Building a more compassionate and generous world requires a focus on fostering generosity. Part of that is asking generous folks to open up about where they think their generosity comes from.
Brooklyne Larue
Faith is a central part of my life, and I strive each day to live more like Jesus, following His example. This mindset began to take shape during my later years in emergency medicine. As a traveling trauma nurse, I worked in various regions of the U.S., with my final assignment being at a Level I trauma center in a major city. There, I encountered heartbreaking cases of human trafficking, especially involving children. Hearing the unimaginable stories of toddlers sharing things no child should ever experience left me shattered but deeply motivated to make a difference. Read more>>
Laura Michelle Mcdonald
My generosity comes from my parents. Since I was young I remember my father taking us out to dinner and from time to time would take care of another’s family meal. Families we have never met before and probably didn’t even talk to that night. It would just be on his heart to do so. And we were not rich by any means. My mother specifically taught me to be generous with my time with other people. Going over to people’s houses to spend time with them, and drive them around places if they have a hard time driving on their own. Generosity in my household wasn’t just about money, but it was about genuine time and energy you pour into people. Read more>>
Jamie Ramirez
Our generosity comes from a deep belief in the power of kindness and empathy, especially in a world where so many people are facing silent struggles. Mental health is often overlooked, but it’s such a crucial part of our well-being, and we think a little kindness can make a big difference. In a world full of “no’s” and battles we don’t always see, offering a moment of care or support can shift someone’s entire day. Read more>>
Deshaun Johnson
My generosity comes from my heart, knowing how God speaks and use our hearts to show a better way to always be kind, patient and understanding, but not to lean on to our own understanding, but His.
I’ve always been of generosity and service since I was a child, my great aunt Toni always taught me to be kind, loving, and appreciative, no matter how big or small, but to me, it was always the little things that count the most. Read more>>
Kevin + Lucia Sanders
Our generosity stems deeply from our Christian faith. We believe that everything we have—our time, energy, and even our finances—isn’t truly ours; it’s God’s. We’re called to be good stewards of His blessings, and often that means choosing generosity. Read more>>
Lauren Flynn
My generosity comes from a place of giving back. I went through a six year period where I had three natural disasters, losing everything each time. I can still look around my home and know where everything came from – many things were gifted, some by people I’ve still never met who would hear about me from friends of friends. If I’m in a position to help someone, I don’t think twice about. I’m so grateful everyday to be here – I’m constantly inspired by visible and invisible networks of people doing selfless things for others. Read more>>
Tahlia Josephine Knoshaug
I love this question because I feel as though I have always carried generosity in my heart, in a metaphorical sense of course, but also literally! Here’s why: In my very first musical theatre stage debut, as a mighty fifth grader, I proudly performed as the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz. The Tin Man is a character who believes he doesn’t have a heart. By the end of the musical, though, the Tin Man realizes his love for life and others was always present. In fact, his heart has the loudest beat of all! For me, I not only held the Tin Man’s physical prop heart on stage, but I also felt its power within me. As I was performing, I felt the magic of connection to the stage and realized my breath was in tandem with the audience. That was the moment I like to say that I, too, found my passionate, beating heart, which generously shares a love of the performing arts and its powerful messages with others. Read more>>
Paris Vapaille-watson
My generosity comes from my family. Values that I learned from watching certain members. My grandmother was extremely generous and my grandfather loved to help people. My mother and father always taught me “it is better to give than to receive”.
