My mother instilled great core values in her children at a young age that were very instrumental to my upbringing. Being the second oldest of seven children, I have always found myself taking on leadership roles and modeling positive behaviors for my younger siblings. Growing up in a community that lacked resources of those of middle and upper class neighborhoods played a huge factor in my outlook on life and how I want to make a positive impact on my community today. I’ve overcome many obstacles in life such as gangs, violence, shootings, and drug trafficking. As a little boy my prayer daily was to make it out my neighborhood and to come back and help revitalize my community. My main objective has always been to serve those of whom have been marginalized for years, and to be able to close the achievement gap that has transpired because of that. I have always been an advocate for African-American achievement while taking initiatives in leadership positions surrounding building black excellence and awareness. I have been an avid proponent of promoting success in my community and will continue to be the voice that our children need in order to be successful. I have dedicated myself to elevating the state of the black and brown communities in which I come from. I am a proud educator with over fifteen years of experience in multiple roles, while currently serving as Middle School Dean Of Students at a Charter School on the south side of Chicago. I also hold a state of Illinois day care provider license servicing scholars in many capacities. I attended college at Missouri Valley College majoring in Education and Ashford University majoring in Special Education/Leadership Development. I enjoy traveling, roller skating, family time and cooking multiple meals for my three children Kylan, Kree and Koi.