April Inniss – Martha’s Vineyard
Senior Research Associate – James Bell Associates
April selected Martha’s Vineyard as her place of significance because it offered her tranquility, cherished memories of relaxation, and a sense of freedom from life’s obligations and responsibilities. Moreover, she envisions this location as an alternate universe where systemic oppression never occurred in American society, and where people live in happiness and prosperity.
Maria Cazares – Wasco, California
Youth Organizer – Dolores Huerta Foundation
Maria’s place of significance is Wasco, California, where she grew up witnessing and overcoming inequalities in communities of color. She is a first-generation Mexican-American with a Sociology degree from Fresno State, now working as a youth organizer with the Dolores Huerta Liberated Youth for Empowerment Program. Through her activism, she continues to make a difference in her communities, committed to dismantling systemic barriers.
Jose Enriquez – John Glenn High School
CEO/Founder – Latinos in Action
Jose’s place of significance is John Glenn High School, where he learned to fail and succeed, developing humility and resilience. He overcame his fear of public speaking, gained confidence, and understood the essence of leadership. Through hard training, he honed essential skills, from studying to networking, ultimately boosting his self-assurance.
Corrina Brown – Avenues at Steele Creek
Development Manager – The Beautiful Project
Corrina’s choice of her first apartment as her place of significance symbolized her initial taste of independence, devoid of external influences. As time passed, she delved deeper into self-discovery. Within the confines of this space, she mastered the art of cultivating her own community. This period of living alone for the first time enabled her to authentically identify her genuine interests, desires, and needs.
Anthony Barrows – Maverick Square Public Housing
Managing Partner & Founder, Center for Behavioral Design & Social Justice
Anthony’s place of significance is the Maverick Square public housing complex in East Boston, MA where he grew up. The area has since been completely redeveloped.
Ronnette Smith – Clark Atlanta University
CEO – Future Foundation
Ronnette is a proud graduate of the HBCU Clark Atlanta University, where she earned a B.A. in Mass Communication/Media Studies. Her alma mater, selected as her meaningful institution, bore witness to Mrs. Smith’s triumphant graduation from a four-year university, even in the face of academic challenges during her high school years.
Dawn Henderson – Camden, New Jersey
Director of Research – Village of Wisdom
Dawn’s hometown, Camden, New Jersey, holds a special place in her life, as it is where she was born and raised. Despite Camden’s reputation as one of the most impoverished and dangerous cities in the United States, Dawn vividly recalls her formative years spent there. These experiences have become a valuable resource for her in her current position as the Director of Research at the Village of Wisdom, where she uses her insights to empower others for success.