11+
$16M+
I grew up in Tampa as a native Floridian, surrounded by spanish moss, beaches, Cuban sandwiches, and more alligators than anyone ever needs to see. Life at home was loud and full with three sisters and a mom who did everything she could while living with a disability. Money was tight, so college was never on the table. I understood early what resilience looked like and how quick stability can slip away.
At nineteen, I took my first flight and moved to San Francisco with two suitcases, no plan, and no safety net. I spent ten years there, shaped by cheap beers, Dolores Park afternoons, Giants games, dive bars, and the strange magic of wandering into random start-up happy hours. I worked across different industries, including early days at Uber and Postmates, before eventually finding my way into product design. I had no prestigious degree or fancy connections, just curiosity and stubbornness.
In October 2025, my mom passed away unexpectedly. Six weeks later, I was laid off from my job at Thrivent while on FMLA leave. Eight weeks after that, I received an offer from Stripe, my dream company. A few months later, in March 2026, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called pernicious anemia.
To say my life has been flipped upside down over the last year would be an understatement. Losing my mom has been the most gut-wrenching, grief-filled, intense experience -- one I never imagined I would have to go through this young.
I’ve tried to give some of that pain a purpose by re-enrolling in school to finally finish my degree. In May 2027, I’ll earn my associate degree in political science. By 2030, I’ll have my bachelor’s degree in law with a minor in ethics.
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