My mother worked as a social worker and she loved giving to the homeless and financially challenged during the holiday season. Being generous comes in many different forms. Read more>>
Aarti Bansal
Generosity runs deep in my family. It’s not just encouraged; it’s practically a requirement. Growing up, I saw it in action every day—not in grand gestures, but in simple, meaningful acts. My family, both immediate and extended, shaped my understanding of generosity. My mom, for instance, always went the extra mile to make someone’s favorite dish and would send them home with leftovers. My dad, on the other hand, had a quiet way of giving—no grand gestures, just thoughtful acts that spoke more than words could. My extended family followed suit, offering advice, meals, or just a listening ear when needed. They didn’t give because they had to; they gave because they wanted to. Their generosity was a gift, not an obligation. Read more>>
William Asiedu
My generosity is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the values instilled in me. Raised in a Christian household, I was taught core principles like, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I grew up in a family and community where everyone played a role in supporting one another and advancing our shared mission. My church emphasized evangelism and empowering the community, which inspired my passion for serving others. This passion drives me to be a voice for the voiceless and to bring attention to the stories of those often overlooked in our society. Many people lack not only the support of a family but even basic public assistance. Read more>>
Randy Rohde
The reason I am the person I am today is because of my dad. He was the most generous, compassionate, loving, and patient man I’ve ever known. He didn’t know the meaning of “no.” Growing up, if I asked him to play catch, basketball, tennis, football, or go to the park, he never turned me down. He would stop whatever he was doing to give me his full attention. Every time we played, he kept going until I was tired, not when he was tired. Even at 80, he’d be up at 6 AM with my two little girls, pulling them in a wagon to the park, swimming with them, spinning them around on the grass, playing dolls, and joining their imaginary games until they were the ones to collapse. Read more>>
Ashley Tuohy
I am an empath to the max, and making people feel special or seen just comes natural. It’s a blessing and a curse. I think my generosity comes from not receiving generosity from others growing up.. People can be so mean and I take pride in giving my all and going above and beyond for those I love and my valued clients. Read more>>
Finnigan Jones
My generosity comes from my father. He was an amazing example of generosity growing up. He has always been generous, I cannot remember a time where he was not. He is generous with his time, with his sharing his expertise, showing people what he loves most, and with what he has. I am nowhere near as generous as my father, but where I can be, I am generous. I think it is important to give without expecting anything in return. Read more>>
Karla Santiago Vargas
I think my generosity comes from my heart. It comes from compassion and empathy for others, for donkeys. I’m sure it doesn’t come from my head because if I ever stopped to think about how hard it is – what we do – I would be terrified to do it. The generosity comes from seeing a need and knowing in my heart that I can do something about this. The compassion overcomes the fear, and the generosity comes from the desperate need that opens the heart. Read more>>
Portia White
I believe my generosity stems from various influences. As an arts administrator and teaching artist, my work is driven by a desire to positively impact lives through the arts. I don’t necessarily identify with the label of “generous”; rather, I feel a sense of obligation to engage in this work to help create a better world. It may sound cliche’, but I truly believe that’s our purpose as humans. My conviction that the world has everything we need, provided we nurture and care for it properly, empowers me to give of myself freely and without worry. Growing up surrounded by generous individuals and ending up with an amazingly generous life partner, has undoubtedly shaped my approach to life. Read more>>
Misty Renee
Generosity has been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories of being generous was on the first day of first grade. My teacher announced she had donuts for sale, and I noticed a classmate looking disappointed because she didn’t have any money. I had some lunch money with me, so I bought two donuts. As I walked back to my desk, I placed one of the donuts on hers. That simple act of kindness turned into a lifelong friendship. Moments like these shaped me and taught me how powerful even small gestures can be in connecting with others and spreading kindness. It’s something I carry into every part of my life, including my work as an esthetician. Read more>>
Seletha Collins
My generosity came from my parents. If they had it they would give it. My mom would always tell us, “You know where you’ve been, but you don’t know where you’re going or end up!” You have to treat people the way you want to be treated. Read more>>
Kimberly Paton
