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.

Alexandra Shadle

I would say that my generosity comes from years of watching both of my parents modeling generosity. Throughout my childhood, I witnessed my parents being generous with my sister and I, but also with extended family, friends, and many many complete strangers. From leaving a tip at a restaurant or buying food for someone in need, buying Christmas presents from the angel tree at the mall, or visiting the sick/elderly, my parents always filled their lives and ours with service.  Read More>>

Nishant Gadde

My generosity comes from being a speech-delayed student in Fishers, Indiana. Growing up, I could not speak right and have proper conversations with others. This led to me making sure that no human or objects were discarded like plastic grocery bags. In addition, it led me to create AceCycle, a nonprofit focused on increasing tennis ball recycling internationally because balls being discarded did not feel right and helped me give these used balls to pet shelters and other tennis stores that could use these tennis balls better. Read More>>

Steven Odell

My generosity comes from my trips sourcing tea in China, Taiwan and Japan. I’ve been traveling to Asia for the last 13 years sourcing hand-made, small batch, family style tea. When I visit families, farms and villages people open their hearts and homes to me in ways that go beyond a simple business relationship. Read More>>

Jenn Chen

Generosity is a kind of risk taking, and it was my mother who empowered me to take risks and give generously to things much greater than myself. When I was in my 20s and took the leap to move abroad without a job in hand, my mom said to me on the phone, “Jennifer, remember, you can always come home.” In that moment, I was like, “Huh? Yeah, okay.  Read More>>

Julie Dove

My mom Rebecca is where were my generosity comes from. In a world full of takers she was an absolute giver. She really raised me to believe we are here to be of service to others. I remember growing up she volunteered to set up monthly communion at the church so I would go early with her. She along with a few other women in the church stripped the paint and stained all the pews so they would look nice again. She volunteered at my elementary school for any classroom events when I was in school.  Read More>>

Joy Houston

My generosity comes from a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings God has given me and the people He’s placed in my life to guide and support me. I believe that success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you honor God by using your gifts to uplift others. Whether it’s through mentorship, sharing knowledge, or giving back to the community, I see generosity as a reflection of God’s love and a way to create a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment. It’s my way of living with purpose and leaving an impact beyond myself.. Read More>>

Ketkee Pande

I wouldn’t know exactly where my “generosity” stems from, it’s such a self-absorbed adjective to describe one’s self, but I can talk about the most selfless and generous person I know in my life – my father. He is so selfless that he will put his tasks in hand aside and help a person in need, not only emotionally, but socially and financially too. Read More>>

Michel Thomann

From my mother she was very generose Read More>>‘

Brooklyn Simone

My perception of generosity has evolved over the years. I’ve come to realize that giving alone doesn’t necessarily make someone generous. True generosity is a matter of the heart—it’s about the intention behind the act. What motivates your willingness to give? Read More>>

Clinnesha Sibley

I believe that making a positive impact during our time here on earth is a meaningful way to honor our experiences and the preciousness of life.

In 2021, I experienced the profound shock of losing my mom, a loss that made me acutely aware of how suddenly life can change. It jolted me into the reality that every moment, everything, every effort matters. Read More>>

Mario Pesce

my family roots and history Read More>>

Carlotta Hankson Stiggers

My generosity is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the example set by my parents. Growing up in a household where selflessness, service, and compassion were valued, I internalized the idea of giving without expecting anything in return. As a preacher’s kid, I witnessed firsthand the act of serving others, whether through my parents’ dedication or their financial sacrifices. Their example of always prioritizing the needs of others helped shape my sense of empathy and kindness. Read More>>

Lauren Anders Brown

It was my first time of many in Haiti, the western hemisphere’s poorest country in 2014. I was filming with a young woman who was a rising football star, her nickname was Marta after a famous Brazilian player because she was that good. She was at an academy where she played football and studied. We spoke to each other in broken French as best as we both could over the days we spent together while I was filming her story. One day, we were waiting for our transportation to pick us up and she saw me using a small pocket dictionary I had with me and asked if she could look at it. Read More>>

Ashlee Makuch

My generosity comes from having a deep desire to help others. I definitely have a “helper” personality and strive to do more than just snap photos for clients and always go above any behind within my personal and professional life. It doesn’t ever hurt to be kind.

