Where does your generosity come from?

Over the years, we have consistently been blown away by the examples of generosity we’ve witnessed from our community of creatives and entrepreneurs. We asked some of them to open up to us about where they think their generosity comes from.

Valaine Shelby

Growing up we were always on the borderline of meeting our bills. I remember having days, weeks, even months where we ate mostly rice and eggs, or my parents had to discuss which bills to skip, and we always bought all our clothes second hand.  Read more>>

Samantha Koury

Wanting to leave this world better than the day before has been the motto as I’m getting older. I’ve learned that I have the ability to teach others about the importance of different causes that need help & watch how just one post, one share, one text can start a chain reaction and turn a bad situation into something better. Read more>>

Lindsey Jensen

Generosity was modeled to me all of my life as I watched my parents. I had a front row seat to how they gave to others. My mom and dad both felt it was important to share the blessings you receive – and they didn’t just talk about it, they did it. I remember one time my parents loaded my sister and I up in the car to go pick out winter coats for a family who was in need. Read more>>

Ana Rondón

I grew up in a Christian space where generosity and compassion were one of the signs of love towards others, in the same way I lived that generosity at home. My mother works doing social work with low-income people, which made me aware of how lucky each of us is, and at the same time, see that not everyone has the same possibilities. Read more>>

Jessie Williams

This is a question I get asked a lot since the whole reason I started WE EVENTS was as a way to have fun while giving back. When my daughter, Charlotte was 6 months old (and I was 30 – my age is relevant so as not to get confused by the details later) I decided to step away from working outside the home and stay home with her.  Read more>>

Dr. Tina J Ramsay

During my upbringing, my family and I actively engaged in volunteer-driven community initiatives. We dedicated our efforts to supporting the community through diverse educational projects. My parents instilled in me the value of utilizing one’s gifts to assist others, emphasizing the importance of practicing the Golden Rule from the Bible – treating others as you wish to be treated. They also imparted the wisdom of consistently seeking the Kingdom as a guiding principle in life. Read more>>

Tiny Adams

My generosity comes from not having the things and opportunities I felt I should’ve had growing up. I grew up without my father and my brother exited my life at the age of 16. Because of the voids they left in my life, I genuinely give and help others to make sure that they don’t have those same voids in their life. Read more>>

Jaida Henley

I am so happy you asked me this question so I can brag on my grandparents. My grandparents always have set such a great example for me, They were never reactive but always so supportive, My grandma is the most selfless woman I have ever met. I’m so serious too. She does everything from habitat for humanity and special needs dinners to children’s museum days and donating teddy bears for the police officers to give to the children experiencing a hard time.  Read more>>

Mike Galati

In a short, quick, one word answer. I’d say “community”. Everything I am, have been and will be is all from my communities, those that I’m involved in, and those that involve me.
From Music scenes of all sorts, To skateboarding, to industry friends, and then to my clients. Anyone that supports me, is why I am who I am. Read more>>

Cuban Diva

I treat people they way I want to be treated. That applies to anyone. My generosity comes from within. Read more>>

Gabriela Fernandez

Generosity comes from the heart, from giving without expecting anything in reward. Extending from one end. your resources in order to someone else. Generosity can be a simple holding the door of the elevator for a neighbor or smiling to anyone that comes across one at any moment or situation. Read more>>

Jesse Moya

I think my generosity is pretty inherent. I’ve always liked to think of myself as a pretty nice person in general. Ever since I can remember I have been a people pleaser and I love making people happy. Whether it be from my music, food, etc. I love putting smiles on peoples faces. I honestly don’t know where this came from, but I know that putting smiles on faces makes me happy! Read more>>

Darrin Pryor

Thank you for the question. Honestly, I truly feel that I was born with a very giving and generous spirit, I’ve always had a great heart when dealing with people. As I got older though, I did have to learn that having a good heart is a gift and a curse. Every day I choose to be a great person because it’s so many angry and bitter people in the world and its very unfortunate.  Read more>>

Ariel Brown

As I went through the list of questions, I asked myself which one really defines me. I chose where does your generosity come from and I can honestly say my parents. I want to dedicate this to them. God has truly blessed me with not just amazing parents but God fearing parents.  Read more>>

Valeria Verdejo

My generosity stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of kindness and the positive impact it can have on both individuals and communities. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunities and experiences that life has presented to me, and I view generosity as a means of expressing that gratitude. Read more>>

Christina Valles

My generosity derives from my belief that we are all one. With that being said, it makes it our responsibility to take care of one another. I believe it is human nature to give and find joy in giving. By giving you are creating. Even by taking care of me, I am in turn taking care of those around me because how I treat myself will reflect onto how I treat others. Read more>>

Raphael Stark

As a teen who stutters, I wanted to offer help, for teens like me, to find a path through their struggle of navigating through school, friends, and family with a speech challenge. I formed a nonprofit called CHATS: Caring for Hawaii Teens with Speech Challenges, a support group for youth ages 13 to 18.  Read more>>

Kenielle Jefferies

My generosity has never come with any expectations or hidden agenda. I’m a natural giver because I grew up admiring my mother’s generosity to others. I also give generosity because it makes me feel good to know that I helped someone. Even if it’s something as simple as giving a birthday discount. I am a firm believer that you get what you give.  Read more>>

Karen Gonzalez-Torres

My generosity comes from the love that I have for God and my fellow brother or sister. Growing up I didn’t have much. It aware of the generosity from others towards my family. When I became an adult, I continued giving and loving others in their time of need. It’s made me appreciate everything that I have. Read more>>

Tiffany Critton

My generosity stems from my maternal grandmother. Everyone was welcomed at her house and she would feed anyone, even a complete stranger. Growing up, watching the way she treated people, it definitely instilled something inside of me. I enjoy helping other, being able to resolve their issues, it fulfills me. I’m a problem solver, a fixer, and I enjoy doing it. I personally think that whatever you put out, is what you receive in return. Generosity not only makes the receiver feels happy, but the giver as well. Read more>>

Healthcare Providers Natasha Weems, DNP, AGPCNP-BC

My generosity is deeply rooted in my personal experiences growing up in the inner city. Being constantly exposed to unfortunate circumstances and witnessing the struggles of those around me instilled in me a profound sense of empathy and a desire to contribute positively to my community. From a young age, I was acutely aware of the disparities and challenges faced by underserved populations. This awareness ignited a strong commitment within me to be an agent of change. Read more>>