
Jessica Poole
I would say that my resilience primarily comes from my drive to do my best for my family. I never want them to look at me and think that I did not do my best or that I gave up on something I am passionate about. I can be stubborn by nature which I feel only adds to my resilience, it makes me want to accomplish anything I put my mind to. I have had some unfortunate health issues arise over the last few years which has only pushed me to prove to myself and my kids that no matter the circumstance if you truly believe in yourself anything can be achieved. Read more>>
Ard Su
I get my resilience from activities like doing nothing, or engaging in seemingly redundant work, such as laundry. My job consumes a lot of energy from being creative, and it leads to a “mental overloaded”. It is essential for me alleviate those thoughts and ideas by engaging in activities that are the opposite of my work. Read more>>
Cheyenne Benton
When I think of resilience, and think about where I could have derived it from, I’m reminded of the Ernest Hemingway quote, “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry.” I don’t think I would describe myself as resilient, I’d like to think defiant is more accurate. Read more>>
Sean Dillingham
An attitude that was instilled early on in my life of working hard and stick to it. And that is one thing you HAVE to have in this business – stick to it! There is no quit. And you are in the drivers seat in your career. No one is going to do it for you, you have to do it yourself! Read more>>
Tony Jenks
My resilience has been developed through years of personal and professional work experiences and how my parents raised me. Maintaining a positive, big picture outlook on life, knowing that we are here to do what we love and have fun doing it, and focusing on a passion are the key enablers to working hard and pushing forward in life, personally and professionally. Read more>>
Terresa Moses
My resilience is a character trait received from my ancestors and fostered by intentional work ethic inspired by the collective liberation of my people. My unique lived experience gives me particular skills to navigate the symptoms of white supremacy culture and create opportunities to center Black healing and joy through an abolitionist ideology. Read more>>
Nadine Goritschnig
Growing up I cared a lot about other people’s opinions about me. I could never just simply do something I wanted to do, because I was too scared of what other people would think about me. I wouldn’t say I had it insanely hard in high school, but I was by no means the popular girl. That all changed when I moved away after I graduated in 2019. I always wanted to live in the States, and achieving that goal felt unreal at first. Read more>>
Cole Gibbs
Resilience is a culmination of experiences and a mindset I’ve nurtured over time. Stemming from a combination of innate determination and the valuable lessons that have shaped my journey. Early on, I learned that every setback is an opportunity for growth. During my entrepreneurial journey, setbacks were inevitable. Facing rejection, and moments where things seemed impossible became my teacher. Each obstacle was an opportunity to adapt, learn, and refine our approach at Dama. It’s not just about bouncing back; it’s about evolving, taking lessons from failures, and moving forward with newfound wisdom. Read more>>
Justin Velasquez
My mother and my sister. My mother was the strongest woman to ever grace my life. I looked up to her even if she was shorter than me! I think what keeps me pushing forward in life and not giving up on my career and my dreams is the fact that my mother always believed in me to do greater things in this world. I know that as I get older, I’ll always continue to value and appreciate the things she’s done for me and my family. Read more>>
Alicia Azahar
I’ve gone through several traumatic situations in my life: the death of my mother, molestation, physical abuse from an ex-boyfriend, job lay-offs, car repossession, and losing my place of living. All of these events I experienced were hard, but I knew I did not want to be a victim for the rest of my life. So I decided not to be one. I knew I had to take back control over my life and not allow those situations to dictate my future. Read more>>
Ishyta Andrews
Looking at the faces of my children, inspire me to keep going, my purpose is to ensure that they are happy, that they are special, that they are deserving of love. When hardship of life docks on my harbour, I know it’s time to pull of the boxing gloves of resilience, to remove fear even when I feel it, even when fear stands in front my face my experience has thought me that what I am currently facing will not define me but what I do with what I currently face can propel me into greatness. Read more>>
Teresa Baxter
It’s funny that you would ask that question because I chose “resilience” to be my power word last year, in 2023. Opening a brick and mortar fair trade store in 2019, right before the chaos of Covid, I have chosen a motivational word to each year since then to move me forward with an optimistic outlook. From “pivot” in 2020, to “stay relevant” in 2021, to “rise” in 2022, and then “resilience” last year, in 2024 my word will hopefully be “rewards”. Read more>>
