Those of us who were lucky to have someone see something in us long before we saw it in ourselves know how impactful it can be. We are thrilled to highlight some of those stories and honor some of the OG heroes.
Jessica Sloan
A close group of friends. They saw what my life looked like day to day before I fully acknowledged it myself. I was always working, always on my phone or carrying my computer with me wherever I went. They watched me pour everything into my job while struggling financially and rarely having space to step away. Read more>>
Quince Dais
My parents 100%. Ever since I was a kid they knew I was going to be in the business field because I loved money. They might’ve not known fully what I was going to be doing with my life but they knew that I was going to make a name for myself and go far in life. Read more>>
Trinity Jackson
This is a great questions, and my only answer is Jesus Christ. Nobody will, or has ever seen me before the Lord. Though, my parents are a great response as well. When you find Jesus, you’ll learn that Jesus has always been there. Read more>>
Elizabeth Savage
I would have to say my husband, Dennis Savage. From the moment we met, he has always seen the greatness in me. Long before I could recognize my own purpose, he would remind me, “You are the key to someone else’s breakthrough.” He saw the calling on my life when I was still learning to see myself through God’s eyes. Read more>>
Noah The Freakish Workshop
The origin story of my cosplay-self came from my Dad. I had always been into making home movies and, for the longest time, my dream was to become a movie director. However, I also got stuck at the costume design and fabrication process. I would lose myself in making props and costumes for a movie that I would eventually abandon for whatever reason. Read more>>
Yusto Julius Yona
Before I had the language to articulate my vision, before I fully understood the scale of my own potential, there were people and institutions who saw something in me something I was still learning to see in myself. One of the most pivotal moments came with the opportunity to work at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. It wasn’t just a job it was a proving ground. Read more>>
Monique Antonia Bland
I would say my private coach and mentor Ibn Snell. There was a period in time where I just wanted to honestly give up on my dance career and start something new, but Ibn would be right behind me giving words of encouragement and wisdom. Read more>>
Adrian Mompoint
My fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Friend. He believed in me in a way I didn’t yet believe in myself. He pushed me, corrected me, and held me accountable—whether I messed up or did something right, he’d call my mom, because he wanted her to know exactly who I was becoming. Read more>>
Caitlin Conlon
My grandmother raised me, and throughout my childhood she always believed in me and my ability to accomplish whatever I set my mind to. When I was a kid, writing short stories on construction paper in the backyard, she told me I could be a writer someday if I wanted to. Read more>>
Forbs West
I’d like to give a shoutout to my parents. They convinced me to do college radio meanwhile everyone on my crazy party dorm floor rushed for fraternities. WTUL was my fraternity and if it weren’t experiencing this opportunity I wouldn’t be working in the music industry. Also, a big shoutout to Jank Setup for being my first ever management client. Read more>>
Reuben Abootorabi
My story is filled with an amazing ensemble cast. People like my friends Tom and Yvonne who stepped up with encouragement, support, and invested in me when no one was beating a path to my door. These are my hero’s. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Quietly going about their business. Not looking for validation or applause. Read more>>
Jaziah Simmons
I would say my best friend Shannon, she’s literally a sister to me. We met about 10 years ago on a dance team and we clicked instantly. I grew up as a troublemaker, also saw the worst in myself that nothing would get better for me, and no matter what I do I was bound to fail. Read more>>
JoLee Wingerson
The first person who recognized me as a Spirit in my body was Tom Jacobs, a meditation teacher and former Benedictine monk in Kansas City, Missouri. I remember arriving at my first class with him, my body rigid and my breath shallow. I couldn’t believe how nervous I was! Tom’s sparkling eyes, steady gaze, and ready laughter helped calm me down. Read more>>
Robin Garrett
Classical music composers are alive and well! (Well, many of them are well.) Other genres may be exceptionally popular. However, when I compose for orchestras, I still draw from influences of jazz, funk, R&B/soul, bossa nova, hip-hop, and even cartoons! The word “compose” comes from Latin “componere” meaning “to put together.” I’m a composer who puts all of my childhood influences for the orchestras. Read more>>