One of my favorite quotes is “ you don’t know what someone else is going through, choose kindness always” Read More>>

Jake Stolz

A very important thing to remember is that we don’t own anything in life, it’s all borrowed. We all pass on to the next chapter eventually and nothing we’ve accrued goes with us. I believe true happiness comes directly from the amount of love you have in your life, with yourself and the ones who you choose to be witnesses to your story. Getting to selflessly offer goods, or services, or time is how I get the most joy out of this life! Read More>>

Sara Spurk

My generosity comes from a genuine desire to help those in need, whether human or animal. I find fulfillment in helping others. Marine life and protecting our oceans have always been important to me. I volunteer at a sea turtle hospital to help sick and injured turtles, with the goal of releasing them back to the ocean. Read More>>

June Everett

Growing up, my family didn’t have much, and I heard all about how tough things were for my parents when they were kids too. These weren’t just sad stories around the dinner table; they were real struggles that shaped who we are. Those tough times stuck with me and sparked a fire in me to make sure no one else has to go through that.  Read More>>

Noelle Alfonso

My generosity celebrates love and gratitude, expressed through thoughtful and meaningful gifts that symbolize appreciation and affection. It mirrors the values my grandmother instilled in me, shaped by my life experiences and fueled by my passion for uplifting others. Generosity is not just about giving; it’s about creating moments of joy, connection, and warmth. It’s a way to express care and make others feel seen and valued.  Read More>>

Elena Buenrostro

My upbringing in a low-income family instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude for every success I’ve achieved. From being the first in my family to graduate high school and earn a college degree, to building the largest female drone pilot community to growing as a marketing professional at Google, I recognize that each accomplishment is a testament to resilience and perseverance. Read More>>

Neha Arora

I believe generosity is deeply connected to understanding pain. When you’ve walked through your own struggles, you develop a natural desire to support others not just by giving, but by truly seeing them, believing in them, and holding space for them. Read More>>

Lizeta Fellows

This is an easy one for me to answer. Not having a lot , being on a budget, and unfortunately in financially difficult situations through my life. I was taught to be kind, I was bought up to work for what you have and taught very early on about the value of money.
For me, it’s very clear that money indeed makes the world go round, but happiness and kindness are definitely more important. Read More>>

Jessica Edwards

Generosity, for me, grew out of a moment that seemed small at first — a stranded driver on the side of the road late one winter evening. It was before I officially started A&T Roadside Assistance LLC, just me, a spare tire, and a set of jumper cables in the back of my truck. I saw an older man, cold and frustrated, trying to wave someone down after his car battery died. Without hesitation, I pulled over. Read More>>

Ronald Canfield

Looking back, I’d say it originated from those who gave generously of themselves in support of myself, my siblings, and my mother when she was a single mom raising all of us kids. It started with my grandparents on my mother’s side, and extended to my aunts, uncles, and cousins. I found this continued through my school years with various teachers whose generosity was in the form of encouragement, or even more so my college calculus professor who saw that a number of students were struggling early in the course. Read More>>

Mccall Mcclellan

While I was studying film in college, I had a professor (shoutout to Dean Duncan) who would tell his classes “it’s incredibly hard to make a bad movie.” It is a bit of a silly phrase, but the sentiment resonated with me. This idea planted a perspective of generosity that changed the way I interact with creative works. I began appreciating art simply because of the labor and effort it requires to bring into existence.  Read More>>

Brianna Bruno

My generosity came from my parents, they are the most generous people I have ever met, not only with monetary and tangible items, but with their unwavering support and time. They have always been a safe space for friends & family to call on. My mom was a stay at home mom & raised my sister and myself in the most supportive and selfless way possible. She has supported all of our dreams and ideas even when we were just kids.  Read More>>

Miho Ryu

I think that my own experiences in life have helped me to adopt a more generous perspective on things. In my life so far, I have experienced many setbacks, failures, illnesses and injuries. From these experiences, I have come to understand that life does not always go according to plan. I also believe that fate has a way of working everything out for the best. Read More>>