Words inspired by none other than my mother. Strong-willed and determined to succeed, she was not only a force to reckon with, she was an inspiration to a young boy who lived life in complete uncertainty and instability. We'd been through a lot together. We'd survived frequent ambulance rides to the E.R., homelessness, and living on welfare. To say we were poor would be an understatement.

My mother was a single parent, an immigrant, and a domestic and sexual abuse survivor. She had come to an unwelcoming country, far from the support of her family, to raise a child, alone, the best she could. Together, we would overcome prejudice, racism, poverty, and homelessness. But despite all these hardships, she would always find ways to give back to those in need, even when we were the ones most needing of help and support.

My desire to give back is because of her. Because, I know first-hand how difficult it is when no one has your back, how difficult it is to get ahead when the world throws you down. I know what it's like to feel isolated and wanting to give up.

Life is rarely fair, kind, or good; which is precisely why I help where I can—in overt and covert ways both—giving back to my community and especially to those who are underserved and underrepresented.

Below are a few highlights of projects and initiatives that make my life and work fulfilling—from helping others in need, to mentoring and coaching teams to push themselves to be and achieve their best.