My Life Story. Every chapter matters.

INTRODUCTION

From the outside, you’d probably think I’ve had a pretty normal life.

What you might already know is that I grew up in North Carolina, I love public policy and creative storytelling, and I’m someone who finds meaning in making things work better for people. But like many of us, there’s more to the story.

When I was 14, I unexpectedly lost my mom. Not long after, my dad left for Peru for a business opportunity. At first, he was coming back and forth — trying to balance work in Peru and life in the US with us. But then things went awry with this business and he couldn't afford coming back anymore.

Since then, I’ve been finding my way through life — and adulthood — largely on my own, with the support of a strong village, while also guiding my younger brother along the way. There’s no easy way to answer the casual question, “Where are your parents?” when getting to know someone without pausing for a beat to think about how honest I should be or how much I should share about why they're not present in my life.

I don’t share this for sympathy — I share it because I know I’m not alone in holding stories that aren’t always visible. I’ve learned that grief, responsibility, and absence can shape you without defining you. I’ve been lucky to have people — friends, mentors, chosen family — who have shown up for me when I needed it most. And I’ve become someone who shows up, too.

My blog is a space where I reflect on the personal and the political, the creative and the practical — the messy in-between of trying to build a meaningful life from everything I’ve lived. I’m here to write, connect, and keep growing. I’m really glad you’re here.