I’m a proud Chicago native, proud son of Mexican immigrants, and proud product of Chicago Public Schools.

I believe deeply in the power of strong public schools because I know firsthand how much they can change the course of a young person’s life.

I learned English in Chicago Public Schools, met caring educators and mentors who invested in me, and found resources and opportunities that helped put me on a path to college and a career serving students.

Those experiences shaped what I have spent my career doing. From supporting ninth graders at Gage Park High School through City Year Chicago, to helping City Colleges students navigate community college through One Million Degrees, to leading at a nonprofit, MetroSquash, serving young people from elementary school through college, my work has centered on helping students access the resources, support, guidance, and relationships they need to succeed. I’m running for the Chicago Board of Education to ensure every Chicago student has the same access to opportunity.

Right now, too many students and families experience CPS differently depending on their school, neighborhood, disability, language, resources, and ability to navigate the system. I believe the Board has to bring the focus back to students: their learning, experiences, safety, and opportunities. That means making sure promised services actually reach students, bringing families and communities into decisions before they are made, responsibly overseeing our schools and their finances, and planning for their long-term success.

I’m running to bring a student-first approach to the Board and to be an accountable, present voice for District 7A. But I also know that serving our community starts with listening. I want to hear what is working at your school, where you believe CPS is falling short, and what you want our public schools to become. Together, we can build strong schools where every child has the support they need to succeed. On November 3, I hope to earn your vote.