Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of most of the wildly successful folks in our community have exhibit an extreme degree of resilience and we’ve come to believe that if our goal is to help our community achieve great outcomes we have to help build resources and knowledge around how one can become more resilient.
Yusra Alhuraibi Heake
Resilience, to me, is the ability to adapt, persevere, and thrive in the face of adversity. My resilience stems from the extraordinary circumstances of my upbringing and the lessons I learned from my mother, my environment, and my own journey.
I spent my formative years in Yemen, where my mother raised me as a single parent in a deeply conservative society. She taught me that no matter the circumstances, it’s possible to achieve greatness through hard work and determination. She made sure I excelled in school, even as she faced societal challenges herself. Watching her, I learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding struggles—it’s about facing them head-on with grace and grit. Read more>>
Rebecca Hecht
Our resilence comes from having experienced challenges big and small. During those times. we were able to learn so many lessons about identifying our immediate resources, how to respond differently in the future to be even more nimble in the face of future events. We built out a website so we had more opportunities to generate income aside from our walk-in business at our brick and mortar storefront. We learned to ask for help and lean on our community when we needed to. Read more>>
Stacey Paige
Resilience for me is deeply rooted in my daily spiritual practice. Each day, I carve out time to step away from the chaos of the outer world and the chatter of my own mind. I go within – beneath the layers of ego, fear, and distraction – to the seat of my soul, my higher self.
In that still, sacred space, I remember who I truly am – beyond the challenges I face – and align with the greater flow of life. It’s where I reconnect with my dreams and goals, and the widsom and guidance of the Universe. It’s where I’m reminded that the deepest desires of my heart are not random. They are part of my purpose, my destiny, and they are fully supported by the Universe. Read more>>
Chasity Kennedy
When I think about where my resilience comes from, I realize it’s rooted in the strength of those who came before me and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I get it from watching my parents, who are both entrepreneurs, overcome challenges with grace and determination and from the times I’ve fallen but refused to stay down.
It comes from knowing that every setback has shaped me, every trial has taught me, and every moment of doubt has only fueled my desire to keep pushing forward. Resilience, for me, is a mix of faith, self-belief, and the understanding that I am capable of turning struggles into stepping stones. Read more>>
Jaime Motes
The best question because it leads to the best answer: my faith and my mother. I grew up in a small town, raised by a single-working mom who was the pillar of every environment she was part of—our church, our family, and our community. My mom wasn’t just a leader; she led quietly, with humility and accountability, never seeking recognition.
If someone needed prayer, they went to Phyllis. If the church needed cleaning, they called Phyllis. On Saturdays, our home was a hub for free haircuts, with people lining up at her door. She balanced this with a full-time job and often took on extra work during Christmas just to make sure we had something special under the tree. Read more>>
Jason Linton
I don’t know if I’m so much resilient as I am patient. I know that if I do everything that I need to do for the outcomes that I want, it will open for me at the right time. I’ve never been a person that was “lucky” or had things go my way. In a way I am built different because I’ve had a great example of how to move through disappointment while maintaining good character. My parents who immigrated here from Jamaica. I’ve not seen anyone hit more barriers and still keep going forward than my mom and dad. Read more>>
Maximilian Clifford
When I started my business, there were countless days when I felt like quitting. The weight of uncertainty, the setbacks, and the never-ending challenges felt overwhelming. During those moments, I developed a habit that became a lifeline: I’d tell myself, “If I still feel like quitting tomorrow morning, I can quit.” But every single time, I’d wake up with a renewed sense of possibility—a reminder that there’s always another day to keep trying, to keep showing up, and to keep building. Read more>>
Dr. Julia Wiener
When people ask me, “Where do you get your resilience from?” I often smile, because it’s a question I’ve been asked many times throughout my life. Resilience, for me, was forged early on, watching my single mother work two jobs to provide for our family. She set the bar high, demanding excellence in everything I did, and she often reminded me of the realities of the world we lived in. “You’re starting life with two strikes against you,” she’d say. “You’re Black, and you’re a woman. You’ve got to be twice as good.” While I don’t think anyone should live in fear of failure, those words lit a fire in me, pushing me to channel my energy into becoming the best version of myself. Read more>>
Bengala Ngobene
My resilience comes from my upbringing and the values instilled in me growing up in Southern Africa. In my culture, we are taught to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and to never back down in the face of adversity. Moving to the United States in 2018 and starting Chakalaka was no easy feat, but I’ve always drawn strength from my roots, my family and the unwavering support of the community, together with the belief that hard work and persistence pay off. The journey of building Chakalaka has had its ups and downs, but my passion for sharing unexplored flavors keeps me going. Resilience, to me, is about purpose in knowing why you started and pushing through every obstacle to stay true to that vision. Read more>>
