I aspire to be like my dad because he taught me what it means to live a truly rich life—not in wealth, but in love, joy, and connection. He has always been the first to start a conversation, bring people together, and build relationships that last. His empathy, kindness, and deep sense of service showed me that a fulfilling life is one rooted in community and care for others. He is the reason I do what I do, and more than anything, I hope to live out the best parts of who he is- his compassion, his loyalty, his ability to create belonging—because if more people lived that way, the world would be a much better place.

Why I love my job:

Education is the single most powerful tool we have to create opportunity, stability, and success for kids and families. For children who come from communities like mine- rural towns, kids of color, students who often face predetermined outcomes- schools can either open doors or limit their futures. I know firsthand that schools shape the majority of a child’s life, and every student deserves access to a high-quality education regardless of their background, identity, or zip code. It is both an honor and a responsibility to fight for that, and I feel privileged to dedicate my work to ensuring all kids have the chance to reach their full potential.

My connection to public schools:

Public schools have shaped every stage of my life. I attended public schools from kindergarten through high school, and immediately after graduating, I became a paraprofessional supporting special education students in public schools. In college, I continued working in schools, designing and providing programming for students. The mentors, friendships, and relationships that have impacted me most deeply all came from public schools, whether as a student or as an educator. My experiences there taught me not only about learning, but about community, connection, and the power of education to transform lives.

What I’m bad at:

NOT crying when I see sad videos or movies. I will cry 100% of the time. #sorrynotsorry

The image that represents why I work at 50CAN:

This image is from the first group of students I ever worked with as a special education paraprofessional — the kids who first introduced me to a side of education I had never experienced as a student. They opened my eyes to the flaws, the gaps, and the immense needs that too often go unmet. For the first time, I stepped into the role of an educator, forming deep connections with students whose resilience and potential inspired me. Yet beneath that connection was a harsh reality: after COVID, many were falling through the cracks, struggling with reading, writing, and math with little support. Seeing them overlooked and treated as placeholders broke my heart and inspired an unshakable fire in me to fight for educational equity, so every child is given the opportunities they deserve.