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.
Kirsty Whitaker
At 18, I stood behind the counter of my first retail store, a small space I had leased with just $1,000 in savings. I had no business degree, no investors—just instinct, determination, and an unwavering belief that if I could solve problems faster than they came at me, I’d make it. And I did. Read More>>
Etoile Stewart
Simply put, my resilience comes from something much higher than myself. I have come to find my artistic expression largely through my intense struggles with illness. I fell ill when I was 15 when I had my colon removed and fought for my life for years. Now that I have healed myself, I am so grateful for life and have been close to that which breathes life into me – giving me an extreme desire to create and express my experience here on earth Read More>>
Yvette De Oro
Three main things contributed to my resilience
1) being born into Mexican/American culture,
2) being removed from Mexican/American culture and
3) romance books (reading in general). Read More>>
Eleni Eleftheriou
Resilience is something innate and also cultivated. My life experiences have cultivated my resilience, and it also feels something inside me that is unshakable. I am Greek American. My father immigrated from Greece to create a better life for himself and his family. The challenges that my family has overcome and persevered through have deeply instilled a resilience in me to do the same and to do my best to honor the sacrifices they made. Read More>>
Claudia Martinez Azzara
My adventurous nature has exposed me to a range of situations that tested my determination, resilience, and mindset. But through it all, I’ve learned that resilience is not just about surviving—it’s about adapting, growing, and finding a way forward, no matter what. Read More>>
Zena Harris Mark Rabin
When thinking about resilience, our team associates the many wonderful people in our lives. Building strong relationships helps us feel protected in the face of uncertainty. Our individual superpowers can only do so much after all, awesome as they are; it takes radical collaboration. A few hours ago, Read More>>
Chanapa Kerdlapee
Resilience, for me, has always come from a combination of necessity and ambition. Growing up, I took on responsibilities beyond just my own future—I had to support my family while navigating visa uncertainties and overcoming financial and career challenges that often felt overwhelming. Yet, with every major setback, I learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about adapting, problem-solving, and pushing forward even when the path is unclear. Read More>>
Sonya Teclai
I think it’s a combination between having a front row seat to watching my parents, grandparents and other elders lead by example by persevering through some of the toughest trials/tribulations, and this innate feeling in me to push forward and grow despite anything that happens. I’ve had my moments where I’ve been knocked down, but I don’t stay down for long. Read More>>
Jordan Warren
I never thought I’d find myself in a place where I didn’t want to live. But after losing two of the most important people in my life and almost losing my mother too, that’s where I found myself. My aunt was my best friend, my second mother, my safe place. Losing her was shattering. Then, before I had a chance to fully grieve, my grandfather, who helped raise me alongside my single mother, was gone too. Read More>>
Gigi Hodges
I grew up without my mother. She and my father had a very strained marriage and so they were on again off again. She left him for the last time when I was about six years old. It was a very hard time for my sister and I who was 10 at the time. I cried for her for many years but as I got older, I realized that she was gone and so I was determined to just move on with my life. I guess I was a fighter and didn’t know it! Read More>>
Gaspard Gabriel
Like everyone, I’ve been through a wide range of life experiences, moving from place to place, facing failures, and losing loved ones. Over time, I’ve developed a strong sense of resilience, or at least I think I have. The most difficult part for me is acknowledging things and moving past the denial phase. Admitting my denials has been incredibly helpful. Read More>>
Ana Banda
In a recent conversation, I asked my only child, my adult son, to describe me in one word, immediately he said “resilient”. I still want him to elaborate, but this got me thinking. I think back on the obstacles and trials that I have overcome, and most of my resilience does stem from a combination of factors. Read More>>
Gaynell Brady
My resilience comes from the strength and perseverance of my ancestors. Their stories of survival, hard work, and determination—whether as laundresses, laborers, or builders—have shaped my life and mission. After spending years researching their stories and listening to my elders, I quickly realized there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. Read More>>
Franklin Mateo
It likely comes from a combination of life experiences, mindset, and personal values. Single parent of two, a Boy and a Girl, both serving in the US Navy, they are my biggest drive and inspiration. Mentally I challenge myself daily to be and do better in life and also to help others do and achieve more. Read More>>
Dilyara Daminova
I get my resilience from my journey—both as an immigrant who arrived in the U.S. in 2008 and as a real estate professional navigating one of the most competitive markets. Moving to a new country meant rebuilding everything from scratch, learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and proving myself in one of the hardest industries. Read More>>
Tony Wohlgemuth
When I was 13 in 1983, my father decided to move back to Switzerland, and the farm was put up for sale. Thankfully, the farm did not sell, and he allowed me to find a way to save it. From that moment, my resilience became deeply rooted in the belief that success is essential to preserving the family farm. It’s not just about pushing through adversity but understanding that each “No” I face is part of a more extensive process that brings me closer to the next opportunity. Read More>>
Mason Whitcanack & Lindzey Griffin
Mason: You know, I think that being resilient is something that is engrained in people. A foundation is set when you are young, watching how your family reacts to tough times, or how those you admire bounce back in the face of adversity. Then as we grow up, we develop skills to cope with the difficulties that life puts in our way. Read More>>
Lynda Coleman
I get my resilience from my relationship with God and my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and listening to my mother’s stories of resilience with her overcoming obstacles in her upbringing and to witness her strength over the years. Read More>>
Pippa Calland
I would definitely say I derive my resilience from my mother , who was nothing if not determined.
