My high school years were marked by active participation in clubs, activities, and sports, all aimed at developing my teamwork skills. While thriving in leadership roles within creative arts, yearbook, chess, honor society, and student union, my athletic endeavors were less successful (smile). More significantly, I credit my parents for shaping my brothers and me into generous, responsible, and honorable individuals. My father instilled in me values of discipline and responsibility, while my mother demonstrated compassion, leadership, and community organizing. This foundation led me to attend a private university in Saint Louis after graduating from a Chicago public high school. The experiences and challenges I faced during those four years fueled my personal growth. After receiving my arts degree (at 21 years old), I launched my first venture: a business specializing in college-related promotional items, fraternal woodcraft plaques and graphic design.