Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our hope with the Portraits of Resilience series – we hope the stories below will inspire you to tap into your own resilience.

Alex Clouz

I think you’re born with resilience but you can also train it and develop it.
When I decided to go make a name for myself in the music industry. I knew it would be hard. i didn’t go in it naively.
Every person I look up to or every person that is worth looking up to usually had to face failure and rejection in order to become the person they are. It is just part of the learning process.
When I started this journey I slowly started looking for failure. I think that if you’re not failing it means that you’re not trying hard enough. So instead of trying to get everything right, I tried to look for failure and take it as a learning experience. Read more>>

Jamillah Hankerson

I believe a big portion of my resilience is rooted in the world still moving forward. No matter how difficult moments in your life may feel, the world still moves on. Sometimes, we experience moments that make us feel as if our world is over. Seeing the seasons change, the dates pass and people still living will show you life still presses on. Your bills will still come in the same time each month and the people that rely on you will still need you. Read more>>

Renea Woods-baylor

As a young mother, I had a lot of responsibility. My choices were very limited because of my responsibilities as a parent. I had no choice but to work hard and never to give up because I had children counting on me for food, shelter, clothing, and just necessary essentials. That type of responsibility at such a young age spills into your work life as well. Knowing that I had to take care of my children 95% of the time on my own was such a huge responsibility that I had no choice but to be resilient and if I lost a job or if I have certain challenges, I had to forge forward in order to make sure that my family was taken care of. Read more>>

Ray J. Davis

Thank you for having me, and it’s a privilege to share my experiences with your community.
Resilience, for me, has always been deeply rooted in my faith and life experiences. My strength and perseverance are drawn from my relationship with my Heavenly Father, who has been my constant source of support and guidance. Through prayer and meditation, I find the wisdom and peace needed to face challenges head-on. My faith teaches me that every trial carries a lesson and a blessing, and this perspective helps me navigate difficult times with a hopeful outlook. Read more>>

Shantell Blanchard

My resilience comes from a mix of personal experiences and the determination I’ve built over time. Going through challenges like Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped my understanding of what it means to start over and push through. As a woman in tech, I’ve faced unique struggles, but they’ve only fueled my drive to succeed. I’ve learned to stay strong, adapt, and keep moving forward, no matter the circumstances. My passion for helping others and the purpose behind my work also give me the strength to keep going, especially when things get tough. Read more>>

Rick Ridgeway

I’ve been an outdoor athlete since I was a teen-ager. I’ve rafted rivers, climbed mountains, explored jungles, and sailed oceans. I’m in my mid-70s, and twice I’ve been in situations where I was sure I was dead, and in fact the ones I was with did die. Recently I published a memoir called Life Lived Wild, and sitting down to write it, I added up I’ve spent five years living in small tents pitched in remote places, living close to wild nature where I got into my bones the understanding that all life depends on death, including my own. That the minute I was born, the clock starting ticking. That like all of us, there is an unmarked day on our Calendar when we will no longer be alive. Read more>>

Nea Somogyi

Through daily practice of mindfulness. I view every challenge and obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow. I’m constantly reminding myself of my motivations and goals, why I started in the first place. Some days are harder than others, constant rejection, life struggles, and being away from loved ones can make certain days overwhelming. I’ve taught myself to hold on to my accomplishments, my loved ones’ support, and the life’s I’ve changed, the journey’s I’ve inspired. These things remind me that I’m where I’m supposed to be, that my stories are worth sharing and that I have a lot to contribute to this world through my art. Read more>>

Micah Tatum

Resilience is developed through consistent practice. Continuously working to improve something leads to better results over time. The determination to excel ultimately builds resilience. It all starts with a desire to improve and taking action to make it happen. Read more>>

Lyndal Marks

Resilience comes from necessity. The need to bounce back, not to dwell on the negative and to move forward in a way that doesn’t let negative and destructive situations or people stand in your way.
I was 19 years of age and up until that point I had been a huge success and the source of pride for my parents. I was School Captain (Valedictorian) of a selective girls private school in Sydney, I was in my sophomore year of college when the unthinkable happened.  Read more>>

Whitney Middlebrooks

My resilience comes from a combination of my upbringing, faith, and life experiences. I was raised by strong, resilient parents who set an example of perseverance and taught me how to navigate challenges with grace and grit. They always encouraged me to find strength in adversity and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. My faith keeps me grounded, reminding me that every obstacle is temporary and that I have the power to overcome it. As a Black woman, I know the world is often set up to see me fail, but I show up every time to prove it wrong. I have the audacity and confidence in myself to believe that I can be whoever and whatever I want to be. Read more>>

