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.

Djenita Svinjar | Attorney & Entrepeneur

I was born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina and came to the United States in 1994 as a child refugee during the Bosnian War. My family and I arrived in the United States with two bags of luggage and had to work our way up from rock bottom. Growing up, I witnessed my mom, a single mother, work numerous jobs at a time to ensure that we had food on the table each and every night. Looking back on the sacrifices that were made, the blood, sweat, and tears that went into getting me to where I am today, and the endless devotion from my mom helped mold me into the person I am today- one driven by a hunger for more knowledge, experiences, and successes. Read more>>

Sogs Dylan and Lee | Alternative Rock Band

Lee is originally from the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon) and Dylan is from the South (Alabama, Florida and North Carolina). We’ve both lived in Colorado the majority of our lives at this point though, primarily in the Loveland/Fort Collins area. Each of us have always jumped at the chance to travel new places, meet new people and experience as much as humanly possible. That part of our upbringing and ongoing drive helped each of us to broaden our world views and have a vast appreciation for trying new things. Read more>>

Kathy Antunez | Cosmetologist

I was born in Cheyenne, but we moved her when I was 3 so I have always considered myself a Fort Collins Native. I grew up having two really hard working parents who would work 12 hour days 6 days a week. I think beings that they both came from a different country; they migrated wanting to have the American Dream. Watching them, I learned that in order to have what you want no matter how long it takes, it ends up all being worth it at the end! Read more>>