Spurred by the events of 9/11, I enlisted into the United States Army, serving in senior communications and intelligence roles for more than six years, including a year in South Korea and two combat tours in Iraq.
In 2009, I completed my second enlistment and was Honorably Discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6), and went on to earn my undergraduate and graduate degrees in the following 3 years.
Since then, I have been busy raising a family, and serving the Erie community in a number of roles.
Over the past decade, I have served our area veterans and senior citizens, provided research and management consultancy for regional organizations, taught college-level coursework at several universities, and in 2013 I was elected to Erie County Council where I served as Chair of the Erie County Board of Elections and Chair of County Council.
I am currently pursuing my doctorate, exploring the intersection of structural racism, inequality, affordable housing, and healthy neighborhoods in Erie.