So many of the folks we work with have multidimensional stories. They often aren’t just working on a single project, business or mission – instead they are often involved in so many things all at once and so we often wonder about what they themselves hope their legacy will be about. We’ve shared some of their responses with you below.

Joce Blake | Writer and Communications, Business Development & Community Relations Manager

I want people to remember that I was authentic and showcased the magic of Black women. For some time after moving to Denver from Memphis, I felt intimidated by the predominantly white spaces I entered. Black women have to continuously adapt to every single space they walk into because it wasn’t created with us in mind. I have dedicated my work and writing to highlighting Black women and how we, despite many circumstances, still show up in this world like no other. I want that to be my legacy. Read more>>

Lucas Flores | Cinematographer + Motion Designer

Simply put, I hope people remember me as a funny guy who was serious about his craft. Ideally, I believe the goal of any artist is to create work that becomes indelible and transcends their individual experience on this planet. One day I hope to construct something timeless that is positively impactful and perpetually inspires others. I still have so much to learn and it will certainly be a long journey to arrive at that level. But I think if you work hard enough, you don’t find the way, the way finds you. More important than being remembered for my work, however, is ultimately being remembered as a good person. I want to be able to look back and know I did things the right way and pursued my passions on my own terms. Continuously curating integrity is crucial to me as an artist and as a person. If I can do that in a way that simultaneously elicits a certain questioning of oneself and makes people laugh, then that is a considerable foundation on which I can build my legacy. Read more>>

Marpessa Allen | Birth Doula & Family Advocacy Consultant

As a mom going through all the motherhood seasons, I realized that my priority is family. Spending time with my family and working on something I was truly passionate about made me consider owning my own business. I knew the obstacles black mothers face but wanted to focus on prenatal, post-partum and maternal mental health issues. Read more>>

Karina Asitimbay | Photographer + Educator

This can be such a jam packed question, but I really hope to be remembered by the great friend who captured great pictures. I want there to be an emphasis on the word friend because a friend is typically someone you feel comfortable with. I want people to feel comfortable with me and in front of my camera. I want their experiences to be memorable along with the photos they receive. I want people to KNOW and FEEL how much I care for them, and how much I am rooting for their love. If you were to ask them, I’d hope and smile to hear something along the lines of: “she made us feel so comfortable, we thought being in front of the camera would be weird but she made all of that go away. She captured our love just as our love is, it was beautiful to see her create this safe space for us while capturing great images.’ Read more>>

Buffy Barfoot | Writer, Yoga Instructor, Podcaster

I am a storyteller. I am interested in bringing attention to how the hard parts of our human stories are also the places of breakthrough and transformation. I am naturally serious, even though I wish I were funnier. But I have accepted that seriousness about myself, and own it now as both depth and empathy. I want my legacy to be helpful to people, and remind them that part of their story is accepting both the dark and the light. I want people to remember me as someone who pointed to the lighthouses, even in the most turbulent storms. And I believe we need each other, to tell and to listen to each other’s stories, in order to be okay. Read more>>

Lauren Carter (Mims) | Executive Director, Bad Bettie Project

Growing up, I don’t think I ever cared about legacy. My heart and soul told me I was going to make such a big impact on the world, it didn’t matter if I left a legacy behind or not. These days, I’m a bit older and wiser and know that impact doesn’t happen without creating a legacy. As an individual that strives to make the world better every day, the legacy I want to leave behind is one of empathy, hope and change. Through my non-profit, Bad Bettie Project, I am able to craft that legacy. I spend every day trying to make others have a better day, better week – hell, even a better life. And I think that work has long lasting effects that are building my legacy as we speak. I want people to remember me for the good work I did, not for my name. Read more>>