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.
Douglas Isaac Busch
The essence of generosity lies in the capacity to empathize with others’ experiences and circumstances. It is about giving without expecting anything in return. It’s about sharing resources, time, and energy to make the world a better place. This perspective aligns with numerous studies that link generosity to increased happiness, improved mental health, and even longevity.
As a photographer for over 50 years I learned long ago to do things because you are passionate about them, not for money. Nothing I do is for money, I believe in helping others as much as I can such as my No Strings Foundation, The Genos Center Foundation and more. Read More>>
Billy Hawkains
My generosity comes from my two incredible parents, Juanita Hawkains and Billy Hawkains Sr. They are the most selfless and compassionate people I know. There has never been a time when they didn’t offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it. It didn’t matter who they were, where they came from, what crisis they were mixed up in, or what they believed – if they had the means to help them, my mom and dad were all in. And if it wasn’t possible to help them directly, you better believe my parents were going to find someone who could. It was never and is never about receiving the credit for them, but all about serving God’s people; it has always been about loving their neighbor as God loved them. For instance, Ms. Pearl. Read More>>
Jorgie Franks
Generosity comes from my relationship with God. Give and it will come back to you. Sow a seed and it will grow. Being raised by a pastor and his wife instilled generosity. Watching my parents walk through life with faith and kindness to people is where it all comes from. The fact is you are a leader whether you like it or not. My generosity comes from my parents love for one another and the generosity they lend to one another forgiving each other, being there for each other and that is the foundation of my generosity. Read More>>
Kacey Williams
So, my generosity comes from within me I know how I like to be treated by others so I would like everyone I come in contact to experience happiness my goal is to put smiles on the faces of others because you never what they may be going through in their personal life, mentally and physically so why not make someone happy. Read More>>
Zach Paradis
The world of the generous is always expanding. But there is a scarcity mindset often feeding on our fears that tells us there isn’t enough room for everyone, so don’t give anyone what you have. I work in music–writing, producing, engineering, etc–and there’s definitely this unspoken thought that we have to use each other to get to the next level. I have been trying to switch my mindset, to give others a leg up and invest in them. I’m not doing this as a sneaky way of benefiting from those people later but instead, I truly believe that I can make both our lives better in the present by being kind and generous. The new thought is, if I grow, we grow together. For me, this stems from the teachings of Jesus, who was incredibly generous and modeled service and kindness perfectly. I try to remember that as we work and hustle, we’re not just building our careers, we’re building our lives. With some of my collaborators, I have mixed for free, taken lower backend percentages, or given away beats just because I believe in them and want to be light in a draining industry that has a tendency to beat us down over time. Read More>>
Shari Shink
My parents’ generosity was simply part of who they were. Together and as individuals, they shared the little they had with those who needed it more. My dad was always helping neighbors or relatives build houses, fix something broken, or carry a heavy load. My mom was a consummate volunteer. She was always there to help. She provided transportation for those who didn’t have it, food for those who needed it, comfort and companionship for those who yearned for it.
Growing up in an environment of generosity, giving to others was an easy lesson to learn. Not only did my parents respond to the needs of others, but they were sensitive and aware of the challenges others faced. They were always there before someone asked for help. I try to carry this legacy into my professional and personal life. And as they often remarked, “you always get back more than you give.”
Cobbled Streets has given me another opportunity to make them proud. Read More>>
Adrienne Kinsella
I can be generous to a fault. I think I can attribute my tendency to be generous first to my parents, who modeled this for me in how they were always doing things for other people. When I truly care about someone I tend to give – call it a “love language,” or a tendency, it makes me happy to do things for the ones I love. Mentors who were generous with me with their time, instruction and encouragement have also taught me to practice the same. In the context of career, I’m a firm believer in lifting up our colleagues rather than tearing them down. Generosity in promoting others, sharing opportunities, and even recommending someone else for a job you know they could likely do better than yourself are practices I’ve found to be so personally rewarding. I think this comes from having a settledness in who we are and in our own abilities that can enable us to be okay with promoting the people around us. We live in a time where self promotion is the default, but maybe something can also be gained by helping others. There is something so beautiful in that, and I believe that by practicing kindness and generosity that people will return the same. Even when that is not the case, I remain hopeful that eventually things will come around and get better. Read More>>
Heaven Williams
I believe my generosity comes from the field I’m in. I love my career which is social work. I love giving back to my community and helping others who needs help. Read More>>
Dee Hannah
My generosity comes from my Grandmother, Mrs. Birtha LeFlore (RIP). When I was a little girl, she had a mason jar that she only used when someone in the neighborhood passed away. She would go around the neighborhood with the jar and collect money for the deceased person’s family. At times it would be half full and sometimes filled to the brim with money. After she collected the money, she gave it to the families. She never took a dime. I’m not sure who taught her this for she never spoke of growing up in her hometown in Mississippi. However, I watched her be generous to her neighbors when no one asked her to be. Read More>>
Dj ReRe
It’s a rare breed who is generous and compassionate. But I refuse to let that change me and I’m not one to give up on humanity. I will continue to treat others with kindness and respect, even if it’s not reciprocated. Read More>>
Katherine Menasche
My generosity comes from knowing that other people might not have what I have. And when you pay it forward it feels good and good things come to you when you are generous. Read More>>
Young Spit
Grown-up in Africa we didn’t have much but we learned to appreciate and share the little we had.
