I am a first-generation Colombian American, born in Queens, New York and I lived there until the collapse of the World Trade Center. 

After 9/11, my family was economically devastated, which resulted in moving to Houston, Miami, and back to Houston. These moves were my parent’s attempts to achieve financial stability and chasing the “American Dream.”

After finally settling into Houston, I lived, studied, and got married in Texas. In the Spring of 2022, my wife and I decided to uproot our life and move cross country to Portland, Maine. Throughout the constant change and uncertainty, I took comfort in my therapy dog, Bluebonnet. We have worked together to provide emotional comfort for me personally and in my work life. When I’m not working, I love to go hiking, reduce unnecessary plastic use in our household, cooking, eating pizza, and squashing the patriarchy.