Born in Brooklyn to working-class immigrant parents who never had the opportunity to attend college, I followed my sister's path to become a college student.

My parents came to this country with nothing but hope and determination. They worked long hours in blue-collar jobs, saving every penny to give us opportunities they never had. Watching them navigate a system they didn't understand taught me that the most elegant solutions often come from necessity, not luxury.

Growing up in a household where every decision was weighed against limited resources, I learned to think creatively about constraints. My parents' immigrant experience showed me that building something meaningful isn't about having the best tools, it's about having the right mindset and the courage to start with what you have.

Today, I carry forward their legacy of resilience and resourcefulness. I've worked across different industries and seen how the same principles apply everywhere: the most impactful solutions come from understanding the real struggles of working people and building systems that actually serve their needs, not just the bottom line.