My mother went to medical school in Alabama in the 1950’s, back when women didn’t go to
Medical school yet -in a place where they definitely weren’t welcomed by their fellow ( male ) students .) Read More>>
Natalie Young
When you begin your career as an actor you learn the art of resilience very quickly. To want to be an actor you must want it past the limits of not only regular rejection, but senseless rejection. There’s a great line in one of my favorite plays by Duncan McMillan, where the main character is talking about the audition process and she says something like, “Sometimes you don’t get the parts. And sometimes the people that do aren’t as good as you.” Read More>>
Maudlyn Akosua Awuku
Growing up in a suburban community near Accra, I learned early on that resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges – it’s about transforming them into stepping stones for growth and impact. My resilience stems from multiple sources that have shaped me into who I am today. Read More>>
Michelle Zende
Resilience is like a muscle – it develops over time and gets stronger with each challenge you face. For me, it comes from a combination of personal experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’ve navigated everything from the awkwardness of my teen years to career rejections and waves of grief that still come up from time to time. Read More>>
Megan Hicks
Resilience is a pivotal trait in the world of business, often distinguishing successful individuals from those who struggle to achieve their goals. For us, resilience is more than just a quality; it is a necessity that drives our entrepreneurial journey. This has been the guiding motto for our business from its inception, shaping the very essence of our unique spa. Read More>>
Bre Bock
Resilience is not something we’re born with—it’s built over time, cultivated through experiences that challenge, teach, and sometimes break us down before helping us rebuild. It’s a choice to get back up and face another day, even when things feel impossible. Resilience is something that grows stronger with each obstacle we face, especially when we choose not to give up. Read More>>
Alexia Rosa
I was very young when I moved to Paris. I had grown up in a very small town in the middle of nowhere and the next thing I knew I moved with half of my family to a different country. It was a culture shock for me to be in a place that spoke a different language and went about life differently. It was especially hard to be away from my mother who had stayed back in New Hampshire. Read More>>
Kayden Simpson David Simmons Iii
As we progress on this beautiful journey called life, we get to gain knowledge and wisdom along the way. Like most people, we go through life’s ups and downs. We have the days when we’re super excited to be here and ready to conquer the world. We also have our days when we’re down and not in the best mental space or even emotional space. Read More>>
Samantha Ferrone
Resilience has been a defining thread throughout my life, woven from a series of challenges that have shaped me into the person I am today. From the very start, I wasn’t expected to survive past the age of two due to a congenital heart condition—but I defied the odds. I didn’t merely survive; I thrived, embracing life with unwavering determination and a drive to overcome every obstacle in my path. Read More>>
Noemi Capote
I get my resilience from my parents. They have been my muses, showing me how hard work and perseverance can transform lives. My dad learned how to read and write at 14 taught by my mom’s dad. Later on, already married and with kids, they left Colombia for Venezuela for a better life. Read More>>
Yolanda Jiggetts
Resilience has been woven into the very fabric of who I am. It’s the sum of every experience, every challenge, and every lesson that has shaped me, from my childhood to my professional journey.
I am a proud product of Park Heights, a community in northwest Baltimore, Maryland – home to the nationally recognized Preakness Stakes. But the neighborhood itself, has long been underfunded and often overlooked. Still, there has always been a tenacity about the people who live there. Park Heights was the first place I learned to dream and to never give up. Read More>>
Doron Malka
My resilience is built on several cornerstones of my life.
First and foremost, my roots. I am Israeli. Growing up in Israel comes with a built-in resilience. You need it to navigate the world, and that’s the truth. This resilience stems from standing up against hate time and time again, choosing to turn the other cheek, or more importantly, responding with kindness. These are the Israeli values I was raised with. Read More>>
Lula James
I got my residence from being sexually abused as a young teenager by a family member and treated differently from my siblings but knew that I had a worth! I hid my pain from others and kept a smile on my face because I said that I would never give up.. Read More>>
Connie Boyd
Resilience should be my middle name! I’ve built a successful entertainment career, only to be knocked flat to start again from scratch – FIVE times. I must really love my work, because I cannot give up, I don’t know how, but after every setback, I’ve always pulled up my socks and bulldozed forward. Read More>>
Rachel Rickman
Finding resilience within ourselves and healing our pasts could be an essential part of human cognitive and emotional evolution.