Cara Cohen

I was a 17-year old college bound senior in high school with her whole life ahead of her when I found out that I was expecting a baby. Finding myself pregnant at a mere 17 years old rocked my world. In the time it took for a positive pregnancy result to reveal itself, my entire life changed. That college acceptance letter to the school of my dreams to become a broadcast journalist had to be put in a scrapbook to never see the light of day. Instead of making plans with my friends, I was planning a nursery. Instead of picking out outfits for graduation and grad night, I was shopping in the maternity section of K-Mart because nothing cute fit me. Read more>>

Tamar Kaprelian

My resilience is deeply rooted in my Armenian heritage and enriched by the powerful stories of my family and culture. I learned the essence of resilience from my grandfather, Girar, who not only survived genocide but faced the harsh realities of being orphaned at a young age. He bravely navigated two civil wars in Iraq and Lebanon, ultimately building and rebuilding a textile empire twice. The tales of his perseverance instilled in me a profound understanding of overcoming adversity. As I reflect on these stories, I recognize how they shape my approach to my own challenges as a woman in the music industry. Read more>>

Luna Bruno

I remember being about five when I realized that no one was going to rescue, encourage, or invest in me. My mama already had her share of destructive habits. I only saw dad on some weekends, and the communication between them was pretty toxic. The neglect and abuse absolutely affected me – but in a way that you wouldn’t expect. Read more>>

Haley Reynolds

One thousand percent from my childhood. Growing up for my brother and I was not easy. Luckily, we always had each other. We were taught from a very young age, that we better learn to stand on our own two feet, because there was no other option. We were in constant survival mode, living in a single parent household. Both of our parents were severe drug and alcohol addicts. Anyone who has had a family member with this awful addiction, knows just how painful it can be. I was more like a mother to my brother than a sister. Read more>>

Tyanieka (ty) Jackson

I believe the concept of resilience is something that has been present all around me both as a child and in adulthood. I can recall the resilience that I saw in my mother as she raised me and my brothers as a single parent, working midnights as a Registered Nurse, taking care of my grandmother, and simply making a way for our family to have a quality lifestyle while denying herself and wearing a smile. Resilience is a word that I haven’t thought about often but as I reflect, it has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.  Read more>>

Alyssa Walden

Resilience is a quality I’ve carried with me my entire life, shaped by experiences that began even before I could fully understand them. When I was just three months old, my father was killed by a drunk driver, leaving my mother to face unimaginable challenges. As I grew up, I watched her be a pillar of strength, determination, and grace, always doing everything she could to give our family the best possible life. She never let adversity define her or limit what we could achieve as a family. From her, I learned that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but about rising above them with courage, optimism, and a steadfast commitment to making the most of every situation. Read more>>

Jade Alexandria

I come from a very grounded family and upbringing both of my parents instilled in me to never give up and that there is always a way. My mama always says ” I’m never down, I’m either up or getting up.” and that lives in my mind rent-free. I’ve been down many times and often I’m down more than up but I’m never out. Read more>>

Danielle Hall

I get my resilience through everything that I’ve dealt in life. I remember when I tried to commit suicide. I was about 17 years old. After that time spent in Trinity Springs, I told myself that I wouldn’t do it again. Giving up on my life isn’t a option. No matter how hard life gets. I know that GOD will provide through it all. GOD’s good grace and mercy is the reason I’m still here today. Jehovah/Jah/GOD Almighty. He’s been by my side through it all. Plus my mother Dana Watters is a strong independent woman. She taught me how to work hard in life. I admire her strong will. My Grandmama Dorothy Faye is the example of strength. She is the backbone of my family. I come from a long line of great strong women. I’m proud to be one of them. Read more>>

Paradis Winslet

My resilience comes from life experience. You see, I was born and raised in Africa. Sometimes, the difficulties and challenges we face in life, especially at a young age, can help build character and resilience, and somehow, a sense of strength. I am originally from Rwanda, and if you know my country’s history, you will know that we have faced atrocities even before I was born. So, when you have that history, it somehow builds you or breaks you. Read more>>

Grace Schafer

I think resilience stems from confidence. I practiced taekwondo when I was younger, and the the main thing I gained from that experience was confidence. Through gaining confidence in myself, I felt more capable to try again after I would fail, and wouldn’t feel as discouraged if things didn’t got the way I intended. I always try to remember that the world doesn’t stop just because our own does. Read more>>

