Rising
When Jupiter rises, it commands. Rising is where transformation takes flight, where ideas reach their power, perspectives shift, and moments of clarity take form. This section is dedicated to forward momentum, resilience, and the pursuit of something greater. It is about ascension, both personal and universal. The beginning of my growth journey, captured from June 1, 2017, through July 16, 2022.
Get Out And Travel
Every city I’ve called home, from San Diego to NYC, has influenced my journey. Through friendships, lessons, and the realities of modern life, I’ve gained invaluable insights. This piece reflects on those experiences, inspired by the timeless advice. Get out and travel.
BronzeLens Film Festival
Speaking at BronzeLens in Atlanta was unforgettable. Sharing my journey with passionate creatives in a space dedicated to diverse storytelling was a true honor. The energy and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices made it an inspiring experience.
Dear Coach Collins
Coach Collins, I’ll never forget our first meeting, your intense stare and perfectly creased khakis (seriously, how did Janet do it?). As a nervous eighth-grader new to Chula Vista, you had a tremendous impact on me and many others. You weren’t just coaching; you were shaping athletes into men.
Emotions and Expression
A personal family story touches on the power of love, joy, and the deep connection to loved ones. A poignant narrative of resilience, achievement, and family bonds.
AFROLIFE.TV
AfroLife.TV, launched on June 14, 2018, is a groundbreaking streaming platform created by a visionary entrepreneur to transform entertainment for audiences worldwide. Offering a curated selection of diverse content, AfroLife.TV fills a crucial gap in the market, providing a space dedicated to empowering and entertaining its community with culturally relevant programming.
How Did I Get Here?
In life’s fast-paced, it’s easy to find yourself asking, “How did I get here?” From airports to meetings and dinners, the whirlwind of daily experiences can feel overwhelming, leaving you wondering if you’ve outpaced your own expectations. A reflection on the rapid journey and the surprises along the way.
Fireside Chat ABFF
I was honored to speak at the African American Film Marketplace in Los Angeles, CA. This moment marked an important opportunity to engage with industry professionals and share insights on creativity, representation, and the future of film.
Miles Logged
I’m frequently asked intriguing questions about my background, age, and the motivation. But the one question that resonates most deeply is about the thing I’ve enjoyed the most. The answer, filled with emotion, is simple yet significant: Miles logged.
MediaScope Interview
I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Chetachi Egwu on her weekly show, MediaScope. We discussed the vital role media plays in shaping our youth and society, highlighting the responsibility we all share in engaging and influencing our communities.
Terminal D
I met with someone who inspired me to write about the real challenges of starting a game-changing global business in the media and entertainment industry. Building a streaming network focused on connecting the African diaspora through relatable content is no small feat, but it’s a mission worth pursuing.
No Smiling Allowed
I was hired as the President and CEO of the International Children’s Heart Foundation, a global organization dedicated to treating children with congenital heart disease. My immediate mission was to reorganize, build strategic relationships, and shape the future of the organization with the support of Dr. William Novick.
It's Complicated
With a unique heritage spanning the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad, and Venezuela, navigating my identity has always been complex. Often questioned about where I’m from, I find myself in the space between being “too big” to be Hispanic and “not dark enough” to be Black. Embracing this ambiguity has become a part of my journey.
23 Degrees SE
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Sailing through unpredictable seas, I found myself facing both the beauty and the danger of the ocean. From navigating stormy weather to experiencing a surreal encounter with a whale, this journey from Rosarito to Cedros Island was as transformative as it was challenging. Join me as I recount the highs and lows of the voyage and the lessons learned from being at the mercy of nature.
I fell in Love with Kea
Reflecting on my college days as a sophomore in San Diego, with the holidays fast approaching and my family moving back to South Florida, I recount the bittersweet experience of being away from home during a significant time in my life. Growing up in California brought unique opportunities and shaped my perspective on life, but the decision to move back closer to family marked a pivotal moment in my journey.
All of my Women
This story delves into the personal connection to the turbulent history of the 1960s Dominican Revolution. Through my mother’s heartfelt words, I learned about her first husband, a revolutionary who sacrificed his life in the fight to restore democracy in the Dominican Republic, leaving a profound impact on my family and shaping her journey for years to come.
No Shortcuts
Feeling on top of the world one moment and knocked down the next. After a successful trip to Atlanta, where I met with investors for my software company, Catena Inc., aiming to revolutionize refrigerated cargo tracking, I was heading back to Minneapolis, unaware of the challenges that awaited me. No shortcuts, just the raw journey of consequences.
My Stones Rock!
Embracing the quirks of California, from drum circles to healing crystals, I’ve recently discovered a calming passion for carrying rocks in my pocket. Among them, my favorite looks like an M&M and brings a sense of calm that’s hard to explain. Some might doubt the power of crystals, but I say, don’t knock it until you try it, my stones rock.
White vs Entrepreneurs of Color
Access to information is no longer the barrier, but the real challenge lies in securing capital. To truly thrive, entrepreneurs of color and women need to be in the same circles where sophisticated investors operate, ensuring equal opportunities for growth and success.
Training for life
For me, fitness is more about emotional health than physical appearance. It’s my therapy, my meditation, and my personal time for clarity and growth. Whether I’m traveling or at home, six days a week, the gym is my sanctuary. I’m committed to staying emotionally strong, sharing the wins, losses, and raw moments ahead. This is my journey to better mental health and self-awareness.