What are your Guiding principles?

My guiding principles are best exemplified through the words of President Theodore Roosevelt, who in a speech delivered in 1910, described “the Man in the Arena.” I live my life knowing there is no effort without error; that he who strives valiantly and spends himself in a worthy cause will at best know triumph, and at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.

Understanding the significance of this message has driven me to engage purposefully with my community. Rather than simply criticizing past or present decision-makers, or complaining about how Fayetteville doesn’t meet some undefined expectation, I recognize my responsibility in being the change I want to see. I have always felt an immense sense of duty to also motivate my peers to feel as empowered as I do to fight for progress. I want us to take ownership of our city’s future in a way no other generation has before. By remembering that “owning it” is really about what we owe to it, and each other.

Why the City Council?

I want to become the single most dedicated advocate in this city for under-resourced citizens. Whether that is in the courtroom defending the constitutional rights of my clients, or working as an activist for social justice alongside minority communities; I intend to do transformative work in pursuit of equal justice and greater unity.

Additionally, I want to be a driving force in taking our city to the next level. I believe Fayetteville can greatly influence the future direction of North Carolina, and any conversation about that must include a seat at the table for us. I know we can get there by solidifying Fayetteville as the best place for my generation to invest their time and effort. A hometown focus means you’re getting in on the ground floor and can make a powerful impact.

Education Matters

As a first-generation American and the first member of my immediate family to finish college, the two Bachelors degrees I earned from UNC-Chapel Hill in Peace, War, & Defense and in Communications, are my most prized possessions. I had a difficult time meeting academic expectations my first semester, and eventually had to drop out and find a job in order to make ends meet. Framed with that diploma are the lessons I learned in order to develop the grit and determination necessary to persevere through adversity.

Group Affiliations

Latinos United for Progress – Vice Chair
Revolutionary Coworking – Board of Directors
Sweet Tea Shakespeare – Board of Directors
North Carolina Central University School of Law Student Body Association – Parliamentarian
North Carolina Asian Americans Together – Community Engagement Member
E. E. Smith High School – College Bound Committee Member
Fayetteville Millennial Advisory Commission – Founding Member & Former Chairman