I was raised in El Sereno, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. 

From a young age, I learned about hard work. I had limited resources, but unlimited determination. Witnessing the struggles in my community shaped how I saw and navigated the world. 

As the youngest of six siblings, I watched my parents work tirelessly to provide the best life they could for us. Despite the challenges, they never stopped guiding us down the right path. Their strength and perseverance taught me the value of resilience, family, and hope. 

And I’ve always believed in the power of education as a tool to break barriers. I know firsthand how transformative it can be. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to helping young people discover their potential—just as I discovered mine. 

I always knew that giving back was my passion, but I didn’t realize it was my calling until I worked at Skid Row in Los Angeles—home to one of the largest populations of people experiencing homelessness in the country. As a high-needs case manager, my perspective changed completely. 

Before entering this field, I believed that people living on the streets chose to be there. But I was wrong. Everyone has a story, and I was far from the truth. 

One person I’ll never forget is Ricardo—a family man who lost his job and home. 

With no options left, he and his family used what little money they had to buy a tent and moved to the streets. His top priority was his family’s safety, so he stayed awake at night to protect them. 

To cope with the exhaustion, he began using substances. Over time, addiction took hold. His health declined, his family relationships suffered, and by the time he secured stable housing and entered recovery, his marriage was beyond repair. 

Though he regained sobriety, he couldn’t rebuild what had been lost. 

Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories like Ricardo’s. I’ve dedicated my life’s work to helping as many people as possible and creating meaningful, lasting impact within communities. 

Today, I serve as the Program Manager for YouthBuild Las Vegas. Every day, I have the privilege of supporting young people—many of whom come from stories like mine. I help them believe in themselves, find their voice, and build a better future. 

And I’ll keep doing this work for as long as there are stories that deserve to be heard, and lives waiting to be changed. 

Sincerely,