Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Dejan Urbanek | College swimmer at CMU

My name is Dejan and I am international student-athlete here at CMU. I came here to study computer science and to achieve my dream of competing in collegiate swimming. I was on national junior team back home for 4 years. I graduated as valedictorian of class 2020 and my other biggest achievement outside of the classroom is making semifinals on European Junior Championship in 2019 in 200fly. I come from Serbia which is small country in South-eastern Europe and back home I was always thought to fight for myself and I don’t take anything for granted. It helped me realize that I have to work hard and to use every resource available in order to achieve my goals. Read more>>

Tinna Anne Kitchaiya | Model/Instagram Coach/Writer/Speaker

I am an Air Force brat and Veteran. I grew up moving around and honestly, enjoyed being able to reinvent myself each time. The military lifestyle has made me resilient, adaptive, and I have a unique worldview. The attention to detail, hustle, discipline, the style of manners, have all contributed to how I operate daily and as a professional at any job I hold. Modeling and acting have always been a passion of mine and through the years I have been fortunate enough to realize my dream. Read more>>

Cierra White | Drummer & Personal Trainer

I grew up in Greeley, Colorado, a (back then) fairly small farm town in the northeastern corner of the state. I come from a working-class family and spent my early teenage years playing sports and learning how to be a musician. These influences came solely from my parents and had the biggest impact in who I am today. Read more>>