Randee Spruce

i would say my resilience comes from my community and our ancestors. The whole reason i am able to create using anceint techniques and symbols is because someone had to pass that information onward. I am grateful for the other artists that come from my community who share their knowledge with others in hopes that they may pick up the work too. I dont think we would still be here today if it wasnt for our ancestors passing traditions down to the grandchildren. i beleive that every decision made should be made with the next generation of children in mind. Read more>>

Kathryn Coffman

Resilience has always been a defining part of who I am, and looking back, I can see how it was shaped by my early experiences and continues to play a pivotal role in my life today – personally and professionally. It began in my school years, starting as early as second grade when I experienced relentless bullying, which continued through much of my elementary and middle school years. By seventh grade, I had reached a point where I needed to step back, take control of my environment, and heal. Read more>>

Lisa Nikfarjam

I have always believed in a long game. There are really no short cuts. Even with resources and connections, it’s really time that makes true success possible. I can’t say that luck is much involved because a proper plan is required. I believe that my brand is successful because I never give up. When there is turmoil, I am flexible and can pivot quickly. When faced with obstacles, I am prepared to deal with them and I do not shy away from conflict. Read more>>

Joyce Lee

I come from a long line of contradictions: My mother and her mother were raised in a very close-knit, huge religious Southern family. My father was basically birthed and left to the Fates. My mother was under the strict and impossible control of her mother and never allowed to make her own mistakes, while mistakes were my father’s only teacher. Traits from both of these lineages live in me. My mother was adamant to make me more traditional in the sense of codependent women. She taught me beauty and charm like a lioness teaching her cubs to hunt. My father preached complete independence, grit and hard work. There was a point in my life where I felt like both of my parents were trying to chastise the characteristics of the other parent out of me. Read more>>

Elijah Dickson

I get my resilience from experience through many trials and tribulations over the years. . Overall getting to where I’m at today has been a real rollercoaster with many highs and lows and through it all I realize that I always make it out no matter how hard the situation may be. So knowing that every situation I can get through if I just take time to plan it out and don’t act with emotions and act with intelligence it shows me that I can get through anything. This has made me not regret past situations I have been through due to it getting me to today so any new challenge that I may face is just something that it is in my journey and something that I will overcome! Read more>>

Kathleen Donnelly

As I reflect on my life, I realize that my Mom deserves credit for imparting her wisdom and teaching me resilience. She was always my number one supporter and fan, but when things didn’t go my way, she never let me make excuses or quit. My Mom was a teacher and a great life coach. She would tell me to break down a large project into little goals so I could accomplish what I started. If something wasn’t going right, she’d help me troubleshoot and come up with a solution. I can still hear her tell me to think positively. Because of her, I felt like I could succeed and follow my dreams.  Read more>>

Vanessa Ross

“Feeling sorry for yourself” just wasn’t a way of life growing up in our house. Doesn’t mean I didn’t try. After all, I was a teenager once. But, it really just means that even if you are upset, disappointed or frustrated you still have things that need to be done. Wallowing in self-pity was not permitted. My parents just always saw things through and weren’t quitters. If there was a problem they tackled it head on and found a way to fix it or to deal with the issues. Read more>>

Omar Rashan

I get my resilience from my mother. She went through immense trauma before having me and my two brothers, enduring the kind of pain that could easily push someone towards self-destructive choices like drugs. Yet, instead of succumbing, she remained strong and chose to persevere. Her strength in the face of adversity has always been a powerful source of inspiration for me. Read more>>

Alexander Reilly Fay

At 25, running marketplaces demands both grit and vision, and this resilience has deep roots in family. From his parents, he’s learned the value of hard work and persistence, witnessing firsthand how they navigated challenges with determination. His grandparents, with their stories of enduring tougher times, have shown him the power of patience and resourcefulness. His brothers provide constant support, pushing him to grow and adapt, reminding him that resilience is often a collective effort, built from the strength of family bonds. Together, these influences have shaped him into someone who faces adversity head-on. Read more>>

Queenie Vesey

My resilience is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the strength of growing up poor and witnessing my family, particularly from her mother on crack.” Growing up poor, I learned that hardship didn’t have to define me, but instead, it could be a stepping stone toward growth and solidarity. Cooking, for me, is more than just a skill—it was a means of survival and connection. As a child, I learned to make the most out of what little they had from pantries, and churches. I taught myself how to stretch ingredients, turning basic staples into nourishing meals for my siblings. Those early lessons weren’t just about food; they were about caring for my siblings and giving even when I had little to offer them. Read more>>