“Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.” – Mohsin Hamid
We believe empathy is one of the most important ingredients enabling effectiveness and so we connected with some amazing folks to ask them about the conditions that allowed them to develop into such empathic leaders.
Amira Scott
My dad loves to tell me the story of how I first exhibited empathy when I was a baby. The pastor of our church had passed away and we were at his funeral. I was maybe 2 years old and didn’t understand exactly what was going on, but I was in my dad’s arms while the service was going on. This loss hit my dad really hard, and I could feel how sad he was. According to him I lifted my head off his chest, looked him in the eye and gave him a big kiss. Read more>>
Marissa Garcia Soria, MSW, LCSW
Growing up with 2 immigrant parents, I learned early on about what it was to be a support system, express kindness to others, build in community and grow individually and as a family. Empathy was learned early on in my traditional Mexican home which consisted of extended family members staying with us while establishing stability on their journey of chasing the American Dream. Due to my parents individual and at times lonely journey into a new country it allowed for them to create a sense of empathy and support for others navigating the same journey. Read more>>
Randy Robledo
The foundation of where empathy lies in me begins with my grandparents. They are the focal point and matriarches of the characteristics that breathe in me. I’m a first generation latino and learning the history of my parents, grandparents, and their parents humbles me to appreciate all the sacrifices they made in order for me to have the privileges I have today. Read more>>
Dr. Kristine Shipman-Smith
When it comes to empathy, I don’t remember a specific time in life when it wasn’t part of who I am. Growing up with two very loving and hard working parents, they taught my sisters and I from the very beginning that we always have something to give, or offer to others, and they modeled selflessness. Read more>>
