Born in California to two Vietnam War refugees, Linda Yang understands perseverance and the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Today, she shares her testimony as a Co-Author in the International Bestseller Women Who Dream by Kate Butler, in hopes that other First Generation Americans will realize that they are not alone.

Over forty-five years ago, Jill’s father Dennis Dunlap started Dunlap Construction, which quickly became a staple construction firm in Henderson County. While Jill was in high school, Dunlap encouraged her to work at his company during her summer breaks.

Originally from Hialeah, Florida, Rhonda was a single mother, living completely on her own at seventeen. “I would not wish single-parenthood or teen parenthood on anybody,” she says. “It was really hard. I raised my son single-handedly. I put myself through school.”

Local Consignment Shop Owner Jazmin Whitmore is a unicorn in the fashion world. As a curvy, queer woman of color, Jazmin runs her business as a statement that directly challenges beauty ideals, and she leads her life authentically with “radical honesty.”