I was raised in a middle-class family by two hardworking parents who believed deeply in the promise of America. My father was the first in his family to graduate college. My mother earned her degree while caring for me as a young child. To provide for us, in addition to his day job, my father worked side jobs — selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door, customizing vans, whatever it took.

Life wasn’t always easy, but it was honest. And in our home, faith wasn’t a slogan — it was a way of life. My parents taught me to trust God, work hard, tell the truth, and treat people with love and respect. Those values are still my compass today.

Driven by that foundation, I pursued opportunity through education. I earned a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from Howard University, a Master’s in Computer Science from Cornell University, and an MBA from the University of Southern California in Marketing and Finance.

I built my career in technology — first as a software engineer, and later as a technical product lead. By solving problems, building systems, and working with people from every race and religion, I helped generate over $1 billion in annual revenue for my employers. I didn’t do that alone — I did it by listening, collaborating, and believing that good ideas can come from anyone.

I am not a career politician. But politics has always been personal in my family. As a child, I walked door-to-door with my parents as they canvassed for local leaders. As an adult, I continued that work — traveling across multiple states to campaign for Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris.

Running for office was never my plan. I ran because I got tired of watching hardworking families do everything right and still fall behind. I’m ran because the American Dream that lifted my family is slipping out of reach for too many New Jersey families — even those who work hard and play by the rules.

New Jersey families deserve a community where opportunity is real, financial security is possible, and the dream of owning a home isn’t reserved for the lucky few. Families need lower costs on essentials like food, housing, and healthcare. They deserve strong schools, safe neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, and a brighter future for their children.

I ran to represent New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District because I believe in that future. I believe in the dignity of work, the power of education, and the promise of this state.

And, while I am no longer running for office,  I will continue to fight in anyway I can, to make sure every family has a chance — not just the families with power or connections.