Growing up, I enjoyed drawing and painting, so naturally, I wanted to become a comic book artist. However, my family felt such a profession could never provide for a family, so I majored in political science at UCLA to pursue law school. Despite this, I never abandoned my creative side—delving into photography and web design while at college.

Upon graduating from UCLA, I worked at an immigration law firm but also had a second job as an admin at a local homeless shelter. After three months, I quit my law firm job and worked at the shelter full-time; working there was more fulfilling, but I would leave after a year to pursue being a mental health rehabilitation specialist and case manager at Momentum for Mental Health. For almost five years, I took pride and joy in designing treatment plans to help vulnerable individuals regain their feet and reunite with their loved ones. Unfortunately, I hit a wall right before my fifth year, and it was during a life-changing backpacking trip in Patagonia that I decided I wanted to do something creative with my life again. I want to experience "flow" again.

When I returned from my month-long trip, I started researching, and it wasn't until I chatted with my brother—a product designer—that I began my design journey. "You could get into UX! You can be creative and solve real-world problems!" he said with Gusto. Despite his enthusiasm, I wasn't entirely convinced, so I started doing research, and after some time, I began completing introductory courses on various platforms like Tree House. Six months passed, and I ultimately quit my full-time job and committed to a three-month in-person boot camp. Fast forward to now... For over eight years, I've channeled my empathy and problem-solving skills into improving people's lives.

Outside of work, my wife Anna and I are dog parents to three dogs: Pixel (papillon), Junie (Corgi + Husky mix), and Aspen (Husky Mix). As a pack, we love going on hikes and overnight camping trips. I still love taking photos and learning new things, like making compelling videos with Da Vicini Resolve, Final Cut, and Logic Pro X.