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.
Denise, La Artista Conquistadora!
My generosity was planted in my heart by my Mother. Although she passed away when I was 11, her messages stuck with me throughout my life. I found myself always wanting everyone around me to succeed and believe in themselves as much as she believed in me. However, my generosity flourished when I discovered my faith. Read More>>
Rob Wellz
I was born blessed to have the family I have. My mom always managed to keep the lights on and me and my sister fed. We didn’t have all the luxuries we saw other people with, but we had love and we always made it through. So I’m cool with having bare minimum needs met. Read More>>
Snilder Josselyn
My generosity stems from my childhood, which formed my core values, morals, and lifetime goals. Throughout my lifetime I have studied the way people behave in society—by the way we speak and treat one another. Read More>>
Brandi Stansbury Moody
Honestly, I’ve never known any other way. I come from a long line of people who believed deeply in community, especially my grandfather and my mom. Watching them taught me that generosity isn’t just about giving; it’s about showing up for people. Read More>>
Nury Espinoza
My family did not have much growing up. Both of my parents worked hard, my dad in shipping and receiving, and my mom as a drapery seamstress. When they were laid off, I saw them turn to the welfare system or borrow from family when necessary. Yet, each time they found work again, they immediately got off welfare and repaid what they owed. Read More>>
Shirley Melgarejo
You never know what someone is going through. At the rate we are going, it can also be difficult to see empathy from others. My generosity comes from my faith in who Jesus is for me. I hope to reflect that in my work, opportunities, and the way I serve others. Read More>>
Alma Carrillo
I think a big part of my generosity comes from my culture. As a first-generation Latina, community is embedded into who we are. From borrowing a cup of sugar to lending a helping hand, I grew up seeing how care and generosity connect us. Read More>>
Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison
I’ve been blessed to have parents who have risen to the occasion multiple times on behalf of others. They instilled in me from a young age, through voracious reading of literature focused on survival and resilience, empathy, tolerance and compassion, that our core values as a fmily included giving voice and resources to those who had been marginalized. Read More>>
Jose Barreiro
Growing up my family did not have as much as most of my peers. This ultimately led to me being picked on a good bit once I hit middle and high school. This taught me to be grateful for anything that I did have or get. It also helped me develop a strong sense of empathy and compassion for people. Read More>>
Michelle Mark
Generosity, for me, has always felt like something that moves through the heart before it ever becomes an action. I think it begins with empathy. The simple human understanding that we all need support sometimes. Much of my generosity was shaped by the people I’ve watched give quietly: family, mentors, and the communities that raised me. Read More>>
Rina Katz
My generosity comes from understanding that we are all interconnected in ways we may not fully understand. I believe when I help someone else, I help myself and vice versa. Read More>>
Monty Scudder 
My generosity comes from a place of connection. For eleven years, I have volunteered at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center, filming and producing performance videos for Alice Cooper’s Proof is in the Pudding musical talent search. What I do is fill a need — to help artists be seen and to give families something lasting to hold onto. Read More>>
Coach Chatty
My generosity comes from a combination of my upbringing and my personal values. I was raised in a family where giving, whether it was time, support, or resources, was seen as a way to strengthen community and uplift others. Over time, I’ve learned that sharing what I have not only helps others but also brings me fulfillment and a sense of purpose. Read More>>
Cass Stone
We’ve all worked for horrible bosses. Ones that made you feel under appreciated, underpaid, and didn’t give you the right tools to succeed. As the leader of my company, C.Mae Photography, it’s so important to me to treat our team, clients, and community well. My generosity comes from the desire to be the leader I authentically want to be. Read More>>
Eloise Shelton-Mayo
I’ve had generous teachers and a mom, Inga, whose sense of service in her community, church and to those in need, was a driving force in her life. She was also a loving mother and friend who loved to laugh. My mom as also highly creative. Inga loved to watch me paint and was fascinated to see what I was working on. She died last year but her generous spirit stays with me. Read More>>
Charlie White
My generosity comes from a belief in synchronicity, the idea that meaningful connections and moments aren’t random, but opportunities to act with purpose. When life places someone in my path who needs help, I see it as a moment I’m meant to respond to. It ties directly into the Golden Rule, to treat others the way I would hope to be treated if fate put me in their position. Read More>>
