I have lived in the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago my whole life. My mother raised me on her own because my dad returned to Mexico with my sister before I was even born. My mother taught me was that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. She was a real example to me and never accepted help from the government despite our family circumstances. She is my hero -- even though we sometimes clash because we have such different personalities!
I am a product of CPS and went to Kanoon Magnet School followed by Rauner College Prep for high school where I played soccer, rugby and football. Upon graduation, I decided to go to UIC where I am currently a senior majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Entrepreneurship
Throughout my school years, I have worked and volunteered. For five years, I was a Youth Group leader at my church. Once accepted at UIC, I began working, first as a tutor with UIC’s Outreach Program, followed by tutoring at Madero Middle School. I love teaching and guiding the young people in my community, so I later took a position at my neighborhood Boys & Girls Club.In my second year at UIC, I started a campus dance team – Movimiento Latino -- because I love dancing salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata. In 2012, I joined Omega Delta Phi Fraternity and have developed my leadership skills through my service as vice-president of the fraternity. I enjoyrunning, graphic design, reading, DANCING, camping, hiking, and helping others. As a state legislator, I will support policies that help immigrants assimilate and contribute to American culture, focus on values-based educational reforms, and work to equip students with the knowledge and abilities they need to start their own businesses and succeed.
