I was born and raised in a small West Texas town. I was a bright kid, but some of my earliest memories of going to school reflect the reality of being a “have not” in a culture that only really values the “haves.” Often passed over, I learned to advocate for opportunity and equity.My early life was a long journey of discovery, determination, achievement, and self-acceptance that would lead me to become the first in my family to graduate high school, and later, to graduate college. In 2012 all of my education and work experience culminated in an opportunity to risk something big for the sake of something good: I co-founded Opportunity Resource Services with my good friend, and together we have championed for higher education access for all. Most of my career has been in building programs, forging community partnerships, and developing grant proposals. Somewhere along the way, I developed a talent for sharing vision, coaching others, and listening not only to what’s said, but also to what is not. I’m not only a passionate advocate for education, but also for those who lack privilege and representation in education. A creative and heart-forward leader, I build high-trust teams that are serious about making change and impacting others’ lives. I’m proud of all that I have done, and all the good that will come from my work. My hope is that in all I do, I honor my parents, who gave me all that they had, so I could have opportunities they never could. And my wife and kids, who make sacrifices and support me on this journey to leave this world better than I found it.