I was born in Compton, California, and grew up in Hanover, Massachusetts. Having never met my father, I was raised by my hardworking single mother and my loving grandparents—each of whom shaped my life in profound ways. My mother has proudly served at the Post Office for nearly three decades and is a proud member of the American Postal Workers Union. She worked multiple jobs so I could have the opportunities she never did, teaching me the dignity of honest work and the value of every dollar earned. My grandfather, a World War II veteran, modeled the importance of responsibility and showing up for those who depend on you—virtues emblematic of his “Greatest Generation.” And my grandmother, who still lives with my mother in Hanover to this day, was the glue that kept our family strong through every challenge. From them, I learned the meaning of sacrifice, community, and unwavering hope—principles that guide me to this very moment.

At 16, I took my first job at Circuit City, gaining a sense of self-reliance and pride in contributing to my own future—qualities that have stayed with me ever since. I carried that resolve with me through high school and later to Northeastern University, where I studied economics and history. It was there that my passion for public service took root. As a freshman, I joined the Northeastern Democrats, led by former Massachusetts Governor Mike Dukakis. That fall, I volunteered for Deval Patrick’s gubernatorial campaign and had the opportunity to meet then-Senator Barack Obama. His message of hope and change deeply resonated with me as a gay Black man, reinforcing my belief in civic engagement as a force for shaping our collective future.

While on co-op at Northeastern, I witnessed the onset of the Great Recession. Seeing families struggle, I realized that economic security could never be taken for granted. Instead of following a traditional career path, I launched my first company—a clean-tech startup—from my dorm room. Though that venture ultimately failed, it sparked a lifelong passion for responsible entrepreneurship and innovation.

After college, I moved to New York, where I applied my experience as a founder, launching a crowdfunding company aimed at helping everyday people start businesses through micro-investments. That venture reinforced my belief in the resilience of the American Dream—not as an abstract idea, but as something built by those willing to take risks, work hard, and support one another. Seeking to expand my impact, I returned to Boston before relocating to San Diego and then London, where I co-founded a media company amplifying progressive LGBTQ+ voices at a time when the first Trump administration, Brexit, and the UK Conservative government threatened many hard-won rights.

After returning to America in 2017, I met James, my rock and love of my life. In 2019, seeking a community where we could truly belong, we moved to Somerville. We arrived in search of connection—and we found it. Just months later, during the early days of the pandemic in 2020, we witnessed neighbors coming together to support one another, embodying the very best of community resilience and care.

After settling in Somerville, I deepened my commitment to community service. I organized a local blood drive, supported the Pine Street Inn’s vital work to end homelessness, and launched my own nonprofit—The Economic Rights Council—to help municipalities across Massachusetts establish Universal Basic Income (UBI) programs. This work reinforced my belief that when communities rally around bold ideas, we uplift everyone.

Somerville isn’t just where I live—it’s the city that gave me purpose. The relationships I’ve built here have shaped my vision of a thriving, progressive community and inspired me to step up as a leader. I’ve served on my Ward Committee, the Human Rights Commission, and even ran for State Representative in 2022 to bring pragmatic, results-driven leadership to Beacon Hill. Today, I’m proud to serve as the Diversity Officer for Ward 5 in Somerville’s Democratic City Committee and as a Commissioner on the Human Rights Commission, advocating for policies that uplift everyone who calls Somerville home.

Professionally, I invest in and mentor diverse founders at the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journeys as they build at the intersection of government and the private sector, creating technologies critical to keeping America and her allies safe.

Having lived in cities around the world, I’ve seen firsthand what makes communities thrive—and what holds them back. I know that real progress takes bold leadership, tough decisions, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Somerville deserves fresh ideas, a bold vision, and leadership that truly listens to the people—not just the political establishment.

I’m running for mayor because I believe in Somerville’s future—and I’m ready to fight for it. As mayor, I won’t just talk about solutions; I’ll deliver them. Because Somerville deserves nothing less.