All I’ve been through, and especially the recent loss of my father and a sister-friend in the last year has honed my belief that, as Cheryl Strayed says, “Love is our essential nutrient.” Read More>>
Umar Sulaiman Mailafiya
From the fact that I’m the first son of my parents and I néed to be the person to take of the family when they’re old. I have dreams of traveling the world trying out new cuisines. Tour around and explore the great creation of God. And be truly free. Read More>>
Jiafeng Li
My resilience comes from the very nature of architecture itself—it is a discipline that constantly tests patience, problem-solving, and adaptability. Every project is a long journey, often spanning years, with each stage bringing new and unforeseen challenges. Read More>>
Sarah Djarnie
I draw my resilience from failure and the determination. Every setback has been a lesson, shaping my creativity and perseverance.
As a doll maker and artist, I’ve faced challenges technical obstacles, creative roadblocks, and even moments of self doubt but each failure has pushed me to refine my skills and rethink my approach. Read More>>
Lisa Marais
Firstly, I look up to artists who have made it and have prevailed in this music industry. Their stories remind me that persistence and hard work pay off. I also believe that music has the power to heal and connect people. Knowing that my voice can touch someone’s heart gives me strength to keep going.” Read More>>
Martinius Solum
My resilience mainly comes from the love of what I do. There’s nothing I want to do more than to make music and to be honest, doing anything else would never have made me truly happy. The reason I’m able to push through hard times, is because to me there are really no other options. The joy I find in making music is what makes me able to endure the hardships. Read More>>
Haley Jackson
Growing up as sisters in a military household, we moved every four years, experiencing a wide range of lives along the way. If you’ve ever been part of the military community, you understand how challenging it is to create a sense of home wherever you land. With our candle business, we aimed to cultivate a sense of shared experience—something we yearned for during our childhood. Read More>>
Brittni Cain
My resilience comes from my unwavering commitment to my family and the work I do. As a mother to two wonderful children, one with autism, I’ve had to develop a strong sense of patience and adaptability. Homeschooling my kids allows me to be actively involved in their growth, while working a full-time job and managing my photography business gives me purpose and drive. Read More>>
Lizzie Sider
When I reflect on my personal journey of building and strengthening my resiliency muscles, a couple of very specific seasons of my life come to mind.
First, when I was a child, I was bullied by other girls at my school. After years of coming home in tears and feeling emotionally defeated and powerless against them, I finally realized that, at the end of the day, “nobody had the power to ruin my day.” Read More>>
Tristyn Fletcher
In 2018, I decided to run a Spartan Race. I signed up for a 5k and started to work out more regularly and rigorously. A few months later, it was time. I got out there and did my best, but one obstacle that really defeated me more than others was the tire flip—a 400-pound tire that I had to turn over, twice. I couldn’t even move it. Read More>>
Tara Acosta
I draw my resilience from my mom. She was a single mother raising four kids while fighting a battle she ultimately lost to breast cancer at just 49 years old. Her strength, determination, and unwavering love continue to inspire me every day. She passed on my 16th birthday and my gift from her each year is a reminder to be grateful for the health of myself and my loved ones, every single day. Because no matter how “successful” anyone is, the reality is that our health is our wealth. Read More>>
Esthela Gonzalez
I get my resilience from my humble beginnings. I was raised by a single mother and have the lived experience of a minority when it comes to a multitude of my identities. While it was challenging navigating life through my various identities, it also helped build my perseverance as it proved that everything is mental and I am capable of surpassing every obstacle that comes my way. Read More>>
Lindy Rebro
My resiliency comes from a combination of life experiences and a deep sense of purpose. Moving across the country from Washington state to Georgia was a pivotal moment for me -it taught me how to adapt, rebuild, and persevere through uncertainty. Read More>>
Danielle Mendoza
I would say our resilience has come from Doing It Afraid. Fear is defined as something you ‘believe’ will cause danger, pain or a threat to your wellbeing. Once we decided to do things we were afraid of we found that we were still standing, we were still alive and things didn’t fall apart. Read More>>
Rachel Tilseth
My resilience comes from being a single mother, raising three children in the 1980s, and obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Art Education. I learned that love for my children gave me the strength to accomplish many things. I felt like the mother wolf tenaciously protecting her family while learning how the world had come about through gaining an education. Read More>>