Shari Piontkowskie
To be completely honest, I haven’t always considered myself resilient. The only time that it dawns on me is when I take the time to reflect on what I’ve been through and how far I’ve come. I believe that my resilience comes from a deep inner knowing and belief that my dreams and what I want for my life are achievable despite the obstacles currently standing in my way. Read more>>
Chyna Bratcher
I come from parents who are resilient to the core. My mother and father experienced so much being young parents, trying to figure out life without a solid foundation and raising my siblings and I to be the best versions of ourselves. It taught me how to make the best out of every season of my life, not complaining but working with what the situation is developing within me. My sister and I are resilient in business because we have a mother who pushes us even when we feel like we are pushed to the max; she always shows us how we can improve our craft and business. Quitting is never an option, but taking time to breathe and take care of ourselves is always encouraged. Read more>>
Jessica De’shay Styles
Where do I get my resilience from, To be honest, I feel like I get my resilience from God. I know what it feels like to be on top of the world and I know what it feels like to have the world on top of me. I know what it feels like to be the lender and I also know what it feels like to be the borrower. I know how it feels to be Loved and what it feels like to be betrayed and through it all I made it through. God is the reason why , he placed his angels around me through it all and sent them to me to release messages to me when I needed to hear them most. It would always be perfect timing ⏱️ at that. Then it would be exactly what I needed to keep on running the race without throwing in the towel. I just never wanted to give up. I would look at where I was and where I wanted to be and know that it would be greater later . Through it all when I look back at the past I’m glad I went through some of the seasons that broke me the worst because it built up my character and made me the woman I am today. Read more>>
Kay Erickson
I grew up in the 50s/60s and witnessed the change in attitudes towards women, career, college, etc. My parents discouraged me from attending college, their reasoning being that no man would want a woman who was smarter than he was. Well, that’s all I needed to hear, and I enrolled in the University of Minnesota, and made it through with a BFA in photography, Summa cum Laude. Then I went on to earn a MS degree from Mankato State University. I had no role models to give me advice or show me the ropes to get through college and continue on to my various careers including Media Technologist for the Minneapolis Public Schools. I then decided to become a film editor after watching Truffaut films. and made my way to Los Angeles with no prospects, but ended up being a member of the Editor’s Guild, and working on Stephen J. Cannell’s television series, a feature film, and spent some time pulling stock footage from feature length films at Paramount Studios. Read more>>
Daniel Bisuano
Want to provide myself and my family a better life. Read more>>
Chris Baldwin
The human spirit’s resilience is a remarkable testament to our ability to overcome adversity, foster determination, and inspire hope. It serves as an evolutionary mechanism that has allowed our species to persevere and survive through even the most challenging circumstances. I believe this innate capacity is present within most of us, waiting to be cultivated and strengthened over time. Read more>>
Anita Sibul
I started my entrepreneur journey quite young – at 15 y.o (if we don’t count in the times I was selling my toys in front of a local store at 6 y.o haha!). Back then I just did whatever felt good because I didn’t have those adult responsibilities, like rent, food etc. But nowadays when I’m feeling down, looking back at this time helps me and motivates me the most. Why? Because the most resilience is needed when you don’t have a specific need to do something, I could have just lived my teenage life but no, I started a Youtube channel, started building business connections. Now thinking back I realized I had such a small trick that always got me out of bed – I’d just ask myself “do you want 1 million followers?”. Before getting the obvious answer “yes” off my lips, I was already up from the bed because quite literally – there’s nothing else that helps me achieve that goal! My life – my responsibility – my opportunities! Read more>>
Evita Scoccia
As the founder of New York Swim Week, resilience is at the core of everything I do. Leading this brand requires staying mission-focused, no matter the challenges, and building a strong network of collaborators who share my vision. Adaptability is key in this ever-evolving industry, where every unexpected turn becomes an opportunity to innovate. I prioritize balance by managing stress through self-care and celebrating both small and significant wins, which keeps me motivated and grounded. Authenticity is essential to my personal brand, allowing me to connect deeply with my audience and transform challenges into valuable lessons. By continuously learning and embracing each experience as an opportunity for growth, I ensure that New York Swim Week thrives with creativity, determination, and grace. Read more>>
Amanda Job
That’s easy, my resilience comes from my parents!
Growing up, I had the privilege of seeing them battle through and conquer various life obstacles. Their actions taught me, and still teach me, more than words ever could.
