Who I Am

I know what it’s like to grow up feeling the stress of rising prices and limited resources. Being born and raised in the Mississippi Delta without a lot of resources shaped how I see the role of government and the importance of creating opportunities that unburden people so they can focus on building their lives, not just getting through the month.

Thanks to a music scholarship and a family who, even if we never had much, always pushed me to be the best I could be, I was able to become a first-generation college graduate. Professionally, I’ve worked for nonprofits supporting children’s education, healthcare access, job training, and family assistance across the Midwest, as well as in arts and culture. Across all of that work, I’ve seen how closely opportunity is tied to stability and how investing in communities can change lives.

I volunteer my time in Central Iowa’s arts community because the arts are not an extra, they are part of how our communities learn, connect, and find opportunity. As President John F. Kennedy once said, “The life of the arts is a test of the quality of a nation’s civilization.” That belief informs how I think about education, community investment, and public life.

I believe true representation means realizing it's not about me; it's about putting you first.

Why I'm Running

I’m running for the Iowa House because too many of us are doing everything right and still feeling like we can't get ahead. Change can't wait. Housing costs are rising, public schools are under pressure, healthcare costs are out of control and everyday costs keep climbing. Too often, state policy amplifies these challenges instead of reducing them.

Through my work in community organizations, I’ve seen how small gaps, like unstable housing, an unexpected medical bill or lack of access to educational resources, can derail an entire family. I’ve also seen how targeted support at the right moment can change outcomes and create long-term stability.

We just have to bet on our communities. And I'm not a betting man, but that's a bet I'll always be willing to make on us.

I’m running to be a representative for House District 33 who understands the pressures families are facing and is committed to being your voice in the Iowa House.