“I did not become a co-founder of Collective Climb out of an initial desire to be an entrepreneur. What started off as an informal practice became something important to the lives of young people and their families in my community. In essence, I entered the entrepreneurial space because it became a necessity to expand these efforts and because I couldn't see myself doing anything else.”

“I hope that future generations will be active and equal co-creators in building communities that serve everyone equitably. If they are, I believe we’ll see governments, nonprofits, and businesses that are not only responsive to community needs, but proactively collaborating with their communities to promote the common good.”

“Since creating FLi Sci, I’ve been able to have far more meaningful engagement with the people I love the most in the world who give me hope: other FLi students of color. In all of my interactions with them, I am reminded of the strengths of my community—and how the challenges they face are systemic and structural, not intrinsic or individual.”

“I think what is so unique about us is that we build with the community we serve and not for them. We believe in speaking Truth to power, disrupting corrupt systems, and the power that parents have when they activate their advocacy on behalf of their children and all children.”

“I love that I have the ability to work alongside my team to bring innovative solutions to today's most pressing problems like literacy.”