Funny enough my mom just celebrated her birthday, and while giving her her flowers I said “thank you for teaching me perseverance and to always get up no matter how many times I fall.” No matter how many times life knocked her down, she always found the will to get back up. It is her ability to keep moving forward one step at a time, regardless of the setbacks, that instilled a sense of determination in me. Read more>>
Marta Salerno
Basically from my poor and lonely background. I am very ambitious and anything happened in my life give me the purpose of getting bettere into my existence. Read more>>
James Wood
My resilience comes from being creative from a young age. Failure is part of creating anything and the first lesson you learn is to learn, experiment, and fail. This has built up my resilience muscle. Read more>>
Chontelle Sewett
My resilience comes from my desire to consistently be the best and excel at everything I do. Growing up participating in the martial arts, I was extremely competitive and I learned the value of fierce discipline and determination at an early stage. The values instilled in me through competitive sports in my formative years have stuck with me throughout my entire life and in so many ways martial arts is a microcosm of life and the world we live. In martial arts, you get knocked down LITERALLY and you have to get back up. Life is no different metaphorically so I would ascribe most of my resilience to that sport. Read more>>
Luan Dobroshi
My resilience come from my abilities to stay focus and push the creative idea narrative that I have in my mind. Read more>>
Sarah Mcdonald
I believe my resilience comes from a combination of my life experiences, the challenges I’ve faced, and the high standards I hold for myself. By the age of 15, I was an orphan, which meant I had to navigate life independently and find strength within myself. Losing that support system at such a young age taught me to rely on my inner drive and determination, and it shaped my ability to push through obstacles and rise above the negativity or ‘evil eyes’ around me. I had to become fearless. Read more>>
Jasmine Leflore
My resilience comes from a combination of personal experience, a strong sense of purpose, and a commitment to creating change. Growing up in Flint, MI, I faced systemic inequities and the loss of my mother and grandparents during pivotal moments in my life. These experiences taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about embracing the unseen and unacknowledged work that shapes us. I recently did a TEDx talk on the concept of the ‘Un-resume’—the invisible struggles, the setbacks, and the quiet perseverance that don’t show up on traditional resumes but are crucial to who we are and how we succeed. Read more>>
Dayna Conway
I’ve lived an interesting life… from being a little girl from the hood that went to an affluent private school, to becoming a foster child, then a teen mom… the odds were always against me… but God. Most children (especially us 80’s babies) were tenacious enough to survive childhood bullying and it truly added a little flavor to our character, however, I strongly believe it was my mother’s prayers and the Detroit hustle in me that got me through the rest of it. When I became a mom at the age of 17, I knew nothing can stop me from providing the best life I could for my child. I call that my Tupac era because back then I truly felt like it was me against the world. My daughter was born in my senior year of high school, so I would wake up super early everyday, catch 3 busses- with my baby in tow, to get to drop her at the daycare, and then walk a few blocks to my school… in Detroit… rain, sun, or snow. After school I would pick my daughter up and go to work. I was truly blessed because I worked at a hair salon that allowed my to bring her to work with me. Read more>>
Nikki Behjat
I definitely get my resilience from my parents and from my extended family members. My parents left Iran at a young age and worked hard to support their parents, siblings, and themselves. I remember also watching them put in long hours to provide for me and my sister. Resilience runs in our family, as I also see how hard my extended family works and what they do for one another. I admire that dedication and strive to embody it myself. Read more>>
Jennifer Harris
In 2018, our family experienced back-to-back loss—family members passed away and family homes were flooded and/or damaged, some beyond repair, due to Hurricane Florence. During those times of grief and uncertainty, I witnessed an unwavering faith in God. As a woman, single mother and business owner, I face moments of uncertainty. I think back to that year, when so much transpired. God was faithful. His plan is always better than our own. He’s able to do exceedlingly abundantly above anything I can think or ask. On my journey, I’ve watched God do just that! Read more>>
Lincoln Pemberton
I developed strong resilience through the influence of my aunt, Dr. Jean Joseph, who raised me since age 8. Dr. Joseph, an immigrant from the Caribbean island of Dominica, achieved significant success in corporate America, rising through the ranks to become a respected public figure in our borough. Witnessing her build a successful career from the ground up inspired me to forge my own path and strive for similar accomplishments. Read more>>
Miranda Martinez
My resilience comes from trusting that there are more beautiful things in life than hurt. Though heartache, defeat, disappointment, and failure I become wiser and have learned more about myself in the process. I personally have experienced many situations that tested my heart, mind and soul and through these experiences I have overcome, I trusted my strength. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that the universe (or life, god, divine timing, and any other power you put faith in) does not give us challenges we cannot handle. I have been brought down by life, people I thought cared about me and even by myself, but somehow I always find a way to keep going. I am my biggest critic and I have faced moments of self doubt but in my darkest moments, I have discovered the most beautiful parts of myself. Read more>>
Eugene Campbell Iii
My resilience comes from the struggles that I dealt with in my life. Constantly changing schools and always being the new kid in the classroom and learning how to adapt to not only the students but also the teachers. Growing up in a city then moving to the suburbs where I was one of the only few colored people in my classes dealing with a great deal of racism throughout grammar school and high school. I somehow always found a way to become resilience and not let those situations break me. Read more>>
Khalia Aimee Kenny
Resilience—that word has been coming up a lot for me lately. In my view, resilience is something we develop through our experiences. Life presents us with countless challenges, and as long as we approach them as opportunities to learn and grow, we become better equipped to adapt and navigate even more situations. From an early age, I encountered tests that no child should face. Navigating life independently, I transformed these hardships into motivation, determined not to become a product of my environment. While the journey hasn’t always been smooth, I view any loss as a hidden gain, embracing each as a valuable lesson. I have been lucky and fortunate to have built strong bonds with people that have supported me along the way. Read more>>