My parents have always been an example in generosity. My dad (who we lost March 7, 2020) was a fierce example of always helping people and would give someone the shirt off his back if needed. From the time I was small, he always sacrificed for others, especially his family. I remember when I was about 4 or 5, he went to Texas to work to provide for us. He always made sure we had what we needed, and more. Also, when I was young, I remember my parents taking my cousin in to live with us. In fact, we took several people in over the years who were in bad straits to live with us, from a few weeks to a few years. They (we) have always tried to help those who needed it, as long as we could do it. We are definitely a family with soft hearts. Read more>>
Kristin Hazen
I can humbly say that I have had close friends and family refer to me as being “one of the most generous people they know”. And when I think of the person that I would say that very same thing to, it would be my late mother. She fought a tough cancer battle, and it was through that journey with her – being by her side and witnessing others that she had helped or impacted their life in some way, share their stories. My mom was my closest friend, but I still had no idea quite the depth of her generosity and selflessness until I learned from all these people after her passing. She wasn’t boastful about it – so it was something she did just out of the goodness of her heart. I feel like I have innately learned how to give through watching her. Read more>>
Nadel Henville
My generosity was molded and shaped by my mother. She was an incredible woman that I lost when I was about to turn 15, and everything she has done and everything she did has stuck with me. She was someone who constantly had the world on her shoulders. She was a single mother of 8 children, worked as a live-in nurse every day of the week, was pursuing her citizenship, and still found time for the folks that she loved. She always gave whatever she could, if she had the capacity, and never said no to anyone in need. She’d help a stranger at a moment’s notice, give her last $20 to someone in front of her in the line at CVS, and would still find a way to get me that book that I wouldn’t put down as soon as we got in the store. She led with her heart, with love, because she knew this world needed more of it everyday. She’s the person who taught my to love first and foremost in all situations, and I will continue to do so in her memory. Read more>>
Lauren Williams
I personally have felt inadequate in quite a few rooms I’ve been in. I’ve even been in the middle of a conversation and realized I have no clue what I am talking about. The trick to imposter syndrome is not to overcome it, but instead lean into it. The phrases “fake it till you make it” or “do it anyways” is the difference between those that are successful and those who aren’t. The reality is, nearly everyone is unsure of themselves in some capacity. Maybe you don’t “belong” in that room, so figure out how to ensure you do. Maybe they are smarter than you, so go learn something. And during that time, you’ll hopefully see that the only real difference others who are successful have opposed to you is their confidence level. Confident and wrong will always outweigh meek and unsure. Read more>>
Breann Shook
For me, the roots of generosity trace back to the humble beginnings of our pet products business, Grandma Lucy’s. Twenty-five years ago, my husband Eric and I were just a pair of wide-eyed entrepreneurs, brimming with enthusiasm but short on experience. I still remember those early days so vividly – the countless hours spent researching, the nervous excitement of meeting industry veterans, and most importantly, the incredible generosity of those who took time to guide us. Read more>>
Diana Marie Haddad
I think generosity stems from a deep belief in equity and a desire to uplift others. At RemainReal, I’ve made it a mission to create an accessible space where Colorado artists—regardless of experience or background—feel empowered to share their work. By removing barriers like application fees and fostering a truly welcoming environment, I hope to provide opportunities for artists who might not otherwise have the chance to be seen. It’s about building a community where creativity thrives, and everyone feels like they belong. Read more>>
Anquinett Pope
I have always possessed a deep empathy and affection for others. Inspired by my own experiences, I made a heartfelt commitment to assist others in the same way that I had been helped. In 2013, following a significant loss in my life, I began providing support for families during Christmas and engaging in other acts of sponsorship. For an extended period, I personally financed these endeavors without any organizational affiliations. Then, in July 2023, I proudly inaugurated the Pursue Hope Foundation. I am in the process of acquiring my 501(c)(3) status to enable me to apply for grants that will enhance my initiatives within the community. Read more>>
Traycee Mayer
My generosity comes from my parents and somehow with my exposure to leading others at a very young age I have managed to kick it up several notches. I remember from a young age that my parents where generous, involved in the community, church, cub scouts and girl scouts. Not only was my dad always prepared (and then some) for a garage sale, camping expedition or to help a neighbor, he instilled in us a sense of responsibility to anything we would come across. Read more>>
Olamide Abimbola
I believe that generosity stems from kindness. I choose to be kind to others because I care deeply about both humanity and nature. Being kind doesn’t cost anything, and I make a conscious effort to show generosity through my actions and to demonstrate empathy towards others. Read more>>
