Inspired > My story

Who I am

Shafiq Najib

Digital news reporter

Shafiq Najib has always been intrigued by entertainers, even as a child growing up in Malaysia. Today he writes and produces stories for Good Morning America (ABC.) He’s covered the 2023, 2024 and 2025 Oscars, and interviewed such high-profile guests as John Legend.

Read more
Samia Bano

Happiness Expert

Samia Bano was sexually abused at age eight. She suffered tremendous emotional pain for years. Gradually she took steps to heal herself. Today she coaches and trains abuse survivors to take charge of their mental health at The Academy of Thriving.

Read more
Alberto Cruz

Accountant

Today Alberto Cruz is a well-paid accountant. He drives a Tesla. But not long ago, as a business major at Cal State Northridge, he commuted by bus from his home in South Gate to CSUN, sometimes commuting as long as three hours each way. But his persistence has paid off.

Read more
Sikivu Hutchinson PhD

Activist

Sikivu Hutchinson was born a social justice activist. Black women are disproportionately abused. Disproportionately murdered. Their trauma and needs ignored. She founded Women’s Leadership Project (WLP) to support and uplift Black female teenagers.

Read more
Raven Bradley

Political Science student

Raven Bradley aspires to become an attorney. She is taking a year off to study at the London School of Economics. International relations is her specialty. She is fascinated by civil war, child soldiers, nuclear policy, gender-based violence and more.

Read more
Dr. Ryan Davis

Public health dentist

Ryan Davis became a standout football player at UCLA. He thought he was on his way to the majors. But a major injury sustained during a game sidelined him. What did he do? He became a public health dentist, treating low-income Latino patients.

Read more
Scroll to Top