I was born and raised in Oakland, California, where I attended K-12 public schools. After graduating from high school I enrolled in Community College at Merritt, where I obtained my associates in communications. After my 2 years there I transferred to UC Irvine, where I received my bachelors degree in urban studies.

Not sure where to go once I finished school, I applied to the Peace Corps to serve as a volunteer in Morocco for a 2-year stint, which was eventually cut short due to the Covid pandemic.

Outside of school, I enjoy playing and watching sports, with soccer and basketball being my favorites.

I am passionate about supporting young people who encounter obstacles to their eductional journey because I recognize how many of us are institutionally denied access to higher education.

As a product of Oakland Unfiied and the Community College route, I was witness to most of my friends and peers being unable to achieve academic success because they faced barriers that many people in more structured and supported environments never see. This experience led me to carry a form of “survivor’s guilt” and I found myself increasingly alone as I went further on my academic journey. That experience in turn inspired me to want to help bridge the access gap to academic opportunity for people like those I grew up with and around.

My advice for you is to take a moment and appreciate where you’re at!

Don’t get lost in the search for the next achievement. College is a unique and great opportunity for a variety of reasons, and one thing I wish I had taken advanatage of more was building relationships.

As much as your academic success is important and should be prioritzed, it is equally as important to meet people, network, and step out of your comfort zone. You have the opportunity to build lifelong relationships, and there are countless career opportunities that come from networking.

I encourage you to engage in new activities on campus, whether that’s a class, club, or even something as simple as trying a different food.