"The American Dream has become a 'Self-Made Myth.'
I wish talent and determination created success. Unfortunately, the bigger predictors are family wealth and our childhood neighborhoods.
Hard work should matter more than inheritance. With good collaboration and policies, we can make that a reality."
How I Champion Underdogs
Policy & Program Design
Tech Innovation & Adoption
Speaking & Coaching
Writing
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organizations THAT I HAVE PARTNERED WITH Include
ABOUT ME
Marketing friends told me that this is the space to talk about my journey from "Homeless to Harvard" or "Being Homeless to Briefing the White House" because it's a good hook for social media...
I don't love using trauma for some kind of virtue signal, but I will admit that it helps get people to pay attention.
My background is nothing unusual. Millions of kids in the US live in poverty. What is more unusual is how the system seemed to work perfectly to help me achieve financial stability and career success.
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I had access to Food Stamps, Section 8 Housing, and Social Assistance Programs
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My college offered generous financial aid packages
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On the path to promotion, my coworkers never interrupted me (a straight, white man) in meetings or confused me for the catering staff
Many people wait months or years to get these opportunities. That's often too late. And that's unfair.
I work hard, but I've had a lot of luck. I wouldn't call myself "Self-Made." I don't think anyone really is.
Now, it's my turn to give back. I have the opportunity to regularly advise governments, international nonprofits, and inspirational changemakers on how to lift millions of families out of poverty.
If you want to learn from each other and collaborate, then please reach out. We will only be successful when we rise together.
