We asked some of the most generous entrepreneurs, artists and creatives we know to talk to us about where they think their generosity comes from.
Nadia Francois
My Mother and Grandmothers. These women gave their last to those in need in my lifetime. It didn’t matter if it was family or a stranger, if they were in need, each of these ladies did their best to help. They always taught me that it is far better to give than it is to receive. Read more>>
Andrea Villarreal
I think my idea of generosity comes from wanting to share things that bring me joy and ease. Growing up, I had the conception that generosity was only about giving to charities or spending a day as a volunteer. These are things that I grew up doing, and I am glad I got to give and share my time with others in need. Read more>>
Rachel Thomas
I have been very lucky to have had people be very generous with me over the years. Mentors and family members have shared stories with me where someone was generous with them and with their time, knowledge and guidance giving them a leg up. Read more>>
Syama Bunten
I launched Getting Rich Together, an expander podcast to hear stories of successful women, because I found in my financial journey a need to hear other stories. These women have all stepped forward to generously share their wealth creation and financial stories. Read more>>
Marisa Bean
I come from a country where many people rely on others’ generosity to be able to survive. When I was 10, I remember going with my dad and friends from a church group to give sandwiches and donuts to the poor. Seeing their thankfulness and joy for that weekly treat really inspired me to focus on helping others as much as I could while growing up, and what really impacted me was even in their limited access to these treats, some kids would break their donut in half and offer to share. My eyes were opened. Read more>>
Alison Conklin
I was raised by two parents who were so generous. They would do anything for anyone, giving their time, making meals, surprising friends with little gifts out of no where – I grew up with the idea of giving and kindness. It is something that I have always loved, writing my friends notes and sending it snail mail or dropping off treats on a random Tuesday to brighten someone’s day. Read more>>
Christine Crossen
I learned my generosity from my family. Growing up my father was very persistent on my siblings and I living by the Golden Rule. We always tried to treat people the way we wanted to treat people.
I was also raised by my aunt and uncle. Read more>>
Jackie Valdez
My generosity comes from my roots. My parents immigrated to this country from Mexico. Growing up in Los Angeles, CA I was constantly reminded how fortunate we were to have the privilege to get to grow up in the US. I was implemented basic human generosity and reminded of the importance of always having respect for others. Read more>>
andy jackson
What I have learned over the years is to give with no expectations of anything in return. Generosity and kindness are sadly lacking in today’s society, especially with the ‘which camp am I in’ mentality. Being Scottish we are known for 2 things especially, our kindness to all and of course we invented everything. As such from my mother, to my friends in my hometown, we have always gone out of our way to help others. Read more>>
Mahtty Najari
Guided by Simon Sinek’s profound question, ‘What is your WHY?’, I have discovered that my core purpose is to empower others. My generosity stems from having a servant’s heart. At a young age, my parents moved our family from Iran to America, which was both an exciting and sad time for me as I had to leave behind friends and family. Read more>>
Amy Selwyn
My parents were generous people. They opened their home to people from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life. When our neighbors wouldn’t allow their daughter’s “hippie friends” (!) to stay over, my parents made room in our house When my eldest sister’s friends — a gay couple who remained mostly closeted (this is back in the early 1970s) — my parents invited them to come for dinner and were interested in their lives and their experiences. Read more>>
Gina Stockdall
My generosity is deeply rooted in two influential sources: the example set by Jesus and the enduring legacy of my late grandmother, Marilyn. My grandmother epitomized generosity, compassion, and love in every aspect of her life. She possessed a remarkable willingness to offer assistance to anyone in need, readily giving the shirt off her back if it meant aiding another. Read more>>
Melissa Baltierra
Developing the skills of a 1st AC isn’t easy. It took me 4 years to not be nervous and to feel confident in my work and knowledge on set. I think some people get past this sooner than others due to the fact that they were able to get mentored and offered opportunities in their field of work or were just naturally good at it. Read more>>
Jan Dobr
My entire life I have the best feeling when I see the happiness on other people’s faces when they receive something from me. Be it services, gifts or money. It is truly the best way to live life. It started when I was growing up, I wanted to make my mom happy and I would see her face light up when I cleaned my room, dishes or vacuumed the floor. Read more>>
Samah Abukhodeir
My sense of generosity is deeply rooted in my upbringing. I grew up in a family where my parents worked tirelessly, holding several jobs, to sustain me and my two younger sisters. Despite their relentless efforts, hard work and sacrifices we faced a significant lack of opportunities and resources. Read more>>
Michelle (Mico) Costello
My generosity come from my mom. I lost my mom at the age of 6 but heard many stories about her being a giver and being there for people. I worked for a company from 1991-1996 and we would have weekly breakfast and food for special events. Each week I would pack up the left overs and take them to the homeless to make sure they had something to eat for that day. Read more>>
Shareil Nariman
I was 2 years old when my parents left their lives behind with the hopes of giving me a better one. We moved to Germany, where we lived for 4 years, before making our way to America. My parents didn’t speak any of those languages, they didn’t have jobs waiting for them, they didn’t even know what to expect – everything was unknown. Read more>>
Laura Downey
I learned about generosity from my mom, Ursula. Growing up, we would always have family and friends visiting our home. From as long as I can remember, my mom has opened the door of her home and heart to everyone—including strangers. Read more>>
Lexi Lundberg
I’ve never been asked this question before! This feels like a tough one to explain! But, important and I feel a part of who LGD is and how we view the work we do and why we do it. On a personal level… my faith. My husband and I believe that the stuff we have, our resources, aren’t ours, don’t really belong to us… we don’t need to hold onto anything too closely or protectively. “What’s mine is yours.” Read more>>