Young Spit is a singer and songwriter originally from Burundi a landlocked country in east central Africa, bordering Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Young Spit’s Sound is a mixture of Afro-fusion ,World Music and Hip Hop. Read More>>
Steven Wong
I believe I get it from my mom. I have watched her over the years, whether the situation was good or bad, my mom is an open-book. She is willing to go the extra mile to support anyone. If she sees someone on the street who looks lost, she will stop to ask if they need help or can she be of any assistance? That is her personality. She has taught me to lead with kindness, compassion, and to never judge a book by its cover. In today’s society, kindness and compassion is truly needed. Like my mom, I tend to put others feelings first to make sure everyone is comfortable. I like to nurture and I live with an open heart. Read More>>
Kristina Hager
to be honest, my heart doesn’t know how not to give. I was raised by two incredibly giving parents who love the Lord with all their heart, and they taught me that serving God starts with serving people. No matter what you may or may not get in return. You give and love unconditionally. Generosity is a matter of the heart. And it brings me joy to give that love and kindness to others. Read More>>
Kristen Karhio
I grew up as an only child of a single mom in a small town in upstate NY. I’ve always been a sensitive, empathetic person. If I can make someone happy, it makes me happy.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve had my fair share of struggles. I’ve also had many people help me get to where I am today. Being there for someone when they need it most is the best king of feeling. The positive energy we put out comes back to us in so many ways. Read More>>
Courtney Laine Cole
I have always had an innate generosity. As a very small child I loved to give and share and especially to receive the gratification that comes along with that. I think I do well with My gifts because it comes very natural to me firstly to create results but also it fills me up with bliss to know that I have made someone happy or feel better about themselves in someway. Read More>>
Kevyn Germaine
My generosity stems from a combination of personal experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by small to medium-sized business owners. When I first started my own business, I realized the importance of having a solid foundation in administrative, operational, and client experiences. However, I noticed that many founders often neglect these crucial areas due to a lack of proper systems and support. Read More>>
Emma Seo
My parents have always embraced open-mindedness, and it was under their guidance that I learned to be accountable for my choices from an early age. This instilled in me a spirit of
generosity and kindness, especially towards my guests. I understand that I must shoulder the
consequences of my actions, and this perspective ensures that I treat everyone with respect and
kindness. This is particularly evident in my interactions with my long-term customers, whose
frequent visits are much appreciated. Read More>>
Dr. Katheryn Thompson
Katheryn TheHumble is a born giver. It’s built in me. I understand that it is better to give than to receive and when much is given, much is required. The given is a gift(s). It’s not to be selfish but to share with the world. My husband once called me ‘Kurtious Katheryn’. My father’s mother was the most giving individual I’ve ever met in my 40 years. The Harris blood that runs through my mother’s veins made me ‘Passionate for a Cause’. Read More>>
Chasidy Brooks
I have seen situations that look so bleak that no one could possibly make them better. What I have learned is that maybe I won’t be able to fix them, but I can help make them better, even if just marginally. My goal in everything I do is to be a light in someone’s darkness. Read More>>
Joy Gasaway
My generosity comes from seeing a need and filling a need without strings attached. I’ve experienced some good help and I’ve experienced some conditional help and more often than not, the conditional help puts a strain on any friendship or relationship being built. Read More>>
