Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we carry—and the ways we learn to move through it—can define who we become. We asked community members from a broad array of industries to reflect on their defining wounds and have shared the responses below.
Lizi Quinn
One of the defining wounds of my life was being in a 10-year abusive relationship. Almost three years ago, I made the decision to walk away – a choice that completely changed the trajectory of my life. Healing hasn’t been quick or easy, but it has been worth every step. Therapy has been a lifeline for me, and it’s something I still invest in today. Read more>>
My’Asia Jaaber
One of the most defining wounds in my life was losing both Mama Tina and Mama Latay in the same year. I believe 2016 changed everything for me. One moment you are spending time with family, laughing and sharing meals, and the next they are gone. It happened so quickly, and there was no time to prepare. Read more>>
Gerald D. Thomas
The deepest wounds in my life have been born of responsibility, loss, and the pressure to look unbreakable. As the oldest of five, I learned early to be the steady one — asking the hard questions, doing the protecting, and swallowing fear so others didn’t have to see it. Read more>>
Corey Boyd
The most defining wound of my life was incarceration. I considered it as a scar and a stigma rather than an obstacle that I had conquered. I think we all look at our battles, issues and shortcomings as faults or failures instead of viewing them as testimonies and motivations. It took me a while to truly realize that we all have faced a battle. Read more>>
Julio Garcia
One of the most defining and painful moments in my life happened recently, during what should’ve been a celebratory time, the third year of our family business, Doña Jacky. I had poured my heart and soul into that business. It was my parents’ dream, but it became my mission to grow it, promote it, and do everything I could to make it successful. Read more>>
Mrs. Donnica Houston
Oh man! I believe relationships have really wounded me, to the point where I had developed this hardened heart for people. Read more>>
Jamie Ferriman
The most defining wound of my life was losing my daughter, Bridgett, to suicide in 2022. There’s no manual for that kind of heartbreak. It doesn’t just break you—it unravels everything you thought you were. For a while, I didn’t know how I’d ever breathe normally again, let alone live with purpose. Healing didn’t come quickly or neatly. It came in small, stubborn steps. Read more>>
Wilfred Obi Jr.
As someone who’s always been creative and innovative, I believed early on that I could succeed in business. But the journey has been anything but easy. One of my first defining wounds came during my first eCommerce venture about seven years ago. I was so excited and hopeful, expecting support from close friends—but to my surprise, none of them showed up for me. Read more>>
