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.

Marisol Brescia

Growing up, I saw my mother’s sacrifice in all she did. She was a single mother of 3 and did everything possible for us without any help except from one another. I realized that she went to bed hungry at times just to make sure my brother, sister, and I had enough to eat without going to bed hungry. She made sure she donated clothes, food, and her time to others that were worse off than us. I realized my mother had a heart of gold and I wanted to be kind and help those in need just like she did for myself and everyone around us. because my mother was such a huge inspiration, I volunteered for my community and the hospital. Read More>>

Jenna Swade Pronesti

My generosity… without a doubt comes from my father, Curtis Todd. Growing up I witnessed him feed the homeless.. not on paper plates…he fed human beings on glass plates. He always believed in showing humanity, kindness and the up most respect. I have carried this with me not only has his first born; I’ve carried it with me in my heart. Read More>>

Tobi Ogedegbe

My generosity comes from the example set by my parents. Growing up, I witnessed them consistently extend kindness, support, and care to others—especially to those who were going through difficult times or weren’t in the position they wished to be. They never hesitated to offer a helping hand, whether it was through financial support, encouragement, or simply being present when someone needed uplifting.  Read More>>

Sara Bee

I think generosity starts with curiosity and empathy. I’m endlessly curious about people—what drives them, what they need, what they’re up against—and I try to meet that with real support, not performative “community love.” For me, generosity isn’t just about giving stuff away; it’s about how I show up for people. Read More>>

 Joy Miller

The generosity to offer Driftless Curiosity programs to our community comes from my experience of abundance living on the farm. Every season, I witness the regeneration of life on the land, the miracles of seeds germinating, animals giving birth, and birds building nests and feeding their young. I see the endless symbiotic relationships between soil, insects, plants, animals, and humans. I see how we’re always giving to each other, and it inspires me to share our space so others can see it too. Read More>>

Viviana Vazquez

Watching my dad financially support a family of five on a $28,000 income. I watched him work tirelessly day in and day out to give us a better life. Despite us living in poverty, he always gave more than he could. He would tip waiters, delivery people, and baristas more than a wealthy customer would. I would always ask him why, to which he would respond, “I’ve been in their shoes. They depend on tips like we do.” I told myself from a young age that I would work hard to be able to do the same, except without sacrificing my own financial wellbeing. That’s why I’ve always wanted to have so much — so that I could give much more. Read More>>

Faith

Generosity seems to be more prevalent among those who understand hardship and I am no exception. I learned that even when you have nothing, you can help others. No matter how down on our luck we were, my mom always had room at the table, provided we had one that year.
I’ve been through many things in my life, but I would experience my traumas again, if I had to, because it has made me who I am. Hardship develops empathy for what others are going through and an easier ability to imagine yourself in their shoes. Read More>>

Amanda Lindsey

Generosity, for me, is about giving without expecting anything in return—whether that’s my time, my attention, my resources, or just a kind word. It’s not about grand gestures, but the little acts of care that help others feel seen and valued. I believe generosity is a way of connecting with people and the world around me, showing that I care and want to make a positive impact. Even if I don’t always feel joy, I’m driven by a deep sense of empathy and a belief in the ripple effect— Read More>>

Travis Sleeper

Life has the funniest ways of teaching us lessons, skills, or traits we’re lacking. At least, that’s been my personal experience. Almost everything I’ve learned in life has come through a reality check usually brought on by the pain of what I was missing. Learning the importance of generosity was no different. Read More>>

 Lisa Marandy

I draw my generosity from my family and the values instilled in me by my parents while growing up. They always emphasized the importance of being a good person and helping others whenever possible. Additionally, working in my field has deepened this sense of generosity; being surrounded by moms who need support makes it hard not to want to lend a hand. It’s about creating a positive impact in their lives, just as my family taught me to do. Read More>>

Tae & Nita

Our generosity comes from the way we were both raised and the values we’ve built together. We’ve seen firsthand how powerful love, kindness, and support can be not just in our own lives, but in the lives of others. For us, giving isn’t about having a lot, it’s about sharing what we do have and showing up for people the way we’d want someone to show up for us. Read More>>